Does General Liability Cover Intellectual Property?

“Intellectual property” spans copyright, trademark, patent, trade-secret, and other rights, and a CGL policy does not insure them as one broad category. In the ISO specimen, the Coverage B exclusion addresses those infringement claims and preserves a limited exception for copyright, trade dress, or slogan infringement in an advertisement. That exception depends on the allegations and the policy’s definition of advertisement. Other claim types or business activities may also be excluded.

Identify which right and activity creates the exposure, then review the exact exclusion, exception, definitions, and endorsements. Ask about dedicated IP or media liability coverage and compare covered rights, defense costs, territory, prior acts, and exclusions. Do not rely on a phrase such as “personal and advertising injury” as proof that an IP dispute is covered.