What Insurance Covers Copyright Infringement?

Copyright claims can arise from using text, photographs, video, music, software, or other protected expression without permission. Dedicated intellectual-property insurance may provide a broader defense grant for specified IP disputes. A NAIC-published study explains that standard commercial general liability personal-and-advertising-injury wording can include copyright infringement in an advertisement, while also describing exclusions and limits. The FTC lists copyright claims among possible third-party cyber coverage, but only in the cyber policy’s terms.

These are distinct routes to coverage, not interchangeable promises. A website’s editorial content, software code, advertising campaign, and customer-uploaded material may be treated differently. A policy may also exclude known disputes, intentional infringement, media businesses, or infringement that does not arise from a defined advertisement.

Check whether the policy covers defense costs, settlements, and damages; whether the relevant work and business activity are scheduled; and whether customer or contractor content is included. Review prior-publication and knowledge exclusions, territory, consent-to-settle language, and whether defense costs reduce the limit. Request the actual endorsement or coverage part for copyright allegations.