Does General Liability Cover Trademark Infringement?
Usually not broadly. The standard Coverage B IP exclusion includes trademark infringement, with only a limited exception for certain infringement in an advertisement.
The ISO specimen’s personal and advertising injury exclusion specifically addresses infringement of trademark and other intellectual-property rights. Its exception is limited to infringement in the insured’s advertisement of copyright, trade dress, or slogan; it does not name a general trademark-infringement exception. The facts and precise wording matter, including whether the claim alleges use of an advertising idea or a mark on goods, a site, or packaging.
Review the full Coverage B exclusion, definition of advertisement, any endorsements, and the complaint’s allegations. If trademark defense is a material exposure, ask about dedicated intellectual-property or media liability coverage and inspect its covered rights, territory, prior acts, defense costs, and exclusions. Do not rely on a general CGL summary to infer coverage for a brand-name dispute.
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 Insurance Guide. California Department of Insurance; Commercial General Liability; Commercial Automobile; Workers Compensation; Commercial Property. 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.
