diff --git a/taskboard-launch.sh b/taskboard-launch.sh
index 838246a..e4ea78a 100755
--- a/taskboard-launch.sh
+++ b/taskboard-launch.sh
@@ -1,7 +1,19 @@
 #!/bin/bash
 # Launch taskboard watch in a small floating kitty terminal
 
-exec kitty \
+LOCKFILE="${XDG_RUNTIME_DIR:-/tmp}/taskboard-launch.pid"
+
+# Suppress duplicate launches: if lockfile exists and the stored PID is alive, bail out
+if [ -f "$LOCKFILE" ] && kill -0 "$(cat "$LOCKFILE")" 2>/dev/null; then
+    echo "Startup suppressed: $LOCKFILE contains running pid, startup script is already running"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Remove lockfile on exit so future launches are not suppressed
+trap 'rm -f "$LOCKFILE"' EXIT
+echo $$ > "$LOCKFILE"
+
+kitty \
   --title "TASKBOARD" \
   -o font_size=8 \
   -o initial_window_width=549 \