French Font Designer Accuses Brazilian Tourist Board of Copyright Infringement

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – French designer Benoit Sjöholm has charged the Brazilian Tourist Board (Embratur) with infringing its copyright in the development of a new brand to promote tourism in Brazil abroad.

Launched two weeks ago, the “Visit Brazil and love us” campaign uses a typeface font designed by the artist that cannot be used commercially without authorization. Interviewed by G1 news site on Friday, July 26th, the federal entity acknowledged its mistake and said it would change the campaign.

The “Fontastique” font is available for purchase from specialized websites, but can only be used by individuals. Commercial use is prohibited without the designer’s consent.

Embratur has admitted to having used a font that cannot be used commercially and stated that it would alter the brand, seeking a freely available font.

Embratur’s own servers designed the new brand. According to the agency, the decision was taken to provide “savings and promptness.”