In Monotype’s font distribution agreement, there is a section about 'Modification Rights.' For some foundries, the idea of allowing someone else to modify font files that they’ve lovingly crafted is a scary thought. But don’t fear! We’re here to demystify this part of the agreement.
What are modifications?
A modification is any alteration made to a font, usually at the request of a customer. You can generally think about modifications in two categories: Non-Design and Design. Non-design modifications can include anything from renaming font files to converting font formats, while design changes could involve changing the design of specific glyphs or adding additional weights or languages. The table below outlines the differences.
Classes of Modifications
|
Modification Class |
Examples |
Who does it? |
|---|---|---|
|
Non-Design |
|
Monotype |
|
Design - Glyph Extrapolation |
|
Monotype reaches out to the foundry first |
|
Design - Glyph Set Expansion |
|
Monotype reaches out to the foundry first |
|
Design - Family Expansion |
|
Monotype reaches out to the foundry first |
Why does Monotype need modification rights?
Monotype needs modification rights to complete orders for customers.
One of the most common modifications we must do when licensing fonts is to generate webfonts for customers. For example, we dynamically generate WOFF webfonts from your OTF or TTF font files after the customer has placed an order for a webfont license. This ensures that the webfonts are thoroughly tested, high quality, configurable, and create the best possible customer experience. This is done at no charge to the foundry. It does require that we have modification rights.
Monotype is unique because we have both e-commerce and offline font distribution channels. Our offline distribution channel is made up of Monotype’s enterprise sales team which primarily focuses on our larger customers. Enterprise customers have additional needs when they are licensing fonts for their brand, such as being able to support all languages where their brand is used. This is another common situation where modification rights are important.
Monotype’s Process for Customer Modifications
Monotype only modifies fonts if a customer requests a specific change. When Monotype receives a request from a customer who wants to modify a font not owned by Monotype, here’s what happens:
We do Non-Design changes ourselves, in order to save time and get the customer their fonts as quickly as possible. Most Non-Design changes are automated. (See the column “Who does it?” in the table above for more details.)
If Monotype receives a request for a Design change, we first reach out to the foundry that owns the font, to see if they want to do the modification or if they want us to do it.
If the foundry wants to do the work, they provide Monotype with a price and time quote. This is then passed on to the customer for approval. If approved, the foundry does the work, delivers the files, and Monotype pays them for that work.
If the foundry doesn’t have the resources or time to complete the work, the Monotype Studio will take care of the modifications. The Monotype Studio is a highly skilled team of over 50 font technicians and type designers with the capability and expertise to handle large, complicated modifications in a wide range of languages.
Who owns the modifications?
You do! Modifications made by Monotype are owned by the foundry. However, Monotype has the exclusive right to the modifications, and can distribute the modified fonts for the term of the agreement.
How do royalties for modifications work?
You (the foundry) own the modifications, so you receive royalties. Royalties for modifications are paid at the rates established in your agreement, for the term of the license.