In civil litigation, what role does an injunction serve?

An injunction serves an essential role in civil litigation by preventing harmful actions while a case is still pending. When a party requests an injunction, they are seeking a court order that restricts or mandates certain behaviors by the other party to avoid irreparable harm. This is particularly important in cases where waiting for the final judgment could result in damage that cannot be repaired or compensated through monetary damages.

For example, if a business is accused of infringing on a patent, the patent holder may request an injunction to stop the alleged infringing activity before the court has fully evaluated the merits of the case. By doing so, the patent holder aims to prevent further damage to their intellectual property rights while the litigation process unfolds. This protective measure underscores the proactive nature of injunctions, emphasizing that they are a tool designed to maintain the status quo and alleviate potential harm before a final decision is rendered.