cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 2.8.4) cmake_policy(SET CMP0004 NEW) add_library(foo SHARED empty.cpp) add_library(bar SHARED empty.cpp) add_library(bat SHARED empty.cpp) # The negation here avoids the error. target_link_libraries(foo "$<$<NOT:$<TARGET_POLICY:CMP0004>>: bar >") # The below line causes the error. target_link_libraries(foo "$<$<TARGET_POLICY:CMP0004>: bat >")