Asks the court to order interim relief while the case is pending. Requires showing likelihood of success and irreparable harm.
A request asking the court to order the opposing party to do or stop doing something while the case is pending — preserving the status quo until the merits can be decided. Granted only if the moving party shows likelihood of success on the merits, irreparable harm without the injunction, balance of equities favoring the movant, and public interest.
Filed when waiting until trial would cause irreparable harm — trade secret theft, ongoing trademark infringement, threatened firing of a whistleblower. Often paired with a TRO request for emergency interim relief.
Files a vigorous opposition challenging each of the four factors. Frequently submits competing declarations and moves to expedite discovery. May offer voluntary undertakings to moot the motion.
Granted (injunction issued, often conditioned on a bond), denied (case proceeds without interim relief), or granted in narrowed form. Grants and denials are immediately appealable under 28 U.S.C. § 1292(a)(1).