With so many options out there, font licensing can feel like a headache! But it’s critical to understand it before choosing a typeface. That’s why I’m thrilled to welcome Joyce Ketterer, CEO of Darden Studio and expert on font licensing, to help us untangle it all.
We discuss
Among answering listener questions, we discuss:
- The most common commercial font license models and how to choose the right one.
- The differences between open-source fonts and commercial options.
- Whether using Google Fonts or Adobe Fonts is really safe?
- What designers and developers need to know before selecting a font.
- The risks of skipping proper font licensing — and how to avoid them.
My Key Takeaways
The general answer to licensing questions is – like always – “it depends”. Because it is very individually depending on the foundry and use case. But still, these are some great insights from our conversation to give you guidance.
You don’t buy fonts, you license them
You actually buy the right to use a font in a particular way.
Don’t rely solely on free fonts
While free fonts like Google Fonts are useful, it also limits your options. Sometimes you need a more unique style, or other special features that are not available.
Don’t assume system fonts are free to use
Fonts included with operating systems or software may not be licensed for commercial use. So don’t assume you can just them.
Always check the license
Before using a font for a project, check if the license allows your intended use (e.g., web, app, logo). And do this before you suggest a font. Besides Google Fonts, Adobe Fonts is also a very reliable source.
Clients should purchase licenses
This avoids possible legal issues. Because if your client relation ends and the usage changes, you don’t want to be caught in the middle.
Contact foundries
They want to help you, if terms are unclear, or you have unique needs. Reach out to the foundry for guidance.
Update licenses if usage changes
For perpetual licenses, report increased usage (e.g., higher web traffic) and pay the difference to stay compliant.
About Joyce Ketterer
Joyce Ketterer joined Darden Studio in 2006 and became CEO in 2016. In cooperation with the studio’s attorney, she is responsible for writing and enforcing the studio’s licensing – a task to which she brings the real world experience of working directly with customers for both sales and license enforcement.
Links
- Darden Studio’s Website, where you can sign up for their newsletter
- Connect with Joyce via Darden Studio on Instagram and LinkedIn
- My review of Gamay
- Fontstand, the font rental service Joyce mentioned
Dear Oliver,
First of all, Happy New Year! Thank you for offering the opportunity to ask questions about font licensing.
I have two questions that I’m particularly curious about regarding fonts I’ve already purchased. I understand that every EULA is different for each font, but when I send my work to a printer – whether it’s for a business card or a book – is it sufficient to outline the fonts in the PDF? Or does this still pose legal issues, even though the fonts are embedded in the PDF? It seems embedding might not always be the most optimal or compliant solution for legal font usage.
My second question is about web design. When building websites for my clients, am I allowed to purchase fonts on their behalf for use on their websites? Or is it mandatory for them to purchase the fonts themselves?
Thank you again for your time, and for your wonderful and incredibly useful newsletters.
Best regards,
Ildikó
Good questions!
Hello! Are there any special considerations that indie authors might need to know about? For print-on-demand copies or for e-books?