The Court dismissed unfair and deceptive trade practice claims in a dispute among doctors based on the "learned profession" exemption and because the dispute was not "in commerce."
Plaintiff alleged that her partners had forced her out of their medical practice. Judge Tennille (in a very short order), held that "North Carolina Appellate Courts have historically broadly interpreted the learned profession exemptions to the North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practice Act, and the courts have also narrowly defined the definition of commerce for internal disputes between professionals."
Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss