protective order
Definition
A protective order is a court command that restricts what one party in a lawsuit can do with sensitive information shared during the legal process. Judges issue these orders to keep confidential business details, trade secrets, or personal data from becoming public or falling into the wrong hands.
Example
If a competitor sues you and demands to see your customer list during the case, you could ask the court for a protective order so that list stays confidential and your competitor cannot share or misuse what they learn.
Watch Out
Violating a protective order is treated as contempt of court, which can result in serious fines or even jail time, so you must follow its rules exactly.
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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.