Does Media Liability Cover Misappropriation?

Misappropriation can refer to different alleged conduct, so the object and legal theory matter. The Hiscox specimen includes certain misappropriation of content, formats, characters, names, voices, artwork, and other listed media, and separately includes misappropriation of name or likeness under privacy offenses. It excludes patent and trade-secret misappropriation, as well as theft or conversion of funds or property.

Those distinctions demonstrate why the bare word “misappropriation” is not enough to determine coverage. A claim about using a photograph without permission differs from a trade-secret dispute or an ownership dispute with a former employee. Other forms may organize these offenses differently or add endorsements.

Identify what was allegedly taken or used, who created or supplied it, and how it was published. Check the policy’s offense list, ownership and client-content exclusions, prior-matter terms, and any IP endorsements. Confirm whether defense expenses are covered while the allegations are investigated and how final findings affect payment.