2

I am looking for fonts to use for a bound planner of sorts that I am making for myself, but possibly to sell in the future. I've downloaded a few free fonts, with SIL open licenses, can I use these? Thanks!

Improve this question
3

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
2

The full license of OFL can be found here. SIL OFL license is a somewhat permissive copyleft license. Itis unfortunately a viral license. So it is not entirely suited for every action. It is however not similarly viral as using GPL:ed components as it only affects the font itself and leaves rest of your stuff intact.

To be clear. In the usecase that you describe it seem perfectly fine. But i am not a lawyer, and not your lawyer so dont take this as legal advice.

There are other permissive font licenses other permissive font licenses such as:

  • Apache 2.0 (example Caladea)
  • CC-BY (example Grundschrift. More permissive than SIL)
  • MIT (example Couture. More permissive than SIL)
  • CC-0 (Example Aileron) ← This is as permissive as it gets! It expressly waives ALL RIGHTS. So you could modify, rename and CLAIM rights on the new font!
Improve this answer
2
  • Note that waiving all rights (essentially disowning) is not legally possible everywhere. Some jurisdictions have inherent copyright which is inalienable.
    – Janus Bahs Jacquet
    Nov 20, 2015 at 21:55
  • Thats why cc, its a legal hoop. It is its a way to make licence to have properties of PD. Surely you can make licenses in any jurisdiction if so you can make same clauses as PD. @JanusBahsJacquet
    – joojaa
    Nov 20, 2015 at 21:58
1

When in doubt, read the license

[SIL Open Font License] enables font authors to release their work under a common license that allows use, bundling, modification and redistribution.

That's about as open as it gets.

Improve this answer
5
  • " the Font Software, subject to the following conditions: 1) Neither the Font Software nor any of its individual components, in Original or Modified Versions, may be sold by itself." So no you cant sell just the font!
    – joojaa
    Nov 20, 2015 at 18:04
  • I'm not aware of any font license that allows you to download for free, then turn around and sell it. The OP is asking about using the font in a product, which OFL allows.
    – plainclothes
    Nov 20, 2015 at 18:30
  • I found several
    – joojaa
    Nov 20, 2015 at 18:30
  • It allows download -> resell? That's just weird.
    – plainclothes
    Nov 20, 2015 at 18:31
  • 1
    Sure MIT and CC-0 allow that. CC-0 allows you to modify and claim all rights too.
    – joojaa
    Nov 20, 2015 at 18:31

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.