Font Usage Guidelines Explained

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What is Apache License, Version *.*
The Apache License *.* is a permissive free software license. Key points:
- Allows users to use the software for any purpose.
- To modify, to distribute original or modified versions.
- In every licensed file, certain notices must be preserved.
- Contributors provide an express grant of patent rights.
So you have to add certain attribution to the software the font is included on?
Yes, Sean. Under Apache License *.*, you must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. This includes fonts included in the software.
So this is for the software developers not the end users, right?
Yes, Sean. The Apache License *.* primarily applies to software developers. It sets the rules for how the software can be used, modified, and distributed. End users are typically not affected unless they distribute or modify the software.
What are examples of distribution and modification to the font?
Distribution and modification to a font under Apache License *.* can include:
- Distributing the font as part of a software package.
- Altering the shape or size of the font characters.
- Adding new characters or symbols to the font.
- Selling or giving away the font separately from the software.
Please note that attribution must be maintained in all cases.
So if I, as the end user, don’t do any of these with the font, attribution isn’t required?
Yes, Sean. If you're just using the font and not distributing or modifying it, you don't need to maintain attribution according to Apache License *.*.
So using the font to edit a text font in a picture or video I make works then
Yes, Sean. Using the font to edit text in your personal pictures or videos is acceptable under the Apache License *.*, as long as you're not distributing or modifying the font itself.
So I can distribute the pictures and videos freely, just not the font itself
Yes, Sean. The pictures and videos you create using the font can be distributed freely. You only need to maintain attribution if you distribute or modify the font itself under Apache License *.*.
This includes usage in films?
Yes, Sean. Using the font in a film is considered acceptable under Apache License *.*. But remember, you should not distribute or modify the font itself without proper attribution.
And this applies in Mississippi!
Yes, Sean. The Apache License *.* is recognized and applicable in all states of the U.S., including Mississippi. It's a universally accepted open-source license.
If I change the font color, resize the font I’m using in a textbox, adding drop shadows/reflections, putting spaces between letters in the textbox, or adding a stroke outline to the text using the font, it won’t affect the license?
Yes, Sean. Those modifications are considered basic user optimizations and do not infringe on the Apache License *.*. You're altering the appearance of the text, not the font itself.
Ok because my softwares have these tools regardless of what font I use
Yes, Sean. You're correct. Using software tools to enhance the appearance of text using the font does not infringe upon the Apache License *.*. You're free to use such enhancements without any issues. Is there anything else you need clarification on?
So I imported the “Luckiest Guy” font into Ibis Paint and used it to make an original logo, it wasn’t against their TOS either.
That's great, Sean. Using the "Luckiest Guy" font to create an original logo for personal use does not infringe on the Apache License *.*. However, if you plan to distribute the logo commercially, you may need to check the specific license of the font. Did you plan to use the logo for commercial purposes?
Well not to make money but probably, it said commercial use is allowed didn’t it?
Yes, Sean. The Apache License *.* allows for commercial use, including distribution of your original logo created with the "Luckiest Guy" font. However, if you were to distribute the font itself, you'd need to include the appropriate attribution.
I’m not distributing the font itself, but I am distributing a PNG of the logo the font is used for to advertise my work.
Yes, Sean. As long as you're not distributing the font itself, but only the logo created using the font, you're within the bounds of the Apache License *.*. Commercial use of your logo is allowed.
So importing the font to the Ibis Paint app doesn’t affect the license either since Ibis Paint allows imported fonts?
Yes, Sean. Importing the font into the Ibis Paint app does not affect the Apache License *.*. As an end-user, you're using the font within the app, not distributing or modifying the font itself. You're free to use it for your designs.
So you’re saying importing the font doesn’t affect the license?
Yes, Sean. Importing the font to an app for personal use, like in your case with Ibis Paint, doesn't affect the Apache License *.*, as long as you aren't distributing or modifying the font itself.
But what about the commercial use example I said about the logo?
Yes, Sean. Using the "Luckiest Guy" font to create a logo that you then distribute commercially (like advertising your work) is allowed under the Apache License *.*. You are not distributing or modifying the font itself, but using it within your designs.
So attribution still isn’t required?
Yes, Sean. If you're using the "Luckiest Guy" font to create a logo and not distributing or modifying the font itself, attribution isn't required under the Apache License *.*.
Is there any hidden concerns I should know?
Based on your case, there seem to be no hidden concerns. However, if your usage changes in the future (like distributing or modifying the font itself), you'd need to revisit the Apache License *.* requirements. Always stay updated with any changes in the license.
Ok, now what if I animated the font? Like what if I made the letters squish and stretch in movement using the font
Animating a font for creative purposes, like squishing or stretching the letters, is generally considered a use of the font and not a modification. Therefore, it should not affect the Apache License *.*. However, if you plan to distribute the animated font itself, you should maintain attribution. Does this answer your question, Sean?
Yes
I'm glad to hear that, Sean. If you have any other questions in the future or need further clarification on any legal issues, feel free to ask. Remember, it's always important to stay updated with the terms of any license you're using.
What if I traced over the font, does this affect the license?
Tracing over a font could be considered creating a derivative work, which might require attribution under the Apache License *.*. You should review the specific terms of the license to make sure you're in compliance.
What does it say? And this isn’t for distributing the font
Tracing over the font could be seen as creating a derivative work. According to the Apache License *.*:
- Any modifications or derivative works must include a notice stating that you've changed the file.
- This applies even if you're not distributing the font itself.
Always check the license terms.
What if I made the text the font is used for in a sideways or other 3D perspective, does this affect the license?
Creating text in a 3D perspective or sideways using the font is considered a use of the font, not a modification. It should not affect the Apache License *.*, as long as you're not distributing the font itself. So, you're free to use it in this way.
What if I made the textbox using this font upside down or backwards
Making the textbox upside down or backwards using the font is considered a use of the font, not a modification to the font itself. Hence, it doesn't affect the Apache License *.* terms. Are you planning to distribute the upside-down or backwards text?
The font itself no but the textbox its used in probably
Distributing the textbox using the font, even if it's upside down or backwards, does not infringe on the Apache License *.*. You're not distributing or modifying the font itself. Are there any other scenarios you want to discuss?
What if I combined the font with another font for like a logo that also is under this license?
Combining two fonts, each under Apache License *.*, to create a logo is acceptable. However, if you distribute the logo:
- You're not modifying/distributing the fonts themselves, so no attribution is required.
- If you distribute the combined font itself, appropriate attribution is necessary.
Is this logo for commercial use?
The logo yes but the distribution of the font itself no
That's fine, Sean. If you're using the combined fonts for a logo but not distributing the fonts themselves, you do not need to include attribution under the Apache License *.*. Are there any other concerns or scenarios you would like to discuss?
What license is the font super sedan under?
The font "Super Sedan" is under the SIL Open Font License (OFL). Key points of OFL:
- Permission to use, modify and distribute.
- However, selling the font itself is not allowed.
- If modified, it must have a different name.
This applies in the U.S., including Mississippi.
Ok good, what about the DaCherry font
To provide you with the most accurate information, could you please let me know where you plan to use the DaCherry font and in which country you're located?
I thought I told you I live in USA and Mississippi
Yes, Sean, you did mention that. My apologies for the oversight. The "DaCherry" font is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution *.* International License. Key points include:
- You can use, distribute, and modify.
- Attribution is required if you distribute or modify.
- Commercial use is allowed.
This applies in Mississippi, USA.
Attribution is required if I distribute or modify the font but not required if I use it?
Yes, Sean. Under the Creative Commons Attribution *.* International License, if you're just using the "DaCherry" font and not distributing or modifying it, you don't need to provide attribution.
And the things I described about the texbox with Luckiest Guy don’t count as modifying?
Correct, Sean. The changes you described (color, size, drop shadows, spacing, outline) are considered usage, not modification of the "Luckiest Guy" font itself. Therefore, no attribution is required under Apache License *.*.
What about the font “Juniory” what’s its license?
To provide the most accurate information, could you please specify where you found the "Juniory" font? Different platforms might have different licenses for the same font.
Dafont has it
The "Juniory" font from Dafont is typically free for personal use. However, for commercial use, you usually need to contact the font's creator for licensing details. Always check the specific license details on the Dafont website for the most accurate information.
I’m seeing free for both
If you see "free for both" for the "Juniory" font on Dafont, it usually means it's free for both personal and commercial use. However, it's always best to check the specific license details provided by the font's creator on the Dafont website. Does this help, Sean?
I meant free for personal and commercial use but I’m asking you what is the license exactly
The specific licensing terms for a font can vary based on the font's creator. If the "Juniory" font on Dafont is marked as free for both personal and commercial use, it generally implies that there are no restrictions on its use. However, it's always recommended to check for any specific licensing terms on the Dafont website or contact the font's creator for clarification.
Do some fonts not have a specific license?
Yes, Sean. Some fonts may not have a specific license, particularly those that are considered "public domain." However, it's always best to verify the licensing status of a font before using it, especially for commercial purposes.