What Doesn’t Intellectual Property Insurance Cover?
There is no universal exclusion list. A policy may omit unselected rights, certain disputes, territories, or enforcement costs, so read its exclusions, conditions, and schedule.
IP coverage varies by product, and the contract determines what is excluded or outside the grant. A policy might cover defense but not pursuit of an infringer; a particular right or product may need to be scheduled. CFC and IPISC materials show that defense and enforcement can be separate options. These examples do not mean all insurers use identical structures or exclusions.
Disclose prior demands, threatened actions, known circumstances, and licensing disagreements as the application asks. CFC's US application requests information about prior defensive and pursuit actions, notices, and contractual matters. Review prior-knowledge wording, retroactive dates if any, notice deadlines, counsel selection, consent to settle, territory, and any limits on intentional conduct or contractual obligations. Ask how the form treats disputes already underway and whether an endorsement changes the result. Do not assume that buying a new policy transfers the cost of a dispute the business already knows about.
Related Coverage
Providers That List This Coverage
Sources
- Intellectual property insurance (UK guidance). UK Intellectual Property Office; About IP and insurance > types of products; exclusions/excess/co-insurance; claims process and legal representation. 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.
