Hi, I'm rather new in here, seems like there are some clever people in here, I have a couple of questions I hope someone can/will answer: The use of fonts: I tried doing a search for this, however I coulden't find anything, might be because English is not my mother-tounge. When using a font, any font really, in a design or a logo - can this be illegal? What about changing the fonts? - I'm talking mostly about the fonts that comes with Windows XP, Office etc. As I guess If you buy new fonts there will be some guidance there. The main question is however: What if you made your own fonts, based on a commercial fonts (and it most likely will never be exactly the same) - Is there any chance they will sue you for that?
If you make something based off of something else, it's a derivative work and yes, you can be sued. Whether you will be sued and if so, if you will win/lose is another matter. It's best to check out the font in question first to see if there are any use parameters. Never assume something is public domain. Everything created that is copyright eligible has copyright protection. It's up to the owner to decide on acceptable usage beyond legal stipulations. If you have the money, get an IP lawyer.
If you mean- can you use a font someone else created in a design, yes (you don't need to modify it either). Can you make your own font to sell - no, not if you just modify someone elses work.
Not entirely correct. You may need to license the font and some fonts might be restricted. There is no free use policy that's universal (unless it's now in the public domain). Like anything created, it's on a case by case basis.
They said they were talking about fonts that came with XP/Office or fonts that they purchase (which would have usage guidance). As far as I know, any font that comes with XP or Office would allow usage in a logo, right?