They provided a service that benefited franchisees and diners. They are entitled to charge for such a service. McDonald's corporation benefits when restaurants

They provided a service that benefited franchisees and diners. They are entitled to charge for such a service. McDonald's corporation benefits when restaurants sell more ice cream. Taylor machines are more reliable. These third parties also seem to have benefited from Kytch's work, but for some reason they decided to interfere in Kytch's commercial relationships with lies and threats of legal action. IANAL, but that seems like tortious interference.