Does General Liability Cover Copyright Infringement?
Usually not. CGL has only a narrow exception for certain copyright, trade dress, or slogan claims in an advertisement.
CGL does not provide broad copyright protection. Its standard Coverage B wording excludes many copyright claims, with a limited exception for certain infringement in an advertisement; claims involving software, products, books, photos, or client work may fall outside it.
Check the exact intellectual-property exclusion and exception, plus any media or professional liability coverage. Confirm which works, services, and defense costs are covered.
Related Coverage
Sources
- Commercial general liability insurance. Insurance Information Institute; What commercial general liability insurance covers; Coverage A, B and C; Additional liability coverages to consider. Accessed 2026-09-25.
- Commercial General Liability Coverage Form, CG 00 01 12 07. ISO; specimen hosted by Hiscox; Coverage A I.A pp.1–5; Coverage B I.B pp.6–7; Who Is An Insured II pp.9–10; Limits III p.10; Conditions IV pp.10–12; Definitions V pp.12–16. Accessed 2026-09-25.
