FontWorks tackles type piracy in new campaign

A new drive to stamp out pirate copying of typefaces has been launched to raise awareness of licensing laws.

Initiated by type supplier FontWorks with Adobe and the Business Software Alliance, the campaign features a free guide setting out the latest rules and regulations along with changes in the way type manufacturers licence their typefaces.

“The whole industry is based on trust,” comments FontWorks marketing manager Steve Miller.

“I find it ironic that you’ll get designers who will pirate typefaces not realising they’re putting fellow designers out of a job.

“Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 typefaces are protected and should not be abused,” Miller continues.

Despite the legislation, Miller has never known of anyone being prosecuted for using or passing on typefaces without a licence.

He is sending copies of the publication, called Guide to Typeface Licensing, to the Law Society and the Police Federation as part of the campaign.