Font Usage Legal Guidelines

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Am I violating a typeface’s copyright if its a free for commercial use font that I add spaces to in the text box I use it in?
Hello Sean, in the US, adding spaces to a free for commercial use font in the text box doesn't typically violate copyright. However, it's important to:
- Review the license agreement of the font
- Ensure you're not creating a new typeface or font from the original.
What about animating the font in an editing software?
In the US, animating a font in an editing software typically doesn't infringe copyright if the font is free for commercial use. However, always check the license agreement for any specific restrictions.
What does violate it then?
In the US, copyright infringement for fonts could occur if you:
- Create a new typeface from the original font without permission
- Produce and distribute copies of the font without authorization
- Violate specific terms in the font's license agreement.
So font license agreements don’t include things that don’t change the font specifically like what I described?
Font license agreements vary. Some may prohibit any alterations or derivatives, while others may allow certain changes. Always review the specific agreement for the font.
I mean what I described
To clarify, are you asking if the alterations you described, such as adding spaces or animating the font, are typically covered in font license agreements?
Yes
In general, adding spaces or animating a font doesn't typically violate the license agreement. However, each agreement is different. It's important to review the specific terms of the font's license to ensure the use is permitted.
And free for commercial use fonts don’t require attribution right?
In general, free for commercial use fonts don't require attribution, but it depends on the specific license agreement of the font. Always review the agreement for any specific terms or requirements.
I don’t even know where a lot of free for commercial use fonts come from
In the US, using free for commercial use fonts is typically legal even if you don't know their origin. However, it's advisable to:
- Try to find the source
- Review any available license agreement
- Ensure the font is truly free for commercial use.
I do know that making a font bold or italic can violate the license agreement
In the US, making a font bold or italic can potentially violate the license agreement, depending on the specific terms of the agreement. It's crucial to review the license for any restrictions on modifications.
But animating the font, adding an outlined effect, drop shadow, or spaces does not.
That's right, Sean. In general, in the US, animating the font, adding an outlined effect, drop shadow, or spaces does not typically violate the license agreement. However, it's always important to review the specific terms of the license agreement. Are there any other questions I can assist you with?
Does this include if I animated the text using the font spinning?
In the US, animating a font to spin typically doesn't infringe copyright, especially if it's a free for commercial use font. However, always check the specific terms of the font's license agreement for any restrictions.
And what if I add a glow effect?
In the US, adding a glow effect to a font should not typically violate the license agreement, especially if the font is free for commercial use. However, always check the specific terms of the font's license agreement for any restrictions.
And changing the text’s color?
In the US, changing the color of a font typically doesn't infringe the license agreement, especially if it's a free for commercial use font. However, always review the specific terms of the font's license agreement for any restrictions.
Why is it that spacing doesn’t violate the license agreement?
In the US, adding spacing doesn't typically violate the license agreement because it's not altering the font's design or creating a new typeface. However, always review your specific agreement as terms can vary.
So adding gaps between letters doesn’t effect its license agreement?
In the US, adding gaps between letters in a font, also known as kerning, typically doesn't violate the license agreement, especially if the font is free for commercial use. However, always review the specific terms of the font's license agreement for any restrictions.