I’m putting together an info post for consumers on working with a letterpress studio. One thing that came up while I was making my notes was the issue of copyright. I’m hoping you studio owners and designers will offer your input on a couple of copyright-related questions.
If a customer comes to you with a design to print that uses type faces and/or graphics from her personal collection (but that she did not create herself), how do you handle that? Say, for example, Clemintine Customer buys a P22 font and an ornament graphic from a stock site. She creates a mockup of the invitation she wants and brings it to you for printing. Do you, the printer, then have to buy/license that font and graphic? I guess the question is who is responsible for securing the rights to use certain fonts/graphics? Printer or customer?
My second question my seem a little strange but I’ve seen it asked (or done) a few times on various wedding boards and I want the scoop from the designers. Once the finished project is in the hands of the client, can she do anything she wants with the design? Or do you retain the copyright for your original works?
You’re welcome to post your answers in the comments section or you may email me directly (info at iloveletterpress dot com).
Thanks!
One Response
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{from Devin G.}
Hey,
1st Q: The designer has to license the fonts or art used. If I design the piece, I have to license. If the client designs, he has to. If I am only the printer, I do not license.
2nd Q: What would the client do with a design? I’m not understanding that part of question. In nearly all cases the designer retains copyright for his/her work.