Practice / IP Litigation & Schedule A Defense
Practice Area
IP Litigation & Schedule A Defense
For online sellers whose store or funds have been frozen by a temporary restraining order in the Northern District of Illinois — and for businesses facing other trademark and copyright disputes in federal court.
What We Handle
From the first freeze notice to a final resolution.
- TRO & asset freeze responseConfirming the case, the frozen accounts and your deadlines.
- Settlement & release of fundsNegotiating with plaintiff's counsel to unfreeze your store.
- Narrowing the freezeMotions to limit the freeze to the accused products, or dissolve it.
- Procedural challengesImproper joinder, personal jurisdiction and service.
- Defenses on the meritsNon-infringement, fair use, independent creation and invalidity.
- Other IP disputesTrademark and copyright litigation, including declaratory judgment actions.
How It Works
Clear steps, explained in plain language.
- 01
Confirm the case
We pull the complaint and order, identify which stores and how much money are frozen, and calendar your deadlines.
- 02
Free strategy call
We explain your options — settle, narrow the freeze or contest — and quote the fee before you commit.
- 03
We respond
We appear for you, deal with plaintiff's counsel and the court, and keep you updated by email or WeChat.
- 04
Resolution
Release of funds, dismissal or a negotiated settlement — and advice on reducing the risk of the next case.
Common Questions
What clients ask us first
Why is my Amazon, Temu or Walmart account frozen?
A brand owner has sued in federal court and obtained a temporary restraining order directing marketplaces to freeze the accounts listed on a sealed "Schedule A." Because the list is sealed, the marketplace's notice is usually the first time a seller learns of the case.
How much time do I have?
Not much. A TRO lasts only a short period before the plaintiff asks for a preliminary injunction, and once you are served — often by email — the deadline to respond runs quickly. Missing it can lead to a default judgment.
Do I have to settle?
No. Many cases settle, but you can also ask the court to narrow the freeze, challenge how the case was brought, or defend on the merits. The right choice depends on the claim, your evidence and how much is frozen.
Can I get my frozen money back?
Often, yes — through a settlement, or by asking the court to limit the freeze to an amount connected to the accused products rather than your entire account.
What happens if I ignore the case?
The court can enter a default judgment, award damages and order the frozen funds turned over to the plaintiff. A default is difficult to undo, so it is worth getting advice even if the amount frozen is small.
Can you help if my business is outside the United States?
Yes. Most of the sellers we represent are based outside the U.S. You do not need to travel, and we work with you in English or Mandarin.
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