Occasionally, aggressive business competitors may cross legal lines when elbowing their way to #1 — and injunctions can come in handy. So, let’s review a few “injunction law” basics. If you still have questions when we’re done, get in touch.

Real Talk: Injunctions Are Tough To Get

Before you start the injunction process, it’s important to understand one thing: injunctions are tough to get. Why? Simply Stated: free speech and fair competition are are the philosophical cornerstones of the U.S. marketplace. Courts are exceptionally cautious about dolling out injunctions that could impede another party’s First Amendment rights or free market ambitions.

What You Must Prove To Get An Injunction

You may be thinking: “What must I prove to successfully motion for an injunction?”

The answer isn’t simple – because litigation strategies are largely dependent on the details. That said, we’ve outlined some “ballpark” parameters regarding the acquisition of either a temporary or permanent injunction related to unfair competition, defamation or unfair and deceptive marketing.

#1: Ongoing Damage

To get a content removal injunction, the requesting party must convince a judge that failing to remove the content will cause ongoing damage.

#2: Probability of Success

As stated above, judges don’t hand out court orders willy-nilly. Instead, to get an injunction, judges must be convinced that you will most likely win the lawsuit associated with the request.

#3: Keeping the Information Published Will Cause Great Harm “In the Absence of Preliminary Relief”

If a published statement is likely to cause long term harm if not removed, the statement may be a candidate for an injunction action (if the other tests are also met). To win this point, plaintiffs must demonstrate how the statement will cause actionable harm and why temporal concerns are likely to exacerbate said harm.

#4: The Public’s Interest Is Best Served by Granting an Injunction

Laws protect citizens’ interests. So, for a court or judge to grant an injunction, the potential impending harm must be detrimental to the public’s best interest in some capacity.

Questions? Speak With An Unfair Competition Lawyer About Your Chances Of Securing An Injunction

Do you have more questions about how to get an injunction? If yes, contact the online reputation and removal lawyers at Kelly Warner. We’ll review the details of your situation and provide potential solutions.