How to Manage Fonts Without Feeling Guilty or Getting Sued?

[TimPaul]

Don't steal. That's pretty simple to understand.

If you download a free font, you can use it in any design or map you want. You aren't violating copyright. Since they put the font out there for free. That is the end purpose of fonts.

If you buy a font, you can still use it in your designs and maps. Without violating any copyright.

DON'T give the font files to someone else. THAT is violating your agreement with whoever sold you the font.

That's it.

[RobA]

If you download a free font, you can use it in any design or map you want. You aren't violating copyright. Since they put the font out there for free. That is the end purpose of fonts.

As mentioned by a few folks, many free fonts are distributed conditionally - i.e. "free for personal use" and as such can't be used for commercial (or even corporate) purposes.

Over at 1001Fonts Free For Personal Use License (FFP) · 1001 Fonts their interpretation is (added bold is mine):

Preamble
In this license, 'the given typeface' refers to the given .zip file, which may contain one or numerous fonts. These fonts can be of any type (.ttf, .otf, ...) and together they form a 'font family' or in short a 'typeface'.

1. Copyright
The given typeface is the intellectual property of its respective author, provided it is original, and is protected by copyright laws in many parts of the world.

2. Personal Use
The given typeface may be downloaded and used free of charge for personal use, as long as the usage is not racist or illegal. Personal use refers to all usage that does not generate financial income in a business manner, for instance:

- personal scrapbooking for yourself
- recreational websites and blogs for friends and family
- prints such as flyers, posters, t-shirts for churches, charities, and non-profit organizations

3. Commercial Use
Commercial use is not allowed without prior written permission from the respective author. Please contact the author to ask for commercial licensing. Commercial use refers to usage in a business environment, including:

- business cards, logos, advertising, websites, mobile apps for companies
- t-shirts, books, apparel that will be sold for money
- flyers, posters for events that charge admission
- freelance graphic design work
- anything that will generate direct or indirect income

4. Modification
The given typeface may not be modified, altered, adapted or built upon without written permission by its respective author. This pertains all files within the downloadable font zip-file.

5. Conversion
The given typeface may be converted to other formats such as WOFF, SVG or EOT webfonts, as long as the font is not modified in any other way, such as changing names or altering individual glyphs.

6. Distribution
While the given typeface may freely be copied and passed along to other individuals for private use as its original downloadable zip-file, it may not be sold or published without written permission by its respective author.

7. Embedding
The given typeface may be embedded into an application such as a web- or mobile app, as long as the application is of personal use and does not distribute the given typeface, such as offering it as a download.

8. Disclaimer
The given typeface is offered 'as is' without any warranty. 1001fonts.com and the respective author of the given typeface shall not be liable for any damage derived from using this typeface. By using the given typeface you agree to the terms of this license.

-Rob A>

[foremost]

If you download a free font, you can use it in any design or map you want. You aren't violating copyright. If you buy a font, you can still use it in your designs and maps. Without violating any copyright.

There's different types of licenses with pretty much everything. Some allow you to use the font unconditionally, but just because you purchased it or downloaded it doesn't mean you can use it for monetary gain.

In general, personal use is fine. But that doesn't include making money with it. Licenses would vary between fonts I'm sure.