FONTS, LICENSING & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW
Frank J. Martinez, Esq.
THE MARTINEZ GROUP PLLC
MAKING A FONT CHOICE is a DESIGN DECISION, NOT A LEGAL DECISION.
Select A or B …..
TYPE DESIGN, font formats and use of T Y P E has evolved over the years.
ALL FONTS ARE SOFTWARE
DIGITAL IS THE RULE
Digital Fonts = New Design Opportunities.
EMBEDDING WEBFONTS
FLASH TYPE ANIMATION
MOBILE Tablet Devices Smart Phones
E-READERS
? < IS MY USE ALLOWED? >
READ the END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT.
(EULA)! ASK YOUR MANAGER OR THE FOUNDRY
DON’T BE SURPRISED!
With………….
A LAWSUIT OH, SH T.
SO, WHAT IS THE
(EULA)? HINT: It’s a contract.
YES, BUT NOT THAT KIND OF CONTRACT.
MAKE THE EULA WORK FOR YOU.
Ok, HOW DO I DO THAT?
STEP 1:
KNOW YOUR NEED HOW MANY WORKSTATIONS?
DO I NEED WEBFONTS?
DO I NEED TO DISTRIBUTE TO OUTSIDE DESIGNERS?
DO I NEED TO DISTRIBUTE TO THE CLIENT?
DO I HAVE MORE THAN ONE PHYSICAL OFFICE?
SHOULD MY CLIENT PURCHASE THE LICENSE?
STEP 2:
INVESTIGATE OPTIONS
DOES THE FONT HAVE A DESIGN ANALOG?
WHERE ARE OTHER CHOICES?
NOT EVERY LICENSE OPTION IS POSTED.
WILL YOUR NEEDS CHANGE OVER TIME?
STEP 3:
TECHNOLOGY CHANGED EVERYTHING
FONTS ARE VIRTUAL
FONTS NEVER SLEEP
USER HABITS DRIVE USE
USER HABITS DRIVE NEED
STEP 4:
BUY THE LICENSE YOU NEED POSTED LICENSE OPTIONS ADDRESS COMMON NEEDS.
A LICENSE IS A CONTRACT.
CONTRACTS ARE COOKING – SEASON TO TASTE.
IS YOUR USE LIMITED BY TYPE OF USES OR TIME?
IS YOUR USE SOLELY FOR “PITCHING?”
WHO REALLY NEEDS THE LICENSE?
MAKE THE EULA WORK FOR YOU.
STEP 1: KNOW YOUR NEED
STEP 2: INVESTIGATE OPTIONS
STEP 3: TECHNOLOGY CHANGED EVERYTHING
STEP 4: BUY THE LICENSE YOU NEED
AVOIDING PROBLEMS
BE PROACTIVE
DEVELOP SOFTWARE USE GUIDELINES
PUBLISH THE GUIDELINES
MAKE THE GUIDELINES PART
OF THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK
CONDUCT A SURVEY OF WORKSTATIONS
IS SOFTWARE STORED ON SERVERS
WHAT DO I DO IF I FIND UNLICENSED SOFTWARE?
SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR MANAGER
OR IN-HOUSE COUNSEL
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