Font Copyright and Licensing
 

Just wondering, how much protection does a font creator have once they have sold a font to the public?

If someone resells or gives away that font "software", does the original font producer have any possible claim against someone that might have a banner or some text on their website that is in that font? What if a designer uses a font without permission and sells their design to a big company, can the original font producer then sue the company that merely has the font on their website?

Are fonts really protected as far as the derivative work that is produced from the "software", or is the original software all that should really have any protection?

In the US (since 1976) you can't copyright a typeface.
Search for Eltra Corp v. Ringer

The software could be though.

I didn't know that. :thumbsup

Thanks,

I didn't know that either, thanks

is Canada and Europe the same?

I have no idea since my only concern is US based. There is no such thing as international copyright law but there are certain copyright treaties in existence.

I know there are several differences between US and Canadian copyright laws. No idea about European laws.

ok, so no matter how much a font designer says that they require license fees etc if their font is to be used in any commercial publication or website, they are just talking out of their asses?