What Is Patent Infringement Insurance?
Patent infringement insurance is coverage aimed at specified patent-related claims, often defense against an allegation of infringement. Some products offer enforcement separately.
The phrase generally refers to insurance for a patent dispute, but products differ in which side of the dispute they address. The NAIC lists patent infringement claims within IP insurance. CFC's US application offers separate selections for patent defense and patent pursuit, while IPISC's application separately describes defense and enforcement coverage. Those examples show that defense of an accusation and pursuing an alleged infringer need not be bundled.
When comparing a patent policy, identify the patents and products the insurer will schedule, and whether the grant is US-only or extends to other territories. Ask whether it addresses validity challenges, counterclaims, and pending patent applications. Review exclusions, per-claim and aggregate limits, retention, legal expense treatment, and any requirement for insurer approval before litigation. Check how a change in product or patent portfolio affects the schedule. The name of the coverage does not establish that every patent or patent-related legal cost is included.
Related Coverage
Providers That List This Coverage
Sources
- Small Business Insurance. National Association of Insurance Commissioners; Other types of business liability insurance. Accessed 2026-09-25.
- Intellectual Property Insurance application form — US. CFC Underwriting Limited; Sections 1–2 pp.1–2; Section 3 pp.3–4; Section 4 p.4; Section 6.1 p.5; Section 6.2 p.6. Accessed 2026-09-25.
- IP Infringement Insurance Application. Intellectual Property Insurance Services Corporation; p.1 specimen request; Section 1 pp.2–4; Defense Section 2 pp.5–6; Enforcement Section 3 pp.7–9. Accessed 2026-09-25.
