Legal Definitions - head-start injunction

A head-start injunction is a type of court order that prohibits a defendant from using a trade secret for a period of time equal to the time between the date of the secret's theft and the date when the secret became public. This period is known as the "head start" that the defendant unfairly gained over the rest of the industry.

For example, if a company steals a trade secret from a competitor and uses it to gain an advantage in the market, the competitor can seek a head-start injunction to prevent the company from using the trade secret for a period of time. This gives the competitor a chance to catch up and compete fairly in the market.

Overall, a head-start injunction is a powerful tool for protecting trade secrets and ensuring fair competition in the marketplace.