Free fonts or licensed fonts: legal risks to be aware of
Choosing the wrong font can not only ruin aesthetics but may also require you to redo the entire brand identity.
Free fonts are only safe for commercial use when the license explicitly allows it; otherwise, misuse can lead to claims for damages or necessitate redoing the identity. The safest way is to obtain fonts from reputable sources that clearly state the terms, such as Google Fonts with the SIL Open Font License, or purchase a license from the publisher. For brands needing a unique personality or long-term legal requirements, Sinh Vũ recommends purchasing a one-time license rather than leaving risks hanging.
Many brand owners think that free fonts are fonts that can be used freely. This is not the case. Free simply means there is no cost to download, while the usage conditions can be entirely different. Misusing font licenses poses real legal risks, and the consequences are more severe than you might think, as it could force you to replace your entire running brand identity.
How does font licensing work?
Fonts are intellectual property that is protected. When you download a font, whether free or paid, you do not own that font but are granted usage rights according to the publisher's terms. Common types of licenses include:
- Desktop license: Only allows use in design software on personal computers, printed from that machine. Does not include web or app.
- Web license: Allows embedding fonts into the website, typically charged based on monthly views or number of domains.
- App license: Using fonts in mobile applications or distribution software is usually charged separately.
- SIL Open Font License (open source license for open fonts): Allows commercial use, web embedding, and free distribution. This is the safest type of license in the free category.
A font can come with multiple types of licenses or just one. You need to read the terms; if you don't, you won't know what you are allowed to do.
When to choose free fonts, when to purchase a license
Suitable when the budget is tight, needs to be used widely across multiple touchpoints from web to print, and does not require a very distinct personality. Safe legally if the right license is chosen. The downside is that it uses common fonts, many other brands also use them, making it hard to create a unique impression.
Licensed fonts (from Monotype, Adobe Fonts, independent type designers)
Suitable when a unique personality is needed, wanting a font that is less common in the market, or the brand is large enough to require certainty about long-term legal aspects. One-time payment or subscription costs, but in return, clear terms and support from the publisher.
Common mistakes that cause brand risk
- Download fonts from unofficial sharing sites and use them for logos, packaging, and commercial websites. Those fonts may be copyright infringements from the start.
- Thinking that fonts pre-installed in Windows, macOS, or design software can be used freely for all commercial purposes.
- Only purchase a desktop license and embed the font directly on the website without buying an additional web license.
- Ignore the view limit in the web license. When traffic increases, you may exceed the limit without realizing it.
- Do not check if the font fully supports Vietnamese in the correct license package, leading to missing characters in real implementation.
Using fonts without the correct license can constitute copyright infringement and lead to legal costs or necessitate a complete redesign of the identity.
Crowdspring, The Law on Fonts and Typefaces: Licensing FAQ
Special case: font in the logo
When a font is used to create text in a logo, the most important step is to convert the text into a vector (outline), meaning turning the text into independent geometry, no longer dependent on the original font file. After this step, the logo can be printed, enlarged, or reduced without needing to install the font on the machine. More importantly, the font license no longer affects the use of that logo, as the logo is now a graphic work, not a font.
Sinh Vũ always delivers logos that have been converted to vector format. This is the minimum protection for you in the future.
The viewpoint of Sinh Vũ
Sinh Vũ selects fonts based on two parallel criteria: aesthetics that align with the brand's personality, and clear licensing to ensure you do not face risks later. For budget-friendly brands, Sinh Vũ prioritizes open-source fonts that support Vietnamese well, sourced from reputable places like Google Fonts, so you can use them widely across all touchpoints without legal concerns. For brands needing a unique personality or operating on a larger scale, Sinh Vũ will recommend purchasing licenses and clearly stating the terms in the deliverable.
The question is not which font is more beautiful. The question is whether you have the right to use that font, and where and for what purpose.
Decision checklist
Topic: Using free fonts or purchasing licenses, what are the legal risks?. Sinh Vũ guide, sinhvu.com
Select each item you find appropriate, then print or save as PDF to take with you.
If you have marked most of the signs above, this is the time to discuss in more detail. Sinh Vũ can help you review and propose a direction.
References
Crowdspring, The Law on Fonts and Typefaces: Licensing FAQ. Practical experience in consulting and delivering brand identity from Sinh Vũ Studio.
Frequently asked questions
Can the fonts included with the computer be used for logos and packaging?
Not automatic. Pre-installed fonts usually come with a desktop license, meaning they can only be used for printing from that machine, not for embedding in websites, large-scale commercial printing, or using as a commercial logo. You need to read the accompanying terms or contact the publisher for confirmation.
Is Google Fonts free to use for commercial purposes?
Most fonts on Google Fonts use the SIL Open Font License (an open-source license for open fonts), allowing for commercial use, web embedding, and printing at no cost. However, you should still check the license for each font as some fonts on this platform have specific terms.
Once I have used a font for the logo, do I need to keep that license forever?
If the logo has been converted to vector outlines, meaning it no longer depends on the original font file, then you do not need to renew the license to continue using that logo. However, if you continue to use that font for text, websites, or new materials, the license must still be valid.