Re: Font copyright infringement?

Barbara Babbles;
As an ex-typographer who'd type designs short-listed for inclusion in
the Letragraphica range, I know this one.
Short answer is yes and no.

If a font is modified to the extent that it no longer belongs to its
original typeface familly, then the fact it was "inspired" by a monotype
font is not relevent - it's yiur typeface and copyright.

If the modifications are minor, or the "new" font retains "the look and
feel" of the typeface familly it was derived from then it is in
copyright violation. But, you've done nothing wrong until you try to
distribute it - even for free as a give away, it would still be
unlawful.

The best course of action is to make the font, then inform the copyright
owners that you have done so, and why you did so (ie to correct
percieved error or inadaquacies). If you do not intend to distribute
offer to pay for the font, if you'd like it distributed offer the font
to whomever holds the licence - if they accept you should get a small
royalty for each copy distributed - if they reject it they will impose
conditions for use which you must follow; IE personal use only/
non-distribution or even destruction.

My advice is that in your covering letter you should try and convince
them there is a niche market out there for your redesign.

Barbara