Copyright Protection For Computer Font Library

The computer font library industry is accompanied by the development of digital technology,the font design also followed the trend and worked hard to “be cute”. Which in order to highlightits unique charm, meet the growing needs of diverse culture and promote the development ofcultural and creative industry. However, in China,“Copyright Law” does not provide for theadequate and effective copyright protection of font library, which resulting in the disputes over fontlibrary in the theory and practice circles. What’s worse, the font library industry face much pressureto survive because of their demands are not met. So how to protect the computer font libraryexactly, for general orientation or treating differently? Because of the particularity of Computerfont library, we can determine the scope of protection under the principle of distinction, which tobe protected from the font software, font library and individual character.In chapter one is the feasibility analysis for copyright protection of the font library. First,define the fonts and other related concepts. Second, According to the principle of distinction,analyze the legal attributes and the possibility under the copyright protection. Third, analyze thenecessity for its protection through combining with font features and market demand, industryinvestment and risk font and the legal deficiency.In chapter two discussed the protection of computer font library applicable copyright lawsaccording to the theory. Firstly, if the individual character want to apply to copyright protection, themost important is to have a distinctive personality, and also meet remarkable originalityrequirement. Secondly, the computer font library is a database made up by individual words.Finally, font code also could obtain copyright protection with constituting the computer software.In chapter three study the protection of computer font library on the practical level. In judicialpractice, tort judge and the parties to consider the balance of interests is the main character of theapplicable issue. Firstly, if copying the whole font library illegally, regardless of whether they havethe originality, such acts constitute infringement. But if only use one word to a lack of originality,generally not considered infringement. Secondly, considering the problem of balance of interests.Because of the special of computer font library typeface, involving the public, font industry,designers, etc. So it should make a comprehensive consideration and step by step implementation.In chapter four，we compared different protected mode from different countries，and then put forward system concept which is protected by copyright laws based, supplemented by other modesof protection. On one hand, a clear standard of originality, it gains the same copyright protection asworks of art when individual character in font library possess its originality. On the other hand,increasing the variety of neighboring rights, then protecting the computer font library which meetsome requirements.