Define: Permanent Injunction

A permanent injunction is a court order that prohibits a party from engaging in certain actions permanently or until further court order. It is typically issued after a trial or final judgement, following a determination that ongoing harm or violations of rights would likely occur without such a remedy. Permanent injunctions are commonly sought in cases involving intellectual property disputes, breaches of contract, or violations of civil rights. Unlike temporary injunctions, which are issued during the pendency of a lawsuit, permanent injunctions provide a final resolution to the matter and are enforceable until modified or dissolved by the court. Violating a permanent injunction can result in legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment.

A permanent injunction is an order from the court requiring a person to refrain from certain activities permanently or take certain actions. A permanent injunction differs from a preliminary injunction which the court issues pending the outcome of a lawsuit or petition asking for the permanent injunction. An injunction prohibits certain actions or forces, someone, to do a specific action. An injunction differs from other damages awarded in an injury case such as money to repay the plaintiff for their injuries.

Injunctions are commonly issued for domestic violence, stalking, discrimination, libel or slander, destruction or transfer of property, and infringing on intellectual property rights. Before issuing an injunction a court may review whether someone is likely to succeed in a civil suit, are the damages requested going to compensate the injured person, will the injunction harm the defendant’s Fifth Amendment right to due process, will not issuing the injunction harm the plaintiff, and is granting the injunction in the public’s best interest. If a party violates or does not follow the injunction they may be found in contempt of court, may be sent to jail or they may be forced to pay a fine.

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.