When assessing defenses to a lawsuit seeking injunctive relief, when are unclean hands applicable?

Hypo 1: Bob runs a business selling organic vegetables. Sam buys from Bob but finds out that Bob has been secretly using non-organic pesticides. Sam sues Bob for false advertising and asks the court to stop Bob from selling vegetables labeled as organic. Bob argues that Sam knew about the pesticides all along and even encouraged Bob to use them to cut costs. Result: The court might apply the unclean hands defense and refuse to grant Sam the injunction because Sam's encouragement of the pesticide use is directly related to the lawsuit's subject matter.

Hypo 2: Sam hires Bob to build a fence on her property. Bob does a poor job, and the fence is unstable. Sam sues Bob for the cost of repairs and asks the court to prevent Bob from building any more fences. Bob argues that Sam provided him with faulty materials on purpose to later sue him. Result: If the court finds that Sam indeed provided the faulty materials, they may refuse to grant the injunction due to Sam's unclean hands in the very transaction at issue.

Hypo 3: Bob and Sam are neighbors. Bob builds a shed that slightly encroaches on Sam’s property. Sam sues to have the shed removed and seeks an injunction. Bob argues that Sam had previously extended her garden into Bob’s property without permission. Result: The court would likely not apply the unclean hands defense here because Sam’s previous garden encroachment is not directly related to the issue of Bob’s shed. Therefore, the injunction might still be granted.

Hypo 4: Bob sues Sam for defamation after Sam spreads rumors about Bob’s shady business dealings. Sam argues that Bob has been spreading false rumors about her business for years. Result: If Sam’s defamation claims are directly related to the defamation she is being sued for, the court may apply the unclean hands defense and refuse to grant Bob the relief he seeks.