Font Designer's Rights Coalition

We, as a collective of type designers, type foundries and other individuals whose livelihood depends upon the proper licensing of our work, seek to assert our rights in the protection of our intellectual property and to educate the public at large about our contributions to visual culture and communication.

We assert that fonts are software and are protected under international copyright law and Pursuant 17 U.S.C. §512(h).

We seek to dissuade the online community from "sharing" or illegally trading in our intellectual property, and to inform repeat offenders that legal action will be taken against them. We will hold online group moderators accountable for the actions of their members as per their own stated position and list rules.

We seek to encourage design studios, offices, agencies, printers, universities, manufacturers, newspapers, or other users of fonts to self-audit their font libraries to ensure proper licensing and enlist the authority of software auditing firms to confirm compliance should evidence point to illegal activity.

We assert that typeface designs are unique manifestations of artistic expression and therefore should be protected under the same laws that protect all visual arts.

We seek cooperation with existing organizations in furthering these goals as well as a rational and productive discourse with the font using public.

Report Piracy
piracy@fdrc.org

Links

TypeRight.Org

AIGA Ethical use of fonts PDF

Stop Piracy Blog

Copyright Myths

Federation Against Software Theft

Interpol Intellectual Property Crime Action Group

Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.