- From: Tiro TypeWorks <tiro@portal.ca>
- Date: Fri, 09 Aug 1996 13:32:28 -0700
- To: www-font@w3.org
Jonathan Hoefler has raised a further point to this discussion, in e-mail, which concerns protection of custom and corporate lettering and typefaces. A good deal of type designers a large portion of their income designing custom alphabets, logotypes, signage schemes, etc. for corporate clients of various sizes. A lot of this work tends to be for internationally based clientele, many of whom have or will be developing extensive 'Net presence'. Companies that commission custom typeface work are making an investment in an exclusive aesthetic expression, an investment which they have a right to protect. If font security is discarded in favour of ease-of-use, document interchange, embedding, etc., companies making use of custom, proprietory fonts on their websites and in electronic documents will be putting their investment at risk. This puts type designers in the uncomfortable position of explaining to their clients that the typeface they have just invested thousands of dollars in cannot be technically protected from piracy and that, if they want to protect their property, they can expect further major investment in legal fees, monitoring costs, etc.. This is another reason why I believe it is imperative that security issues are addressed and solved BEFORE embedding schemes are implemented. John Hudson, Type Director Tiro TypeWorks Vancouver, BC tiro@portal.ca http://www.portal.ca/~tiro
Received on Friday, 9 August 1996 16:27:32 UTC