After doing a Google search, I found most definitions of a protective order involve domestic issues between two people (such as one being harassed or stalked by another). I did find this definition that is relevant to our case.

PROTECTIVE ORDER - In litigation, an order that prevents the disclosure of sensitive information except to certain individuals under certain conditions. It deals with one party wanting another party(s) to be restricted from disseminating information [i.e., proprietary] it obtained during discovery.