This Practice Note is concerned with injunctions against defendants who cannot be identified, typically referred to as injunctions against persons unknown, also sometimes referred to as ‘unidentified defendants’ or ‘John Doe’ injunctions (X v Persons Unknown). It explains the extent of the jurisdiction to grant such injunctions, whether interim or final, as well as the particular considerations that apply to ‘newcomer injunctions’, as discussed by the Supreme Court in Wolverhampton City Council v London Gypsies and Travellers and subsequently.

For general guidance on injunctions, see: Interim and final injunctions—overview and, in particular, Practice Note: Injunctions—guiding principles.

For summaries of illustrative decisions relevant to the principles discussed below, see also Practice Notes:

1. •

   Injunctions—illustrative decisions (2025)

2. •

   Injunctions—key and illustrative decisions (September 2019–2024) [Archived]