An injunction is a legal order issued by a court that requires a person or entity to do something or refrain from doing something. It is often used to prevent harm or to maintain the status quo in a legal dispute. For example, a court may issue an injunction to stop a company from using a trademark that belongs to another business. Injunctions can be temporary or permanent. A temporary injunction, also known as a preliminary injunction, is issued to provide immediate relief until a final decision is made. A permanent injunction is issued after a full hearing and remains in effect indefinitely, ensuring that the actions specified in the order are followed.