Fonts

[flashpig]

Do companies have fonts invented for themselves to use in advertising, or do they just use an already existing one?

As far as brand recognition goes, I'd say I recognise the fonts used in M&S as well as Sainsbury's adverts as quick as I would the logos (and consideing their logos are 'M&S' and 'Sainsbury's' that'd be pretty quick - maybe I'm exaggerating). Probably a few more.

Would I be able to use a M&S font or would I have to pay M&S/the fontographer(?) for doing so?

[kwillmott]

Some fonts (or letters) would be covered as copyright/trade marks. But I expect you would have to pay to use them.

[tonymclark]

copyright of a logo or trademark doesn't mean they have copyright of the typeface ( if it is an existing typeface ), just the rights to the word in that style and arrangement.

[brachiopod]

Yes, many companies / organisations have their own fonts created for their own branding.

These are often zealously guarded, and they are very unlikely to allow you to use it - especially without knowing exactly what you intend to use it for.

This doesn't mean you can't get hold of them, or perhaps an imitation (many free font sites carry fonts that people have created in the style of a more famous / recognisable one) - just be careful where you use it - ie. not in a commercially published medium.

[gary baldy]

You would be surprised what famous brands use 'off the shelf' fonts and you can find on most computers.
I think M&S is Helvetica Neue Ultra Light but Sainsburys is their own version of a Palatino -esque font.
Look here for examples:

http://www.fonts.com/FavoriteFonts/FamousFonts.htm

[Mikeyd2]

One of the famous fonts is London Transport's (as it used to be called ), forget who created it , used on all there signs , posters etc. Was it Harry Beck who created the famous Undergound map style?

[gary baldy]

The type on the Underground is called Johnston Sans named after its creator Edward Johnston

[brachiopod]

Yup, Harry Beck devised the map. The LU font was by Edward Johnston.

[brachiopod]

Sorry gb - cross-posted !!

[brachiopod]

Or is that cross-posterised ?????

[Mikeyd2]

Thanks for the answer. File that for the pub quiz ....

[gary baldy]

No need to apologise brachiopod - its all good!
Johnston Sans is inspired/ ripped off from Gill Sans which is my personal favourite (is it sad to have a favourite font?)