equitable remedies
Definition
Equitable remedies are court-ordered actions that a judge can require someone to do or stop doing, rather than simply awarding money to the wronged party. A judge uses these tools when money alone cannot fix the harm, such as when a competitor steals your unique business idea or a former employee violates a non-compete agreement. Courts have wide discretion in granting equitable remedies, meaning the judge weighs what is fair given the specific circumstances of your situation.
Example
If a former business partner starts using your proprietary customer list to poach your clients, a judge could issue an injunction ordering that partner to immediately stop contacting those customers. That court order is an equitable remedy, because no amount of money could fully undo the ongoing damage to those relationships.
Watch Out
Courts will deny equitable remedies if you waited too long to take action, so you need to move quickly the moment you discover someone is harming your business.
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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.