Legal Definitions - bill taken pro confesso

When a defendant fails to file an answer in a court of equity, the court may issue an order called "bill taken pro confesso." This means that the defendant is considered to have admitted to the allegations made in the plaintiff's complaint.

• If a plaintiff sues a defendant for breach of contract and the defendant fails to respond to the complaint, the court may issue a bill taken pro confesso order. This means that the defendant is considered to have admitted to breaching the contract.
• In another case, a plaintiff may sue a defendant for trademark infringement. If the defendant fails to respond to the complaint, the court may issue a bill taken pro confesso order. This means that the defendant is considered to have admitted to infringing on the plaintiff's trademark.

These examples illustrate how a bill taken pro confesso order can be used when a defendant fails to respond to a complaint. It allows the court to proceed with the case as if the defendant had admitted to the allegations made by the plaintiff.