Emergency order to prevent irreparable harm for up to 14 days while a preliminary-injunction hearing is scheduled. Can issue ex parte in narrow cases.
A short-term emergency order — usually 14 days or less in federal court — issued to prevent irreparable harm before a full preliminary-injunction hearing can be held. May be issued ex parte (without notice) only if the movant shows immediate harm and certifies efforts to give notice.
Filed when harm will occur within hours or days — a planned firing, an imminent product launch infringing IP, an asset transfer that would frustrate later judgment. Almost always paired with a preliminary-injunction motion to be heard during the TRO period.
If given notice, files an emergency opposition. If TRO was issued ex parte, files an emergency motion to dissolve it and demands an expedited preliminary-injunction hearing.
Granted (often with a bond requirement and a hearing date set within 14 days for the preliminary injunction), denied (no emergency basis), or granted in modified form. TROs are not directly appealable but can be challenged on motion to dissolve.