Screenwriting : Copyright of Screenplay by Donny Woo

Thanks Mike Childress

hi everyone, how do you go about copyrighting a script, I'm really new to this. Many thanks, Sam.

Mike Childress thank you very much.

Thank you Mike Childress

Yes Donny Woo you must register your copyright first. US Copyright Office is the right one as Mike Childress shared! I am cheering for you.

I will. Thank you very much Sandra Isabel Correia

Yes. Absolutely.

Always copyright before you share or submit.

Yes. I register mine through the WGA.

Yes. Always register with the US Copyright Office. Also, put a copyright symbol with the year written and your name on the cover page.

Thanks for the suggestion Jack Binder

Jack Binder I usually write like this in my cover script: © 2024 It's correct according your advice? Thank you.

copyright it or register it with the writers guild. Always protect your work.

Jack Binder, don't think posting a copyright symbol and year on your title is amateurish? Also, showing the year would date the project and those reading it would think, "Oh, this is an old script."

Sandra Isabel Correia yes, with your name or company or copyright holders.

@fransicocastro I do not. I see your point, however, copyright law is such that the act of applying the symbol conveys copyright protection in itself. It also makes it clear that it is indeed copyrighted (for those whom fear theft.) As for the date, it sets that in writing in the event of a conflict. I see it as smart. It's a personal choice of course. If it's an old script, you could leave the date out.

Thank you Jack Binder :))

copyright

Registering with the WGA may give you peace of mind; however, if you ever have to defend yourself in court it will not protect you. Only a copyright will protect you against infringement should it happen. And no, you do not really hold a copyright once you create something; copyright is attained by registering with the Government; I know it is said once you create something you are the owner/creator by virtue of doing But this will not hold up in court if you are infringed upon.

hahaha I hope no one take "good artis copy, great artis steal" literally in their professional life. Mike Childress

If one bothers writing a script, a professional will bother protecting the work with a proper copyright . . . something that will hold up in court if the work is compromised. So do not heed someone saying "I wouldn't stress over it..." that is simply poor advice. Consider yourself a professional and act accordingly. As Mike pointed out you are protected in the act of creating the work... but one shouldn't think this jungle cares about that. Protect yourself with something that will truly stand up in court. You may have that "great idea" that someone will steal for . . .