In the title polymeric compound, [Cu(C₉H₆O₄)(C₃H₄N₂)₂]_n, the copper(II) cation occupies an N₂O₃ coordination sphere defined by two 1H-imidazole (imid) ligands in trans positions and three carboxylate O atoms from three different 2-(carboxylatomethyl)benzoate (hpt^2-) dianions. The geometry is that of a square pyramid with one of the O atoms at the apex, bridging neighbouring metal centres into an [-ON₂CuO₂CuN₂O-] dinuclear unit. These units are in turn connected by hpt anions into a reticular mesh topologically characterized by two types of loops, viz. a four-membered Cu₂O₂ diamond motif and a 32-membered Cu₄O₈C₂₀ ring. The imid groups do not take part in the formation of the two-dimensional structure, but take part in the N–H⋯O interactions. These arise only within individual planes, interplanar interactions being only of the van der Waals type.