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Is it okay to use free fonts?
Although many free fonts allow unrestricted use (including use for commercial projects and as logotype fonts), “free” fonts can sometimes be commercial fonts that are illegally copied. Be careful and make sure that the fonts you are using come from a trusted source and that you understand your rights and obligations.
Can someone sue you for using a font?
If you distributed the actual font with your work then maybe you could be punished. You can be held civilly responsible and get sued by the copyright owner and you have also put your client at risk because they could be sued as well.
Can a company be sued for unlicensed font use?
Yes, multiple large companies have been sued for unlicensed font use. The most notable defendant is NBCUniversal who has been sued three times in as many years. Small companies probably get into legal trouble, too — we just don’t hear about them publicly.
What happens if you use a font without a license?
If you have no license to use a particular font, but you gained financially by using it, you don’t have a defense. “Possible” is not the same as “likely,” however, so you probably don’t need to move to a new city and change your name (not right away, anyway).
Why was Font Bureau sued for$ 2 million?
Font Bureau sued for $2 million, alleging that it lost profits from licensing the fonts, and its relationships with current and new clients have been damaged, all because of NBC’s impermissible use of the fonts. Before analyzing the lawsuit, it will be helpful to understand some terminology.
What happens if you download a font and use it?
Some websites that offer “free” fonts actually offer fonts that were illegally copied. If you download a stolen or “pirated” font and the owner discovers it, you may be guilty of copyright infringement. If so, you may have to pay the owner money damages, and maybe even turnover any profits you made by using the fonts.