Font License:
With using specific computer fonts, come some very specific rules regarding their use, which can vary by project.
What is it?
A font license grants the owner the right to use a typeface in a specific manner as outlined in the license. Every typeface comes with a license of some sort – even those free online typefaces.
This is something that I need to be aware of to avoid any legal issues when developing the app.
These rules are found in the End-User License Agreement that is “attached” to every font you download or buy.
Types of Font Licenses
Trademarks, design patents or copyrights often legally protect typefaces, fonts and their designers. This is why obtaining the proper license is so important. It ensures that the right person (or company) is compensated for their work.
Desktop and Print Licensing
A basic, standard font license that applies to most of the typefaces that come on your computer or with any other software you install. This license allows you to use the font on your computer and use it to make static images, such as designing something for print.
WebFonts and Licensing
A webfont is a font that is used online. What makes it different is that the font is formatted so that browsers can see and render it accurately. This is often called a dynamic font, because the creator and user must have the font to see it properly.
These fonts are often embedded in the design project to ensure this works properly. Fonts can be embedded by the designer (but most licenses do not allow for this), while others include hosted embedding (this is how most webfont services work).
Open-source Licensing
Open-source fonts are free to obtain, free to use and free to share. Often open-source fonts come with the ever-increasingly standard Open Font License by SIL International, an international language expert.
This license allows for many things that others do not. It can be distributed and it can be modified. The primary rules for us are that you do not sell and OFL typeface and give proper credit for use.
Commercial Licenses
Commercial use for any typeface is a whole other matter and should be handled with care; even a typeface labeled as “free download” may not always be free if used commercially.
When working on projects for clients, for example, the most common practice is for the designer to use and work with fonts that are licensed by the company. This includes typefaces used for a company’s logo and those outlined in the company’s style guide. The thing designers have to be careful with is use – these fonts can’t be used for other clients unless they too own a license for them.
Do I need a Font License?
When in doubt a designer should always assume that a license is necessary. And then check the specific license of the typeface you are using and for how you are using it.
For Personal Projects:
A desktop license is typically enough for anything you are doing on your computer that is not for a client.
For Client Projects:
The best option is to work with fonts that they client has licenses for. Before using any font for a commercial project or use, make sure it is ok. Commercial projects often require extended licenses and even some of those font freebies require payment for use commercially. When doing a project for hire, or for a client (or even yourself) that will be used for monetary gain, make sure to read every single line of fine print first.
For Digital Projects:
Digital projects often require fonts that work in a number of environments, making use of a subscription font service particularly appealing. This allows you to buy a plan of fonts that you can use in a number of projects for one price with all the proper licensing included. Adobe’s Typekit is a popular option that has multiple plan levels (including a small free selection of typefaces.) Google Fonts are another very popular option for digital projects.
How can I obtain them?
The most common ways include buying or downloading a typeface right from a type vendor, as a part of a large software package (such as the fonts that come with the Adobe Suite), downloading a typeface from a designer or website or subscribing to an online type service.
But be careful of this rule that often applies to font licenses: “The most basic legal rule of font copyright is that unless the license specifically allows it, fonts cannot be shared among multiple computers, even if they are all owned by the same person or corporation, and fonts cannot be given away to others,” according to SIL International. When there is any question about a license or usage, refer to the EULA or contact the vendor directly.
My thoughts
With all of this information in mind it is very clear that I need to check the licensing of any fonts/typefaces that I use. I will also need to specifically check that it is for the right usage, such as commercial and digital. Looking for open-source fonts might be the quickest way to make sure that I am definitely using fonts that are free to use. Maybe starting my research within Google Fonts as all of their fonts are open source.
RESOURCE:
WEB
- https://designshack.net/articles/typography/what-is-a-font-license-and-do-i-need-one/
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