# How to copyright a screenplay in the United States **Quick answer:** Writing an original script establishes copyright in the United States. Registration is generally required before filing a copyright infringement lawsuit over a United States work, not for protection to begin. Source: https://scriptsolo.com/blog/how-to-copyright-a-screenplay/ · Scriptsolo · Updated 2026-10-25 In the United States, your original screenplay has copyright once you write it down. If you're asking how to copyright a screenplay, registration is a separate, generally optional step. For the writing process itself, see the [guide to writing a screenplay](https://scriptsolo.com/guides/how-to-write-a-screenplay/). This page covers the distinction between creating your script and registering it. > **Not legal advice:** This page is general information about copyright in the United States and is not legal advice. Rules differ by country. A lawyer can advise on your specific situation. ## Is a screenplay copyrighted automatically? **Copyright**: Copyright is protection for your original expression, established automatically once it is fixed in a tangible form, such as a written screenplay. A premise alone is not protected. For example, your original written scene does not wait for registration to have copyright protection. ## What does copyright registration add? **Copyright registration**: Copyright registration is a separate step with the U.S. Copyright Office, generally optional for protection to exist. For a U.S. work, registration or refusal of registration is generally required before filing a copyright infringement lawsuit, a claim that someone violated your copyright. For example, owning copyright in your written script does not mean you can immediately file that lawsuit. ## What does registering a screenplay involve? Use the U.S. Copyright Office's current instructions when you choose to register. For example, distinguish registering your written script from recording it with the WGA West Registry. **Separate writing from registration** 1. **Write your original screenplay.** Put the script into written form. Copyright begins automatically at that point. 2. **Decide whether to register.** Consider registration separately from automatic protection. Ask a lawyer how registration applies to your situation. 3. **Use the Copyright Office's current instructions.** Use the U.S. Copyright Office's registration guidance if you proceed. Do not treat WGA West registration as a substitute. ## What is the WGA West Registry? **WGA West Registry**: The WGA West Registry is a service of the Writers Guild of America West that keeps a dated record of a script. It does not create copyright or give statutory protection, and it does not replace copyright registration. For example, a WGA West record documents when your script existed. That record is not registration with the U.S. Copyright Office. ## Does copyright protect your idea? Copyright protects original expression, not the underlying idea. “A repair worker discovers a hidden message” is a premise; the original scene below gives that idea written expression. Its scene heading, the line showing where and when, places us in a repair shop. **Example:** An idea expressed as a written scene ``` INT. CLOCK REPAIR SHOP - NIGHT NELL lifts the back from a clock. A folded note drops onto her workbench. She opens it: DON'T REPAIR THE ALARM. NELL Then why bring it here? ``` ## What is a poor man's copyright? **Poor man's copyright**: A poor man's copyright is the practice of mailing yourself a copy of your work. Copyright law has no provision for it, and it is not a substitute for registration. For example, mailing yourself a printed screenplay does not replace registering it with the Copyright Office. ## When should you talk to a lawyer? Talk to a lawyer when you need advice about your specific circumstances. For example, seek advice if another writer disputes ownership of a script you wrote together. For help with the pages themselves, read about [outlining your screenplay](https://scriptsolo.com/blog/how-to-outline-a-screenplay/) and [finishing your first screenplay](https://scriptsolo.com/blog/how-to-finish-your-first-screenplay/). **Sources** - [U.S. Copyright Office, Circular 1 and general FAQ](https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html) (checked October 2026) - [U.S. Copyright Office, Circular 1](https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf) (checked October 2026) - [Writers Guild of America West Registry](https://www.wgawregistry.org/) (checked October 2026) [Start writing](https://scriptsolo.com/signup/) ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I have to register a screenplay before I send it out? Registration is generally optional for copyright protection to exist. Ask a lawyer whether registering before sharing fits your specific situation. ### Can I copyright a title? This page does not assess title protection. Ask a lawyer about your specific title and intended use. ### Does the rule differ outside the United States? Copyright rules differ by country. This page covers the United States; a lawyer can advise on your specific situation elsewhere.