How Far Can You Go with Commercial Use of Fonts? A Thorough Guide by Use Case: Doujinshi, Social Media, YouTube, and Logos
"This font is so cute, I want to use it! ...But is it okay for commercial use?" I'm sure you've worried about this at least once.
As someone who creates fonts, this is a question I get asked very often. "Can I use it for my doujinshi?" "I want to use it for my YouTube thumbnail, is that okay?" ...I receive these questions almost every month.
Every time I do, I think about how confusing font licenses are. Even when you open the terms of service page, it's filled with difficult jargon, or sometimes there's no explanation at all.
In this article, I will simplify the question of "How far can I actually use it?" I've also created a quick reference table by use case, so I hope you can check it quickly whenever you're in doubt.
What exactly is "commercial use"?
First, let's define the term. Roughly speaking, "commercial use" refers to use in situations where money is involved.
However, this is a bit tricky. It doesn't just include situations where you receive money directly; it also includes uses that indirectly lead to revenue.
For example, here are some cases.
Using it on the cover of a doujinshi and selling that book
Using it in posts on a business social media account intended to attract customers
Using it in the thumbnail of a monetized YouTube channel
Using it on the packaging of handmade goods for sale
Using it in designs for work received from a client
It is safest to assume that any use other than "personal enjoyment" falls under commercial use.
"Free font = free to use" is a dangerous misunderstanding
Do you think that free fonts or Google Fonts are "free, so I can use them for anything"? This is a fairly common misunderstanding.
Free fonts generally fall into three types of licenses.
Google Fonts are basically okay for commercial use, but the licenses vary slightly, such as OFL or Apache 2.0, depending on the font. It is a bit dangerous to assume that "because it's a Google Font, everything is fine."
💡 Point: Always read the "Terms of Use" on the download page
It's easy to skip the terms when you get a font, but it's a problem if you find out later that "it was actually not allowed for commercial use." It's safer to make a habit of checking them once before you start using them.
Quick Reference Table by Use Case: Is this OK? Or NG?
I have summarized the use cases for when you use fonts that are "commercially available" versus fonts that are "for personal use only."
Things to be careful about even if it says "Commercial Use OK"
Even for fonts that explicitly state "Commercial Use OK," if you look closely, there are several prohibited items. I have summarized three points that are easy to overlook.
1. Using it for a logo is fine, but trademark registration is not
In many cases, there is no problem with using a font as a logo as it is. However, trademarking that logo is prohibited by almost all fonts. If you want to trademark a logo as is, you will need a unique design based on the font.
2. LINE stickers are not allowed if the "text becomes the character itself"
Even if it is okay to use fonts for character dialogue or speech bubbles in stickers, many fonts prohibit using the font characters themselves as the main character of the sticker. When in doubt, it is safest to check with the author.
3. Redistribution or sale of font data is absolutely prohibited
Even for fonts that allow commercial use, it is not allowed to give the font file itself to others or sell it. "Just sending it to a friend" also counts as redistribution. Treat the fonts you purchase as items for your own use only.
Confirmation flowchart for when you are unsure
When you are unsure and wonder, "Is it okay to use this font?", please check in this order.
Continuing to use it with the mindset of "I'm not sure, but it's probably fine" is the most dangerous thing. It takes a little extra effort, but checking beforehand will save you from panicking later.
Honestly, checking every time is a hassle, isn't it?
That's right. Checking the font license every time you use it is subtly stressful.
That's why when I create fonts myself, I make them "commercially available and credit-free" from the start. It comes from the desire that people who use them don't have to check every single time.
I believe that "being able to use it with peace of mind" is just as important as the functionality of the font.
All Vanilla Beans fonts are commercially available*
Use in doujinshi, SNS, YouTube, logos, and LINE stickers is also okay.
Credit notation is also unnecessary, so you can use them freely.
First, please start with the free trial version.
▶ View Booth Shop
* Some fonts (Cafe Moji and Chig-hug free trial version only) are for personal use only. Other than these, both the free trial version and the product version can be used for commercial purposes and do not require credit.
Summary
Fonts also have copyrights. "Free = can be used for anything" is a misunderstanding
Whether it is commercial use or not is based on "whether money is generated directly or indirectly"
Even if it is "commercially available," trademark registration and redistribution of font data are not allowed
LINE stickers are not allowed if the font becomes the main character
If you are unsure, it is certain to contact the author
Choosing fonts that are "commercially available and require no credit" from the start is the easiest way
I hope this helps you with your font selection. If you have any other questions like "What about this case?", please feel free to leave a comment.