Palmer v. Truck Insurance Exchange

Opinion

BROWN, J.

In this case we consider whether certain insurance policy provisions relating to advertising liability caused by “title” or “slogan” infringement cover infringement of any name. Interpreting the relevant policy language in the context of the policy as a whole, we hold that these provisions only cover infringement of names of literary or artistic works or names that are slogans—and no other names.

I. Factual and Procedural Background

Newhall Land and Farming Company (Newhall), a California limited partnership, develops real property in Santa Clarita Valley and owns the registered…