Re: [Plib-devel] Re: legal matters

[Andy R. <an...@pl...>]

Melchior FRANZ wrote:
> The mere conversion of data does *not* change license and copyright!

Sure it does.  The converted file format is a new work, and has its
own copyright.  You seem to be under the impression that a single
"file" (or whatever) can carry only one copyright.  That is incorrect.
The original work is the property of the font author, the changes
involved generated file is the property of whoever ran the conversion
tool.  The combined work must be distributed within the licence
granted by both parties.  This kind of thing happens all the time.  It
is *very* common for files in the commercial world to carry multiple
copyrights at the top.

Remember also that the copyright notice is only a formality, under the
Berne conventions.  The existence of copyright is automatic, and not
dependent on registration or claim.  Putting the notice at the top is
just evidence for future litigation; it shows that the original author
believed that the work was his/her/its property.

Just put a multi-copyright note at the top and all will be well.
There is nothing illegal going on here, so long as Plib's and the
fonts license requiresments are compatible.

Andy