Communications and Marketing 
 
 
 
Room 138 New Wing 
Somerset House 
Strand 
London 
 
 
WC2R 1LB
 
Steve Elibank 
 
 
[FOI #30590 email] 
Phone 
           
 
 
           
 
 
 
 
Fax 
           
 
 
  
www.hmrc.gov.uk 
 
Date 
8 April 2010 
 
 
Our ref 
FOI 1310/10 S Elibank 
            
           
Your ref 
           
________ 
 
           
           
 
 
Dear Mr Elibank, 
 
Request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 
 
I am writing to confirm that HMRC has now completed its search for the information you 
requested on 14 March 2010.  You asked about our corporate font HMRC Modena, and 
specifically: 
 
- how much did the font/license cost? 
- where did we buy it? 
- how was the decision made?  
- what other fonts were considered? 
 
We commissioned the design agency FutureBrand to create a version of the Modena font in 
2007 and the cost was £11,765 exc VAT. We called our version HMRC Modena. Licenses 
are not required as this as the cost included full copyright for HMRC. 
 
We looked at a number of typefaces before choosing Modena. We considered Ariel which is 
a standard font, but whilst Ariel is very clear when used at small sizes, it does not adapt 
when used in large formats such as signage or posters. Modena is legible at small sizes 
when used on forms and leaflets, and also has impact when used on posters and billboards.  
 
If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me. Please remember to quote the 
reference number above in any future communications. 
If you are not happy with this reply you may request a review by writing to HMRC FOI Team, 
Room 4/52, 100 Parliament Street London SWIA 2BQ. You must request a review within 2 
months of the date of this letter. It would assist our review if you set out which aspects of the 
reply concern you and why you are dissatisfied.  
 
 
Information is available in large print, audio and Braille formats. 
Text Relay service prefix number – 18001  
 
 
1310 10 Response
 
   

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If you are not content with the outcome of an internal review, you may apply directly to the 
Information Commissioner for a decision. The Information Commissioner will not usually 
consider a case unless you have exhausted the internal review procedure provided by 
HMRC. He can be contacted at The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, 
Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.  
 
Yours etc 
 
 
Yours faithfully, 
Kenneth Brown 
Design Services Manager 
 
2

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