You can't copyright a typeface, then?

jerryleecooper · Post by **jerryleecooper** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 2:13 pm

If you can't copyright a typeface, does that mean that I can "rip" it into a bitmap and use it in my kernel for any purpose I want, even for commercial purpose if it's my wish?
Because I like the original "Chicago" font from the System 7.5
I know typefaces can be patented, but not copyrighted. What is the morals behind that? There can be a design patent? I know Chicago was created to mimick antialiasing when there was only black and white. It's a good font.

mathematician · Post by **mathematician** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 3:12 pm

I can't speak for Canada, but they can certainly be copyrighted in the UK.

Zacariaz · Post by **Zacariaz** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 3:20 pm

Ya, diferent country, diferent law. The big question must be if it is infact copyrighted anywhere. If not, i don't see a problem.

Alboin · Post by **Alboin** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 3:50 pm

After doing a bit of research, it appears that the US is one of the few countries not to permit some form of protection on typefaces.

I would suggest you simply create your own font, or use a FOSS one, for the sake of our European neighbors.

mathematician · Post by **mathematician** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 3:55 pm

Zacariaz wrote:Ya, diferent country, diferent law. The big question must be if it is infact copyrighted anywhere. If not, i don't see a problem.

In the UK if you are the author of a "literary work", which for the purposes of British copyright law includes things like typefaces and computer programs, you automatically own the copyright. You don't have to register it. Therefore, if somebody takes exception to what they consider a breach of their copyright, and they want to sue you, they can go ahead and do it. There is at least one case of somebody (Linotype) doing just that.

Zacariaz · Post by **Zacariaz** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 3:57 pm

Now that you say it, im quite sure its doen this way in denmark too (and europe in generel).

Brynet-Inc · Post by **Brynet-Inc** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 4:02 pm

I would assume "typefaces" would fall under the category of artistic work..

So, According to the "Berne convention", They're automatically protected..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berne_Conv ... stic_Works

Alboin · Post by **Alboin** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 4:32 pm

Brynet-Inc wrote:So, According to the "Berne convention", They're automatically protected..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berne_Conv ... stic_Works

IIRC, a nation's domestic laws override the Berne Convention.

jerryleecooper · Post by **jerryleecooper** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 5:40 pm

I will create my own fonts then." I was a bit inspired by this site, www.folklore.org