#COPYRIGHT MY SCREENPLAY ONLINE UPDATE#
#COPYRIGHT MY SCREENPLAY ONLINE REGISTRATION#
#COPYRIGHT MY SCREENPLAY ONLINE PLUS#

Which is a good idea, but perhaps not the best idea. Which is why all of your friends say to register scripts with the Writers Guild. Of course, if all you do is type a script and store it away somewhere, how can you ever prove that it existed at a certain point in time? (Which you would need to do if you were going after someone who has stolen your work.) You probably can't, not unless you also register your already-copyrighted material to create a public record of its existence. In fact, current law states that you do not have to register such materials for them to be copyrighted protection is automatically afforded 'original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible form of expression.' Meaning, just type the thing on paper or save it as a computer file and it's copyrighted. So what is protectible? A written treatment or outline of a fully developed, unique story should qualify for copyright protection, and a completed script usually does. If it's associated with a successful film some day, it might then qualify for some level of trademark protection, but until that time it's open season.

Nor can you copyright the titillating title that you dreamed up for the project. So know that if you blab about a great story while sharing a salad at Denny's, some sleaze at the next table can take the essence of what he overhears and develop a similar project, and you can't do a thing about it. The law says that a person cannot copyright a mere idea or concept, and though you can sue for 'idea misappropriation,' such cases are costly and nearly impossible to prove. Let's talk about what screenwriters really can and can't do to protect their work.įirst, what exactly is it that we're trying to protect? Our brilliant story ideas? Sorry, but we can't really protect those. Unfortunately, at least in this case, everyone's advice is worth slightly less than you paid for it. So what can you do? How can you protect your scripts? Well, everyone says to just register them with the Writers Guild, right? And all of your problems will disappear. Cars are insured, money can be borrowed, and, okay, a good parking space, that can be worth quite a bit, but to have someone steal your script? Ouch. Because many hours have been spent and emotions invested, and, funny, but an original story that's already been read by half of Hollywood just doesn't seem so original when pitched a second time. Yes dammit! It is! Stealing of the worst kind. But to steal someone's story? A little made-up tale? A hundred pages of FADE IN here and CUT TO there? Is that even stealing? Remember: Only by registering your screenplay with the US Copyright Office are you truly protecting the rights as a writer.To steal someone's car, money, parking space-that's low.

#COPYRIGHT MY SCREENPLAY ONLINE REGISTRATION#

A Writer’s Guild registration can be used as corroborating evidence in a trial, but without having your screenplay registered with the US Copyright Office the WGA registration is meaningless. Writer’s Guild of America registration does offer some additional protections for your screenplay, but WGA registration by itself lacks the power of copyright registration. What about Writers Guild of America registration?

#COPYRIGHT MY SCREENPLAY ONLINE UPDATE#

If at some point after the initial copyright of your screenplay, the characters, dialogue and/or structure change considerably, you may want to update you’re the copyright registration of your screenplay. The smart screenwriter will copyright his/her screenplay prior to sending it to agents, managers, production companies, or entering contests. Do I need to copyright my screenplay after each draft? If you are serious about your screenplay – about the characters, the dialogue and the plot – than trust Click and Copyright to secure the true copyright protection that you deserve. Other options simply do not provide the lasting protection for your screenplay that proper copyright registration provides.

#COPYRIGHT MY SCREENPLAY ONLINE PLUS#

Without that registration, you simply won’t have the grounds to seek compensatory damages for the unauthorized use of your screenplay.Ĭopyright protection for your screenplay lasts for your entire life plus 70 years.

If elements of your screenplay are ever stolen or used without your permission, the ONLY way for you to commence a copyright infringement proceeding in Federal court is by demonstrating that your screenplay copyright is already registered with the US Copyright Office. True copyright protection for your screenplay Click and Copyright makes it fast, easy and affordable for you to file your copyright and protect your screenplay today. The only way to truly protect your screenplay from unauthorized use and plagiarism is to register your copyright with the US Copyright Office.

Copyright my screenplay online