[Scribus] font management

Marvin Dickens marvindickens
Sun Apr 17 21:03:24 CEST 2005


On Sunday 17 April 2005 02:36 pm, frank gaude' wrote:
> 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.

Even so, none of this changes the current terms and conditions of how the GPL 
is applied to fonts - The GPL is very clear regarding it's own inherently 
viral nature and how it affects works GPL'ed code is embedded in.

Best

Marvin




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