eBay Inc. v. MercExchange, L.L.C.
The Conclusion
**The Supreme Court held that permanent injunctions in patent cases are not automatically available and must be evaluated under the traditional four-factor equitable test.** Patent holders cannot rely on a categorical rule; courts retain discretion in deciding whether to grant injunctive relief even when infringement is established.
No circuit court data for this case.
Case Analysis
Overview
Rejected a categorical rule granting permanent injunctions in patent cases, requiring courts to apply the traditional four-factor equitable test. Reasserted that equitable remedies are discretionary, not automatic, even when a right is established.
Conclusion
**The Supreme Court held that permanent injunctions in patent cases are not automatically available and must be evaluated under the traditional four-factor equitable test.** Patent holders cannot rely on a categorical rule; courts retain discretion in deciding whether to grant injunctive relief even when infringement is established.
Notes
Unanimous. Thomas wrote majority. Replaced automatic-injunction rule with discretionary equitable analysis. Roberts concurrence (with Scalia/Ginsburg) and Kennedy concurrence shaped how lower courts apply the test.
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