Opinion ID: 445101
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: General vs. Limited Publication

Text: 5 From 1975 through 1977, Brewer distributed approximately 200 business cards bearing a small reproduction of the photograph to persons in the advertising industry, such as art directors and advertising agents. Hustler contends that this constituted a general publication, divesting Brewer of his common law copyright. See American Vitagraph, Inc. v. Levy, 659 F.2d 1023, 1026-27 (9th Cir.1981). There was sufficient evidence, however, for the jury to find that this constituted only a limited publication. Brewer restricted his publication to a select group of persons and to a very narrow purpose--obtaining employment. The reduced size of the photograph, its reproduction on a business card, and its limited distribution also support the jury's verdict. Thus, we reject Hustler's claim.