A "cease and desist" is a legal order that instructs an individual or organization to stop a specific action or behavior. This term is often used in cases involving intellectual property disputes, where one party believes another is infringing on their rights. The order serves as a formal request to halt the activity to prevent further harm or legal consequences. If the recipient of a cease and desist letter does not comply, the sender may take further legal action, such as filing a lawsuit. This process is designed to protect the rights of individuals or businesses and ensure that laws are followed in matters like copyright or trademark infringement.