Typophile

Legal Question: Editing a Purchased Typeface

hellomike

Hello,

I have a question about the legal issues of typefaces. I understand that each type foundry may have different guidelines but I thought I'd ask here as well since everyone here is so knowledgeable.

I am looking to purchase a typeface and then go into the typeface files and edit some of the letters as is needed. Would this be a violation of rights or illegal in anyway? It is obviously discouraged but will I run into any copyright issues if I use it for business purposes? I'm thinking "no" but I'd like to know just in case.

Thanks.

John Nolan

This can only by answered by reading the license agreement. MANY (probably most) foundries don't allow this, but there are notable exceptions, including Shinn Type and Adobe.

Hrant H Papazian

AFAIK the best thread on this:
http://typophile.com/node/87356

See also:
http://typophile.com/node/94233

hhp

Michel Boyer

There is also the old (2007) TypoWiki EULA Chart that probably still allows you to cross out many foundries that did not allow modifications even for in house use. You look at the "Mods." column. Once only a handful are left, you check the EULA.

The Canada Type EULA also allows modifications.

Hrant H Papazian

I think things have gotten much tighter since 2007.

BTW Adobe is actually even more lenient than that chart says: mods are not limited to format conversions.

hhp

Pablo Impallari

Use "Libre" fonts instead, you are free to modify them.

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