Commercial use of fonts?

[andyapc]

I've got a font whose ReadMe file says the following:

"This font is Free for all use and distribution, and may not be sold. Inclusion in any collection for sale is strictly prohibited."

Does this mean that the font itself is freeware and can be used for commercial purposes (i.e., on a layout), as long as you don't sell the font itself as an individual item? :confused:

[Janet]

That's how I would interpret it. Sounds like they don't want it sold in another font collection...meant to be free.

[Amanda]

I would still get explicit confirmation from the creator. You can't be too careful and you can keep it in your records in case there is ever a question.

We have had multiple occassions where we got permission directly from the font creator to use in our projects. Then the creators changes his Terms of Use. People saw we were still using that font - the creator emailed us and told us his Terms of Use and we mailed the confirmation letter back to him. He had forgotten he had given us permission.

Better to be safe than sorry!

[elizabethlmccoy]

yes definitely better safe than sorry...also i've noticed that not many people share the same views on the word freeware...technically it is meant for all uses commerical, private...however many say free ware but when you double check by emailing them and asking they state that it doesn't include commercial use. Just an FYI

[andyapc]

Can someone clarify something for me? I am trying to determine if some of my fonts can be used for commercial use. I am having a heck of a time determining whom I should contact to request permission.

I have a ReadMe file that says this:

Data copyright © URW Software & Type GmbH, additional data copyright © The Monotype Corporation. Copyright © 1994-2002 Microsoft Corporation

I have several fonts that have something similar to this - they may say Stephenson Blake Holdings LTD or International Typeface Corporation or Esselte Letraset LTD, but then they also say Microsoft at the end.

Who would I contact in any of these instances?

Thank you very much for any info or help!

[elizabethlmccoy]

Well, I have no specifics about those creators...what i do is just google that...and hope to find their main site or some email address or something....when i can't locate anything i just toss it....better safe than sorry...

now i've noticed that www.dafont.com has a commerical section...have you tried looking up the name of the font on that site? maybe you'll be able to locate more info.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful

[vwilling]

What if a font came preloaded on your system? Is it safe to use for commercial word art?
I am specifically wondering about Mariah since I can't find any author info for it.
Thanks
Vicky

[moondust]

What if a font came preloaded on your system? Is it safe to use for commercial word art?
I am specifically wondering about Mariah since I can't find any author info for it.
Thanks
Vicky
Bumping to see if anyone knows the answer to this ...

Also a new question, which I think I already know the answer to, but will ask anyway - thank you for indulging me:rolleyes:

I'm wanting to make personalised calendars and cards for people and have them digitally printed ... I have a TON of fonts (who doesn't) ... do I need to go through all my fonts and get permission to use these fonts in my business venture?

So, ... contact each creator, if I can find contact details for them, and ask permission to use commercially.

Would what I'm doing be considered commercial? (of course it is, I plan to make money from it! DUH) But thought I'd ask!:p

So in short - one by one I need to go through my fonts and contact the creator or whatever and see if I can use them - Yes?:confused:

What about the TTF (True Type Fonts) that I've downloaded and they don't have a read me file ... I then go into the Font Info part of the font organiser - yes?

I think I've answered my own questions, but would like some other point of view anyway! Hope I've not confused or annoyed anyone with my ramblings.... ;)

Thank you

[Amanda]

Yes you will need to contact each foundry. If you can't find the info, then either try to find it online again and redownload or its best not to use it.

Good luck!

[elizabethlmccoy]

yes the best practice is if you can't get verification find another font...i konw that stinks but wouldn't you rather know that you're alright than potentially be violating someone's TOU.

[moondust]

Thanks ladies.