What Is a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)?

Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)

A temporary restraining order (TRO) is a legal document issued by a judge before trial that forces or prevents an action for a specified time frame. During court cases that involve trademark infringement or the use of a trade secret, a TRO can halt patent, copyright, or trademark infringement in the short term. It can offer relief in various situations, such as to prevent the sharing of a business secret or an unfair competition practice, until a court hearing on a preliminary injunction can be held. A TRO petition is an emergency request for a state or federal court to take immediate action based on submitted evidence.

Intellectual property lawsuits can often be long, so plaintiffs may want to seek expedited relief. However, specific criteria must be present for a temporary restraining order to be issued by a judge, including the likelihood of irreparable harm without an adequate legal remedy (such as financial payments for damages).