Marvin Dickens wrote: >Unless the document is a text document (ie yourdoc.txt), the font is >embedded into the document and is part of the document. Much like >stdio.h (A common header file in C) is used in c source files and therefore, >the resulting binary. Because the gpl is viral in it's design (which is a good >thing), embedded fonts infect whatever document they are embedded into >with the GPL. > >This *exact* issue also plagues the gEDA project (Electronic design). The >use of gpl'ed symbols and footprints makes any electronic design that uses >them subject to the gpl. So, in this case, users of gEDA design and share >their footprints and symbols under a "Free for use regardless of application" >license. However, expecting users of fonts to design really good fonts >because of this issue is crazy. So, IMHO, the gpl is going to have change >regarding font licensing. > Let's say I layout a masterpiece of graphic design and use commercial fonts in it. I sell the printed-out design to a buyer. Does GPL apply? In the material world it seems there is always a point at which black and white turn into gray, eh?
Seems no one has to design any fonts especially for Linux. Fonts, TTF, OTF, PS, are all here already. Would a typographer wish to design a font exclusively for an operating system? Don't think so. Frank
