| name | ex-parte-seizure-order |
| title | Ex Parte Seizure Order |
| description | Drafts U.S. ex parte seizure orders authorizing immediate property or asset seizure without notice. Enforces the four-factor ex parte standard, FRCP 65, Lanham Act seizure provisions (15 U.S.C. § 1116(d)), bond requirements, and due process safeguards. Use when drafting ex parte seizure orders, TRO-based asset seizure, or IP counterfeiting seizure orders in federal or state court. |
| author | CaseMark |
| author_url | https://github.com/CaseMark/skills/tree/main/skills/legal/ex-parte-seizure-order |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| version | 0.1.0 |
| execution_mode | open |
| jurisdiction | us |
| practice | ip |
| language | en |
Ex Parte Seizure Order
Drafts a court-ready ex parte seizure order with findings, scope, bond, and due process provisions for IP or asset-based litigation.
Prerequisites
Collect before drafting:
- Case caption — court, division, case number, parties with procedural designations
- Factual record — declarations, investigative reports, or financial records establishing urgency (dissipation risk, destruction, irreparable harm)
- Property description — physical descriptions, serial numbers, locations, valuations, or digital/IP asset identifiers
- Legal basis — Lanham Act § 34(d) / 15 U.S.C. § 1116(d) for counterfeiting; FRCP 65 for TRO-based seizure; or state analog
- Executing party — U.S. Marshals, local law enforcement, court-appointed receiver, or PI with law enforcement escort
- Bond amount — security covering seized property value plus anticipated business interruption damages
Order Structure
1. Caption and Title
Standard case caption followed by "EX PARTE SEIZURE ORDER."
2. Recitals
- Date/time of application; note no appearance by defendant
- Documents reviewed (motion, memorandum, declarations, exhibits)
- Finding that notice would defeat relief (specify destruction/concealment risk)
3. Findings of Fact — Four-Factor Analysis
Each factor requires a specific finding with record citations:
| Factor | Required Finding |
|---|
| Likelihood of success | Prima facie case established — cite Decl. ¶ ___, Ex. ___ |
| Irreparable injury | Delay causes destruction/dissipation/ongoing IP harm |
| Inadequacy of other remedies | Monetary damages and ordinary process insufficient |
| Balance of hardships | Plaintiff's harm from denial exceeds defendant's harm from grant |
Lanham Act counterfeiting seizures require additional findings under § 1116(d)(4)(B): (a) defendant would destroy/hide goods if notified; (b) plaintiff has not publicized the application; (c) court has subject-matter jurisdiction. Always verify current statutory text.
4. Seizure Provisions
Property — list with particularity:
- Category, physical description, serial/model numbers
- Location(s) with address, unit, access hours
