how do i get it copyright protection for my script??

Question

I'm writing a comedy script but I'm worried somebody will steal my ideas how do i get it copyright protection??

Answer 1

You can do all the things people recommend here - posting it to yourself, registering it with a service or Writers Guild etc - but it won't do you any good.

Firstly, you can't copyright an idea. You can copyright a specific script (in fact you automatically have copyright as soon as you print it), but not characters or sitiuations.

Secondly, it will make you look like an amateur to splash copyright declarations on ever page (once at the start is fine, if you feel the need). If you're capable of writing a good, funny script, production companies won't want to rip off that one idea and thereby ensure that you never work with them again: they will want to nurture you and milk you until they've got every ounce of productivity out of you. Imagine if the BBC has stolen Citizen Smith off John Sullivan - but thereby missed out on Just Good Friends, Dear John and Only Fools and Horses?

Thirdly, who will work on this stolen idea? Real professional writers are much too busy pushing their own ideas to want to chew someone else's used gum.

Don'ty worry about making it copyright - worry about making it GOOD.

Answer 2

The short answer is you can't.

The long answer is you can. You can make a copy of it, post it off to yourself via signed delivery, sign for it, don't open it and keep it in a safe place. As long as it's not been opened, it's still yours. You can take it to court and say, "But look, it's not been opened."

The problem with scripts is that all you have to do it change the names and tweak the words and it's no longer the same. Also scripts just changed all the time. Especially when actors act them out. Might turn out a phrase doesn't work out when said out loud so that'll need tweaking.

I suggest that you take a risk and just send it out. If someone nicks it, then feel flattered and then look for an agent. Or even take it to court.

Good luck!!!!

Answer 3

the old fashioned way is to post a copy of it to yourself and keep the envelope sealed. The postmark will verify the age of the script. You should also put the copyright symbol on all the pages of the script together with your name and the year. Hope that helps good luck

Answer 4

You automatically get a copyright when you save it on your computer, as all computers put a time/date stamp on the file. Really... you do not have to file any paperwork.

As for ideas, they can't really be copyrighted. You can also not copyright a title or a plot. The only thing that can be copyrighted are the actual words you write for dialog and descriptions.

Answer 5

You only need to prove that you are the first person to have the script in your possession. So, put it in a sealed envelope addressed to yourself and send it to your home address. Then, write on the back of the envelope the name and address of a reliable witness and get them to sign it and date it. A police man or doctor, teacher, lawyer etc.... then either leave it in their possession or someone else reliable and that's pretty much it. If it makes you feel any better, theft of scripts etc is very very rare indeed. It's a bit of a myth that they get stolen. Oh! don't ever open the envelope in case it ever does go to court for any reason

And...have it sent recorded delivery and get them to put the stamps and label on the seal of the envelope. I do it all the time.

Answer 6

On each page write : Copyright 2006 by (your name). When finished make a copy and seal it in an envelope and tape it shut. Then mail it to yourself. Never open it, keep it in a safe place. If anyone ever tries to copy you you can prove by the postmark and your claimed copyright that the work is yours.

Answer 7

You can give yourself a poor man copyright

@ 2001 farkson enterprises

or you can register it with both the Writers Guild of America and the Copyright Office of the US.

Answer 8

The moment it is written, you automaticly have copywrite protection. However, you can also register it with the Library of Congress officially to get more protection. That process, last time I checked, was around 35 bucks. But it has probably gone up since then.

Answer 9

The best way is to registered it with the Writer's Guild of America. It is only $20 or so dollars. You bring or send a copy to them. Give them a call if there is not a chapter near you. And, no you do not have to be a member.

Answer 10

I remember leaning this in school, and if memorie serves me correct i belive your local library has forms to get something copyrighted. I think you have to pay like $50 and send the form and money to the local government, and they will make it copyrighted by sending you a certificate.