The Legal Reality of Typography
In most jurisdictions (including the United States and European Union), raw typeface designs cannot be patented in the same way as inventions, but digital font software files (.ttf, .otf, .woff2) are protected by copyright law as computer programs.
When you download or purchase a font, you are not buying the font itself—you are buying a limited license (EULA) that governs how and where you can install and render those font files.
The 4 Common Commercial License Tiers
1. Desktop License
Allows installation on a specific number of computers (e.g., 1-5 workstations). Strictly for creating static graphics, raster logos, and print materials.
2. Webfont License
Permits embedding in web pages via CSS @font-face. Usually metered strictly by monthly pageviews (e.g., up to 10,000 views/mo, jumping in price at 100k+).
3. Mobile App License
Required if the font file is compiled directly inside an iOS or Android app binary.
4. Broadcast & Server License
Needed for TV broadcasting, video titles, or web applications that allow end-users to customize t-shirts or business cards with text.
Why Google Fonts & SIL OFL Are 100% Safe
The vast majority of fonts in the Google Fonts catalog are released under the SIL Open Font License (OFL) v1.1 or the Apache 2.0 License.
- ✓ 100% Free for Commercial Use: You can use OFL fonts in commercial websites, mobile apps, print publications, software, and brand logos without paying royalties.
- ✓ Unlimited Pageviews: There are no traffic caps or monthly pageview fees.
- ✓ Self-Hosting Allowed: You are free to download the .woff2 files and host them directly on your own CDN or Cloudflare Workers.
- ✗ The Only Restriction: You cannot sell the font files themselves by themselves. They must be bundled as part of a larger creative work.
The Legal Risk of Identifying Fonts from Client Assets
When taking on client projects or inheriting existing designs, always use tools like ProFontFinder to identify unknown fonts. If a commercial typeface is detected, verify whether the client holds a valid commercial webfont license. If not, swap it immediately with a verified Google Fonts alternative to protect your agency from copyright infringement notices.