A national newspaper is being reported to advertising watchdogs for illegal fly-posting.
Brighton and Hove City Council took the action after posters advertising a free pop CD were put up by The Guardian two weeks ago.
Posters appeared at various locations including Viaduct Road and Preston Road.
Many were attached to boards stuck in city-centre railings alongside roads and on traffic islands. Others were found blowing along streets.
Council officers are also reporting a number of record companies and computer games manufacturers.
The Guardian has undertaken to remove its posters after the council threatened it with prosecution under planning laws.
Council officers have now lodged a complaint with the Advertising Standards Authority. They hope it can bring pressure to bear on national advertisers to clean up their act.
Environment councillor Chris Morley said: "These big companies ought to know better. They can afford to pay for legitimate advertising."
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