AVR-Chat

Brenton wrote:
>> We are working with some designers who are keen to use a particular
>> Linotype font which is definitely copyrighted.
> 
> In which case you should probably contact Linotype, or at least
> browse their website. 

I have searched their website, but the situation of embedding a font
into a device seems to be one they have not considered in their
licensing arrangements. The nearest they go is embedding the font into
an electronic document, which is allowed provided the document is
read-only. They prohibit any modification to the font which probably
means that converting it to a fixed-size bitmap (as is necessary to use
it on the embedded device) would also be against the license terms.

> Embedded or not. If the font is copyright, you will need to license
> it or at least know that you should have a license and be prepared
> for the outcome if you get caught. Have you got a Plan-B ?  

Plan B is to use a different uncopyrighted font of which there are many.

-- 
Tim Mitchell
tim@sabretechnology.co.uk http://www.sabretechnology.co.uk
Sabre Technology (Hull) Ltd, 3a Newlands Science Park, Hull HU6 7TQ
Registered in England and Wales no.3131504
t:01482 801003 f:01482 801078

> I have searched their website, but the situation
> of embedding a font into a device seems to be
> one they have not considered in their licensing
> arrangements.

Quite the opposite. Linotype have been in the game for years. Back in the early 
80's the company I was with licensed Linotype fonts for inclusion with our 
mainframe software which we in turn licensed to newspapers. This was all done as 
a one off license fee without any consideration to the size of the newspaper and 
how many papers they ran each day. Basically, it was the same as you are doing, 
although in our case it was messier because our customer was then using the 
typeface and also distributing it.

You will find that their Website is setup for (and probably created by) the 
average Joe user who doesn't really understand things like licensing. Send them 
an Email and tell them what you want. Eventually it will get to someone at 
Linotype with half a brain and you'll get your answer. This is how they survive.

> The nearest they go is embedding the font into
> an electronic document, which is allowed provided
> the document is read-only.

Ding ... The info on their website is for muppets, not commercial users.

> They prohibit any modification to the font which probably
> means that converting it to a fixed-size bitmap (as is necessary
> to use it on the embedded device) would also be against the
> license terms.

Bingo... One good reason for that. If you create a fixed-pitch bitmap, then 
technically it isn't the same font and as such is not covered by their 
Copyright.

> Plan B is to use a different uncopyrighted font of which
> there are many.

Or create your own which might look like a Linotype font but isn't :)