The Study On The Copyright Protection Of The Single Computer Typeface

Whether a single computer typeface should be protected by Copyright Law leads to great controversies in theoretical and practical extent of the intellectual property law. The single computer typeface possesses same strokes and fixed structures, so the design of every single typeface should follow the standardized strokes and fixed structures, and some strokes even entered into the public field. The expression of the single typeface can’t be separated from the thoughts, which greatly limits the originality of the single typeface design. Even the formation of the single computer typeface can’t meet the creativity. Generally speaking, the single computer typeface can’t fulfill the requirements of originality in copyright law. And only when the computer typeface possesses the characteristic of significance, it can meet the demand of originality. The practicality is the basic function of the single computer typeface. And the artistry of the single computer typeface eventually can’t be isolated from the practicality and it can not be an art works. Therefore, the single computer typeface can’t be categorized as an art works in copyright law. In order to keep the balance of interests between the computer typeface industry and the public, the single computer typeface is not suitable for protected by the copyright law. However, the programs which produce the single computer typeface should be protected by copyright law. Under the present legal system of intellectual property rights in China, the single computer typeface can receive an extra protection from the industrial design patent. And obtain a passive protection from the anti-unfair competition law and other ways. Strengthening self-discipline in computer typeface industry is also an important way to protect the computer typeface.