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Date: 1998-11-15 13:28:57
From "Michel Bujardet "
Subject: Re: Typeface Trade mark permission. How to do it?

William Adams wrote ;

>What if it's a font which the designer wanted to remain exclusive to a given
>firm? Can one then act ethically in a manner contrary to the designer's
>wishes?

I created a couple type for some companies, who requested specifically that
the design be reserved to them. So in essence, I sold them exclusive rights
to the design. Now the type is essentially theirs. What happens in 5 years
from now, if they want the font changed in some fashion, and for some
reason I am not available ? I have the feeling that they will not wait, and
probably ask another designer to modify it. My wish may have very little
weigth against their corporate image needs.

What about (oh blast, can't remember the names) what's his name
>tossing the punches for the Doves type into the Thames? What's the ethical
>basis for a Doves resurrection then?
>
>My take on this has always been that if you get the permission of the designer
>(or his/her heirs), it's okay, without that permission, well there
should be a
>reason for not getting it, like, say everyone's dead. (A Janson revival for
>instance).

My example with Avant Garde was not good. I do agree that as long as the
designer is around, there is no real reason to duplicate ITC design.

But what about Grandjean, or other illustrious type designers of the past,
who have no heirs ? If for instance, I take the Grandjean guidelines in the
Encyclopédie Diderot about the construction of type, and create a font out
of it, will I call it simply 'Grandjean', or 'Grandjean by
Match', or
something entirely different ?

Of course, if I modify substantially the design, maybe it will not be a
Granjean anymore.




Michel Bujardet, Match Software
http://www.matchfonts.com

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Last Message: Re: Typeface Trade mark permission. How to do it?
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