Request ID: FOI-2399-2324 Date published: 11 October 2023
You asked
Is it possible for requesting / providing the Johnston 100 and the Johnston Delf Smith due to a private usage, this would not be public use and won't disclose to public.
We answered
Thank you for your request which we received on 6 October 2023.You asked:
Is it possible for requesting / providing the Johnston 100 and the Johnston Delf Smith due to a private usage, this would not be public use and won't disclose to public.
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 youhave requested.
However, we are not obliged to supply the Johnston 100 and 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
