A reprint that mentions the name of the publication in which the article first was published has more credibility and value as a marketing tool than a reprint without that information. It should be noted that some publishers are likely to disagree with this analysis. Often lawyers simply photocopy their articles to distribute to clients and others on their mailing lists. Leaving out quality concerns, and assuming that no artwork or logo issues are involved as discussed above, that usually will present no copyright problems. That generally is not likely to be the case, especially for an article printed in a basic column format in a traditional or easily available typeface.
Publishers deal with the issue of reprints in a variety of different ways.
For instance, Mealey Publications, Inc., the law and business publisher based in King of Prussia, Pa., does not ask authors for an assignment of copyright. Indeed, Mealey will provide its regular columnists as well as its one-time or occasional contributors with 100 to 200 reprints at no cost, according to Mealey Managing Editor Maureen McGuire. Mealey recognizes that lawyers who distribute the reprints will be promoting Mealey's name and products, as well as themselves. The New York Law Journal has a different practice. That policy, he said, will continue.