How do I patent plays that I wrote?

Answer 1

Like others have stated, that's a copyright.

You can do this at the US Copyright Office – see the last 2 links in the source box. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per application.

Despite what others state, a "poor man's" copyright is NOT the same as registering it. Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say:

"The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a 'poor man’s copyright.' There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration."

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

Patents are for devices. What you need for a play is a copyright. You get some copyright protection for free just by putting the phrase "copyright 2006 Your Name All rights reserved." on the first page of your script. That is a start. If you want to get stronger rights (like not just discouraging copiers but suing the heck out of them if they copy it) you need to get a copyright application (available online or in many libraries) and send it with a fee of hundreds of dollars and a copy of the play's script. It depends on how serious you are about protection.

Answer 3

you can't patent a play. it's not an invention. you can copyright it, though.