Understanding Font Licensing with Joyce Ketterer

With so many options out there, font licensing can feel like a headache! But it’s critical to understand it before choosing a typeface. That’s why I’m thrilled to welcome Joyce Ketterer, CEO of Darden Studio and expert on font licensing, to help us untangle it all.

We discuss

Among answering listener questions, we discuss:

The most common commercial font license models and how to choose the right one. The differences between open-source fonts and commercial options. Whether using Google Fonts or Adobe Fonts is really safe What designers and developers need to know before selecting a font. The risks of skipping proper font licensing — and how to avoid them.

Talking Points:

06:34 – Fonts Are Licensed, Not Purchased
08:45 – Restrictions on System Fonts
12:08 – Adobe Fonts and Licensing Challenges
14:42 – Using Fonts for Logos and Glyphs
18:07 – Software vs. Intellectual Property Licensing Models
26:36 – Free vs. Licensed Fonts
30:08 – Why Foundries Price Fonts for Companies
39:01 – Perpetual vs. Timed Licenses
44:17 – Licensing Fonts for Apps, Websites, and E-books
56:07 – Embedding Fonts in PDFs
58:19 – Contacting Foundries for Guidance

📝 Show notes and comment here:

https://pimpmytype.com/talk09

📞 Book your typographic coaching call:

https://pimpmytype.com/coaching-call