TfL Ref: FOI-0176-2324
Thank you for your request which we received on 18 April 2023. You asked:
If there exists a digital file for your Johnston Delf Smith typeface (as used at Sudbury Town station), I would like to ask if it may be possible to receive such a file? I would use it purely for personal use on my computer. Please could I have it in any Mac-compatible file type? (.otf and .ttf are the most common.)
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you have requested.
However, we are not obliged to supply the files for the Johnston Delf Smith typeface as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information under section 43(2) – the exemption relating to prejudice of commercial interests.We are applying this exemption because TfL owns design and copyrights for all cuts of the Johnston 100 font. TfL and its subsidiaries use the font, and allow companies working with, or for, TfL to use the typeface under a license. Application for a copy is only available by completing one of the licence request forms via this link; https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/suppliers-and-contractors/font-requests
As a consequence, disclosing our Johnston typeface format files, which, despite the copyright protection, would essentially enable other parties to use the typeface without TfL’s permission, would be likely to prejudice TfL’s commercial interests by diminishing the exclusivity, distinctiveness and marketability of the TfL brand, of which the typeface is an integral element.
Our typeface forms part of our corporate identity and helps ensure that the general public knows the information or services provided are supplied, or endorsed, by TfL or its subsidiaries. There is therefore a strong public interest in restricting and protecting external use to maintain the continued trust in our information and services that TfL and its subsidiaries provide. Aside from promoting the general principle of free and open data from public authorities, there are no public interest factors in favour of disclosure of this information. As such, we consider that the section 43(2) exemption applies.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall
FOI Case Management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
