Injunctions: an overview

by Stuart Ritchie KC, Fountain Court Chambers and James Bickford Smith, Littleton Chambers

This Practice note provides an introduction to the law and practice relating to the grant of injunctive relief by the English courts. It considers interim and final injunctions, prohibitory and mandatory injunctions, quia timet and springboard injunctions, newcomer injunctions and injunctions in support of arbitration proceedings. The note covers domestic injunctions under section 37 Senior Courts Act 1981 and international injunctions under section 25 Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 and the American Cyanamid principles. It summarises how to apply for an injunction (including the specific requirements when making a without notice application, in particular the duty of full and frank disclosure) and how an injunction may be challenged or varied. It also considers the developing basis for injunctive relief beyond a strict cause of action, enforcement through contempt proceedings and cross border-disputes, in particular post-Brexit and in light of the Hague Judgments Convention 2025 (in effect as of 1 July 2025).