Does General Liability Cover Trademark Infringement?
Usually not. Standard CGL wording excludes trademark infringement, with a narrow exception for certain advertising claims.
Standard CGL wording excludes trademark infringement from personal and advertising injury. The narrow advertising exception names certain copyright, trade dress, or slogan claims; it is not general coverage for a dispute over your brand or product mark.
Check the exclusion, advertisement definition, and endorsements. If trademark defense matters, ask about dedicated intellectual-property or media coverage and compare its covered rights, defense costs, and exclusions.
Coverage Guides Related to General Liability Insurance
Sources for This Answer
- 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.