In which situation may a Preliminary Injunction be issued?

• A. The case is ready for trial
• B. The plaintiff seeks damages
• C. The plaintiff seeks permanent injunction
• D. The defendant is unlikely to win on the merits

Answer: (C)

A preliminary injunction is an extraordinary interim order issued before trial to preserve the status quo and prevent irreparable harm while the case is decided. It is especially appropriate when the plaintiff’s ultimate remedy is a permanent injunction, because the court can grant interim relief to ensure the same relief can be obtained and to stop ongoing harm before the merits are resolved. Courts typically require showing a likelihood of success on the merits, irreparable harm, and favorable balance of harms and public interest. If the plaintiff’s goal at trial is a permanent injunction, issuing a preliminary injunction now helps protect that ultimate remedy and prevents harm that cannot be undone while the case proceeds.