Font legal issue help needed

[soho100]

Hi all

I have a big problem...a designer used the free font Roadgeek (which is based on Highway Gothic used on all roadsigns in the USA) in a graphic design project. Although it was clearly stated on Michael Adams site where he downloaded the font 'Personal use only, no commercial use', the designer failed to pass this information on to us and used the font regardless. Subsequently it was somehow spotted and we have received a letter from Terminal Design Inc. demanding $300,000 for using Roadgeek...gulp. I wonder does anyone have any experience in dealing with such font legal issues.

Any help greatly received.

[Boss Hog]

Seek expert advice and speak with your Solicitor. I suspect the buck lies with the designer though.

[linziloop]

Youch, 300,000?! How do they justify that?! I will admit the designer was in the wrong (maybe not intentionally, probably just had the font in their collection and not checked it out), but 300,000 seems so ridiculously excessive as compensation, where do they get these figures from?

[soho100]

Our solicitor spoke to our designer and checked the artwork and realised he didn't use Roadgeek but Highway Gothic so we are in the clear...phew.

Thanks.

[linziloop]

Wow, a lesson to certainly be learned though! For all designers and clients alike!

[printer people]

Sounds Simla to the old Getty Images - Show of hands, who's been court out by them.

[squeezee]

That's a bit scary...I presume that the $300,000 dollars is to scare you into reaching an out-of-court settlement.

[Ian Bonner]

Thats a bit naughty on their part. They must have known it was not their font?! Is that legal on THEIR part?!

[Dave L]

Good question: being accused on entirely bogus grounds of a transgression which they themselves value at some $300k sounds like the sort of thing that could cause considerable distress - and what if you'd fallen for it? I'd be in contact with Terminal Design Inc/Michael Adams to see if there's anything they'd like to say about it before I take details of the experience to the press.

[Dave L]

... and I wonder what the creators of Highway Gothic might have to say about this apparent attempt to profit from their work...?

Seriously - follow it up.