When can a partner engage in business for themselves without requiring consent from co-partners?

A partner can engage in business for themselves without requiring consent from co-partners when they are a capitalist partner and the business differs from the partnership business. This distinction is crucial in partnership law, as the roles of partners can impact their obligations and rights within the partnership.

In this scenario, a capitalist partner typically contributes capital and does not engage in the day-to-day management of the partnership. This allows them to participate in other business ventures as long as these ventures do not compete with the existing partnership's business. Since their primary role in the partnership does not involve operational control, they are not bound to seek consent from co-partners when pursuing unrelated business activities.

In contrast, an industrial partner, who is actively involved in managing or working within the partnership, is more restricted in their ability to engage in separate businesses. Their involvement is likely to create conflicts of interest, particularly if they were to pursue a business that overlaps or competes with the partnership’s interests. Therefore, the necessary consent would be needed in such cases.

Understanding these roles and the nature of the partnership is vital for determining when a partner can act independently. The answer effectively highlights the importance of differentiating between the type of partner and the nature of their business activities.