This document discusses font licensing. It begins by defining a font and typeface, noting that a font is the graphical representation of text while a typeface is the design. It explains that fonts are considered software that require a license for use. There are different types of font licenses for desktop, web, and commercial use, each with different rules outlined in the End User License Agreement. The most common ways to obtain a license are to purchase directly from a vendor, as part of a software package, or by downloading from a designer. Font licenses are specific to the number of computers on which the fonts will be used.

1. HOW-TO: Font Licensing
HEATHER GARZA

2. What the font?
A font is a graphical representation of text that
may include a different typeface, point size,
weight, color, or design.
A typeface is a set of letters, numbers, etc.,
that are all in the same style and that are used
in printing.
“The physical embodiment of a collection of
letters, numbers, symbols, etc. (whether it’s a
case of metal pieces or a computer file) is a
font. When referring to the design of the
collection (the way it looks) you call it a
typeface.” – Mark Simonson, designer
https://flic.kr/p/9Apk3L

3. How to use fonts
Fonts are technically considered bits of computer software,
and just like any other software you are not supposed to
install or use it without a license. This definition is beginning
to evolve and primarily applies to desktop fonts; web fonts
have a set of rules that are somewhat different.

4. Font Licensing
A font license grants the owner the right to
use a typeface in a specific manner as outlined
in the license. Every typeface comes with a
license of some sort. In addition, every type
house or designer has the right to create a
license of any type. It is important to review
the EULA (End User Licensing Agreement) that
is included with every font download to be
aware of what “rules” come with that font.
When you “buy a font,” what you’re buying is a
license to use font software in specific ways.
These ways are described in your EULA, which
is the legally binding contract between the
font designer and you.
http://ficod.deviantart.com/art/teleg
rafico-65509498

5. Type of Font Licenses
Desktop and Print Licensing
This license allows you to use the font on your computer and use it to make static images, such as designing something for print.
This applies to everything from posters to t-shirts to business cards to mugs.
WebFonts Licensing
This is a font that is used online. Users and hosts must have the font to see it correctly. Licensing usually allows for hosted embedding, but
sometimes allow the designer to embed the font.
Open Source Licensing
Open-source fonts are free to obtain, free to use and free to share. This license allows for many things that others do not. It can be
distributed and it can be modified. The primary rules for us are that you do not sell and OFL (Open font license) typeface and give proper
credit for use.
Commercial Licenses
Commercial use for any typeface is a whole other matter and should be handled with care; even a typeface labeled as “free download”
may not always be free if used commercially. The most common practice is for the designer to use and work with fonts that are licensed by
the company.

6. How to get a license
The most common ways include buying or
downloading a typeface right from a type
vendor, as a part of a large software package
(such as the fonts that come with the Adobe
Suite), downloading a typeface from a
designer or website or subscribing to an online
type service.
https://flic.kr/p/7Ym8Sz

7. Things to Consider
Fonts are software, so whoever is using the software needs to buy a license for it.
Fonts are licensed for a specific number of computers, and prices start at one computer. Not
every computer on your network needs a font license: only machines on which the fonts are
operational, and those on which they are stored, need a license.
Freelancers, outside contractors, advertising agencies, and other suppliers are independent
entities, and each needs its own font license.

8. Resources
http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/f/font.htm
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/typeface
http://mindgruve.com/blog/advertising/typeface-vs-font-what-is-the-difference
http://designshack.net/articles/typography/what-is-a-font-license-and-do-i-need-one/
http://www.typography.com/faq/category.php?topicID=10