Legal Definitions - irreparable-injury rule

The irreparable-injury rule is a principle that states that equitable relief, such as an injunction, is only available when there is no adequate legal remedy, such as monetary damages. This means that if someone can be compensated with money, they cannot seek an injunction to stop something from happening.

For example, if a company is suing another company for stealing their trade secrets, they may seek an injunction to prevent the other company from using the trade secrets. However, if the company can be compensated with money for the damages caused by the other company's use of the trade secrets, they cannot seek an injunction.

Although courts continue to cite this rule, they do not always follow it strictly. Some lawyers believe that the rule reflects a preference for legal remedies over equitable remedies.