First: Do Not Panic — But Do Not Ignore It
Font licensing firms (often representing Monotype, foundries, or font distributors) send thousands of demand letters annually. Most are form letters triggered by automated detection of unlicensed web use.
Ignoring the letter typically escalates the claim. Responding thoughtfully is almost always better.
This article is informational, not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for your situation.
Step 1: Verify the Letter Is Legitimate
Check for:
- Law firm or licensing company letterhead
- Specific font names cited (not vague threats)
- Your domain or company name correctly identified
- Contact information that matches known licensing firms
Beware of scam letters with vague claims and pressure to pay via unusual methods.
Step 2: Document Everything
Preserve:
- The letter (PDF/email) with dates
- Screenshots of your site before making changes
- Current CSS, font files, and CDN configurations
- Any purchase receipts or license PDFs you hold
- Internal records of who built the site and when
Step 3: Audit Your Site Immediately
Run a full font scan to confirm:
- Which flagged fonts are actually deployed
- On which pages they appear
- Whether they are self-hosted, Adobe, or Google Fonts
- If additional unlicensed fonts exist beyond what the letter mentions
You need a complete inventory — not just the one font in the demand.
Step 4: Remove or License Infringing Fonts
Fastest risk reduction: remove the font and deploy a licensed alternative.
- Replace
@font-facerules and CDN imports - Clear CDN and browser caches
- Verify removal via a fresh scan
- Document the removal date
If you choose to license retroactively, contact the foundry or distributor. Some will negotiate; others will not offer retroactive licenses at all.
Step 5: Respond Through Counsel (Recommended)
An attorney experienced in IP disputes can:
- Assess the claim's validity
- Negotiate settlement amounts (often far below initial demands)
- Ensure your response does not admit liability unnecessarily
- Set appropriate timelines for remediation
Many small businesses settle in the low four figures when they act quickly and remove the font. Initial demand numbers are often starting points.
Step 6: Prevent Recurrence
After resolution:
- Add font auditing to your launch checklist
- Maintain a font license folder per project
- Train designers and developers on desktop vs web license differences
- Schedule quarterly scans for active sites
What Not to Do
- ❌ Reply angrily or admit fault without legal review
- ❌ Assume "everyone uses this font" is a defense
- ❌ Replace the font but keep the same file URL cached
- ❌ Ignore follow-up correspondence
How FontScanner Helps After a Letter
- Confirm scope — find every instance of the cited font
- Find others — discover additional risks before they become second claims
- Prove removal — re-scan after remediation for your records
- Ongoing monitoring — periodic audits on retainer
Conclusion
A cease-and-desist letter is a wake-up call, not necessarily a catastrophe. Act fast, audit thoroughly, remove or license the fonts, and get legal counsel before agreeing to any payment.