I would explain to this client exactly what you stated here--it is illegal for you to distribute fonts. They are more than welcome to come to your studio and sit down and work with you on the design, or you load all onto a laptop and go see them, still doing the work.

"Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible."
— Frank Zappa

In many ways that would be like them asking you for your copy of Illustrator because you worked on their files using that program.

Fonts are licensed only to you. You are not required to give them to your client, though they are welcome to purchase a copy legally to view your files.

Your fonts are proprietary to your business. Either you purchased the right to their legal use, or they were freebies that you acquired and are now part of your business assets.

Stick to your guns. Your client has no more right to your font collection than it has to any other software you own. You may give them a list of the fonts you used, if you like, and -- if you can remember -- tell them where you got them (purchased or not). They can then go out and get them the same way you did. You cannot sell the rights to use your fonts, if the client suggests that. It would either violate the terms of your purchases or the spirit of freeware. In either case, they are asking you to do something that is legally and/or morally wrong. Don't do it.

Damn, this makes me angry. I'm totally on your side in this. Good luck!

Mara

Thanks for all your feedback. This forum is truly helpful. I may lose the client over this, but I feel more comfortable sticking to my guns. I have decided that if they continue to work with me that I will give them all supporting files and fonts for a chosen and will advise them to purchase their own legal copy. But I will not also include the 223 that I used during the development.

-T

---
Good, fast, and cheap. Pick any Two.

On another note, why do they want your working files to "play" with. Isn't that what they hired you for? This certainly is turning into something distinctly different than the typical client/designer relationship. I would be leery of handing over my unflattened files to the client. That is, unless they have a contract stating that they may ask you for them.

Also, all of this for a logo? It seems to me that any unused comps would be your property anyway.

It sounds like you have a couple decisions to make....

Is your client a design firm? Why are you even considering turning over your supporting files? Clients are really entitled only to the flattened/font-outlined finished product. Is this an ad agency or design firm that's hired you to literally work WITH THEM on this project? If so, there's even more reason to be firm about your boundaries on this. They should (and probably do) know better.

Mara

Just because a project is completed doesn't mean the client owns all the files! If your contract is clearly worded, you should have a clause stating you own all the rights to your work unless expressly transferred. You charge a fee to transfer rights as well.

Even without this clause, if you do not have a "Work for Hire" arrangement you own what you create by virtue of copyright law in most states. Your client is trying to get something for nothing; they do this to photographers too.

----
Natobasso
dirtandrust.com
"Powerpoint is not a design application"

Nat's right on all counts. This arrangement smells pretty stinky to me. Don't give an inch.

Mara

Just convert all your text to outlines and tell them to piss off!!!

----
UPDATED PORTFOLIO
www.jhousedesign.com

It worked! Good for you! Sounds like the reaction you initially got was pretty defensive, suggesting that they knew they were pushing their luck. I'm sure they have more respect for you now. It's a good sign that they've given you more work.

Thanks for telling us how this came out. Your experience should inspire all of us to stand up for our rights.

Mara

Congrats on standing up for yourself and making things better for the rest of us in the design community by educating this client. In all honesty, it sounds like this client was trying to use your kind nature and (forgive me if this sounds rude, it's not meant to) inexperience to get over on you. If this client is as "high profile" as you say, they know the way things work, but they were playing on your naivete in order to trick you into giving up your hard work (and your property) and most likely would've stiffed you to boot.

I hope you've been paid for the work you've already completed before agreeing to do anything else for this client. Watch this one like a hawk and make sure your contracts are very precise.

On the project in question there are still some issues with payment. I'm currently drawing up a very formal contract for continued work between us.

Thanks for all your help. As he became very upset when I didn't want to give him my fonts--I have to admit, I questioned myself. And I almost gave in. But it was this community here on CB that helped me stand my ground. And I have grown because of it.

Rock on!

---
Good, fast, and cheap. Pick any Two.
The future is now.
Big Pony Blog
Tiffany Pilgrim Design

Personally, I'd politely tell them to cock off.