Everything about fonts legal use (but didn’t know what to ask)

A typeface that is right can make a logo, graphic or other design stand out.

However, fonts are something we use almost every day. Most people don’t have any idea about the legal consequences of using them.

First, let me say that I’m not a Lawyer and that I don’t play one on TV.

Second, I will not interchange the terms “font” or “typeface”. Simply put, a font can be described as a file, software, or program on your computer that instructs it to display each letter, character, etc.

A typeface is a set or letters, numbers, and sometimes symbols that all share the same design look. Typefaces do not have anything to do with computer usage.

Times is, therefore, a typeface in its core. Times’ font complement makes it possible to use digitally.

How to use fonts you have?

Many people don’t realise that fonts can’t be used, even for the ones they purchased.

The smartest designers know better. Because using fonts and typefaces can cost money and cause licensing problems, we like to share our knowledge with our clients.

Most people are familiar to the fonts included in word processing software like Microsoft Word. Fonts included in software bundles (e.g. Microsoft Office, operating system) usually come with a license that can be used with that particular software. Microsoft Word can be used to print books, although it is unlikely that you would. You’re probably safe.

You’re allowed to create a.pdf version of your Microsoft Wordbook so you can upload it on to CreateSpace, Lulu and other print-on–demand vendors.

However, if your e-book is for a Kindle, you won’t be able to embed the Microsoft Word Font you used to create your drafts. EPUB, iBook Kindle, etc. font licenses will be required.

Digital publishing is all the rage right now because of the explosive rise in self publication over the past decade. The software that converts.pdfs to electronic books is not without serious font problems.

One bright spot is the fact that Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscription (about $50 per user for a one-user) gives you many hundreds of fonts that are licensed to ePUBs. Creative Cloud’s font licensing includes online, print, and electronic books. The Creative Cloud currently has over a million subscribers.

You don’t need a font.

If you’re not a member of the Creative Cloud, it’s worth looking into purchasing fonts or other graphics at some point.

Commercial fonts are available for specific uses. However, every font license issued by a manufacturer is different. The End User License Agreement is (EULA) that comes with each typeface purchase you make.

A font license is normally purchased by a designer in order to use the font for a specific project. For example, a brochure that a client has requested. The license may limit the use of the font. You may have to give the font to your designer so they can use it on other projects. If you need a font that matches your house’s identity or style, many designers include it in the design price.

Some licensing restrictions may include restrictions on how many computers the fonts may be installed on, whether they can be uploaded onto a server to be used for websites, or whether they may be included with an app package.