Renewal season for intellectual property insurance should not be reactive.
Too often, IP insurance policies only receive attention when the expiration date is right in front of you. By then, there is little time to evaluate coverage limits, policy structure, or operational changes.
Whether you are a broker reviewing coverage for your client or a business owner evaluating your own intellectual property insurance policy, asking the right questions before renewal season can make the process smoother and more effective.
Here are five questions to review before your IP insurance renewal.
1. Are any schedules current?
Businesses evolve quickly. New products, patents, trademarks, copyrights, software, or proprietary processes may be introduced or acquired throughout the year.
If newly developed products or intellectual property are not reflected in the policy schedules, coverage may not align with the company’s current risks.
Before renewal season, confirm:
• Are product additions, changes, updates, or software releases being considered?
• If client has new pending or issued patents, trademarks, or copyrights, are they listed for enforcement?
An updated schedule helps ensure intellectual property insurance coverage aligns with real world operations.
2. Does the policy include both IP Defense and IP Enforcement coverage?
Not all intellectual property insurance policies are structured the same way.
IP Defense Insurance responds when an infringement claim is made against your client.
IP Enforcement Insurance applies when your client takes action to protect its own intellectual property rights.
Many policies provide only one form of coverage.
Before renewal, confirm how coverage applies and whether both Defense and Enforcement options are available. Understanding the difference is essential when evaluating intellectual property risk exposure.
3. Have policy limits kept pace with business growth?
Growth in revenue, products, distribution, and geography typically brings greater intellectual property exposure.
Policy limits that were set three years ago may no longer reflect the scale of the business.
Ask whether current intellectual property insurance limits align with:
• Current revenue
• Market footprint
• Product complexity
• Contractual obligations
In the world of IP insurance, company growth moves but coverage often does not.
4. Have there been operational or structural changes?
Changes in operations can affect intellectual property risk.
Examples include:
• Entering new markets
• Launching new technology
• Expanding into e commerce
• Acquiring or merging with another company
• Licensing intellectual property
Renewal season is the right time to evaluate whether the policy structure reflects how the business currently operates.
5. How are IP claims handled?
Claims management matters just as much as policy language.
At IPISC, intellectual property claims are handled in-house by professionals who focus exclusively on IP risk. Litigation Management Services are included with every policy, providing guidance even before a claim is completed.
IPISC works alongside in-house claims managers who understand both the technology and the legal issues involved.
Early involvement can help evaluate threats, manage exposure, and coordinate strategy with the clients.
Preparing early makes renewal easier
By reviewing coverage structure, limits, intellectual property schedules, and claims handling procedures in advance, you and your client can enter renewal discussions with clarity and confidence.
To learn more about IP Defense Insurance, IP Enforcement Insurance, or the IPISC renewal process, visit ipisc.com.
