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grega99503882
grega99503882
Inspiring
November 9, 2023
Question

Copyright logo with font from adobe library

  • November 9, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 2623 views

Hello. I want to apply for a trademark. The easiest way is to use adobe fonts for the logo, but I'm not sure if I can use Adobe fonts on my logo and copyright it. The license page says I can, but then it recommends to read the terms of use under the font, but not every font has that information and some like the one I want to use just links to the site of the creator where he sells the font. So I'm confused. Can I use the fonts or I have to buy them from the creator. This is the font I want to use https://fonts.adobe.com/fonts/felt-tip-woman

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2 replies

B
Community Expert
Bobby HendersonCommunity Expert
Community Expert
November 9, 2023

Technically speaking, if you convert the live font-based lettering into raw vector outlines in the final design you should be alright. However, if you're doing nothing more than creating a "word mark" -a logo that is nothing more than just lettering from a pre-existing computer font file, then there could still be a slim chance of legal risk.

Typeface designers can't copyright a letter shape, but font files are computer software that is protected by copyright. While there are lots of copycat fonts of typefaces like Helvetica the copycat versions cannot be 100% identical. If you set a string of text in Linotype's version of Helvetica (or Monotype's Helvetica Now) then set copies of the text string in Bitstream's "Swiss 721 BT" or URW's "Nimbus Sans" and then line the text strings on top of each other the letters would not match exactly even though they look like they're set in the same typeface. One type company can't simply grab another foundry's font files and then re-sell the same font files under another name. They have to re-draw the letters. A bunch of different versions of Futura exist and none of them match exactly.

It's pretty common for people who design word marks to start using a stock font file and then make subtle tweaks to the letters to make the design more custom, but to also set it apart from just being something from a stock computer font file.

    grega99503882
    grega99503882Author
    Inspiring
    November 9, 2023

    Hello Bobby, thanks for the reply. I didn't understand "However, if you're doing nothing more than creating a "word mark" -a logo that is nothing more than just lettering from a pre-existing computer font file, then there could still be a slim chance of legal risk." I would just write the name of the business using that font, I wouldn't edit it or add anything else, that means I can't trademark that logo? Even if I outline the font? 

    B
    Community Expert
    Bobby HendersonCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 9, 2023

    When you talk about trademarking a logo made up of just words are you just meaning getting it protected by copyright or just being legally in the clear for using a stock font in a logo? If that's the case then you're all good for using typefaces synced from Adobe Fonts in logo designs. I would just convert the live font objects to outlines when finalizing the design.

     

    Getting a logo protected as a registered trademark can involve some higher standards. A registered trademark needs to have proof of distinctiveness. A unique icon, such as Nike's "swoosh" symbol is a true logo. Letters assembled from an existing typeface are not so distinctive or unique.

    Tarun Saini
    Community Manager
    Tarun SainiCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    November 9, 2023

    Hi @grega99503882,

     

    Have you checked this article: https://helpx.adobe.com/fonts/using/font-licensing.html#act-img?

     

    Regards,

    Tarun

    grega99503882
    grega99503882Author
    Inspiring
    November 9, 2023

    Thank you Tarun. I read that articicle before, but it's not 100% clear. I'm used to reading contracts, so I find some of the wording a bit too open to interpretation.

    Abambo
    Community Expert
    AbamboCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 10, 2023

    What is not 100% clear?

    Can I use the fonts to create a logo or other images?

    Yes. You can use the fonts in any desktop program (such as Adobe Photoshop) to create images or vector artwork, which you can then use for any purpose. This includes generating a PDF, EPS file, or bitmapped file such as a JPEG or PNG.

    Yes. The logo may be copyrighted or registered as a trademark under the Terms of Use.

     

    I think that you can't be barely more affirmative.

    ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
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