An injunction is a court order requiring someone to act or to stop acting in a certain way. In plain language, it is a remedy used when money alone is not enough and the court needs to control behavior directly.
Why It Matters
The term matters because many disputes involve ongoing harm. Courts may use injunctions to freeze activity, protect property, stop infringement, preserve safety, or prevent irreparable injury while the case continues.
Where It Appears
The term appears in intellectual-property disputes, business conflicts, consumer cases, family-law protection matters, land-use disputes, and emergency motions for temporary relief.
Practical Example
A company claims a competitor is unlawfully using its mark and asks the court to order the competitor to stop using it immediately. That request is for an injunction.
How It Differs From Nearby Terms
- Damages compensate for loss with money, while an injunction directs conduct.
- Judgment is the court’s formal decision, while an injunction may be part of the judgment or a temporary order before final judgment.
- A cease-and-desist letter is a private demand, not a court order.
Related Terms
Knowledge Check
- Is an injunction a money award? No. It is a court order directing conduct.
- Why might a party seek an injunction instead of damages alone? Because the harm may be ongoing and money may not fully fix it.