![]() For example, using a word processor program to design a business logo could be a copyright violation if the EULA does not authorize such commercial use or use as a trademarked logo. It's not uncommon for standard software packages to be limited to home, educational, Obtain legal review of the applicable EULA before using software-supplied typefaces and fonts, particularly if your intended use is commercial. Evaluate typeface and font considerations up front, and you might avoid big legal issues later. Type of patent protection lasts for 15 years before the typeface or font will enter the public domain.īefore you start development on your next big company project, prep work is key. Many computer system providers will offer their own unique typeface and font designs that are subject to this additional intellectual property protection. In addition, typeface and font designs are eligible for design patents. Use the same typeface in one of Disney's many lines of business, the potential for a trademark infringement claim arises. For example, Disney's famous and distinctive typeface is incorporated into many of its registered trademarks. Trademark law can also extend protections to typefaces incorporated into a trademarked logo. ( e.g., limitations on reverse engineering, etc.), copyright law may not preclude you from creating and displaying the same or similar typeface or font generated by external means, although other applications or federal andīefore you start creating imitations of your favorite typefaces, consider there are more than just copyright considerations at hand. If there are no other prevailing restrictions contained in the applicable EULA or other agreements Keep in mind these copyright considerations usually come into play when the typeface and font are generated by the copyrighted computer code. Which can create unanticipated issues for businesses using the software on a day-to-day basis. Common limitations may include certain commercial uses, Most word processors and computer software have an end user license agreement (EULA), which dictates the limited, permitted uses of the copyrighted typeface and/or font code. This means anytime you use computer code to direct the stylization of the typeface and generate the font, the computer code is potentially Typefaces and fonts may not be considered protectable under copyright law, but computer code is. Therefore, each area of intellectual property law should be carefully evaluated before using a typeface or font for any commercial purpose. And these laws can often be unforgiving, with violations potentially resulting in strict liability, statutory damages, and in some cases, trebleĭamages. The use of typefaces and fonts implicates copyright, trademark, and patent protections. ![]() Too Many IP Considerations Can Spoil the Broth ![]() With the advent of computers, it's now software code that delivers the stylized typeface or "font" to our computer screens. In the days of printing presses, a font would be the stylistic appearance of the typeface For example, "Baquet Script" is a typeface.Ī "font" is a variation of a typeface, such as variations in size, weight, or style of the typeface ( e.g., bold, italics). ![]() The words "typeface" and "font" are often used interchangeably, but it is important to note each word has its own distinct meaning for purposes of this discussion.Ī "typeface" is "a set of letters, numbers, or other characters with repeating design elements." Whether your company is developing product packaging, creating a new business logo, or engaging in other commercial endeavors, your choice of typeface and font shouldn't be left to chance since one misstep could be recipe for Only get more complicated once you toss patent, trademark, and state law considerations into the mix. It's still possible to violate copyright law when you use them. Copyright Office and courts have generally held there's no copyright protection for typefaces and fonts, don't rejoice just yet. Your intended use might just land you in legal hot water.Īlthough the U.S. Next time you fire up your computer and pick out your favorite typeface and font, beware.
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