A cease-and-desist letter is used when someone is doing something you want them to stop—harassment, defamation, using your business name, copying content, or interfering with a contract.
It’s not a lawsuit by itself, but it can be a strong warning and a record that the person was put on notice.
The goal is usually to stop the behavior quickly and avoid expensive litigation. But the wording matters.
If you overstate claims or make threats you can’t back up, it can weaken your position. A well-written letter is firm, factual, and focused on the outcome you want.