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. This page covers the distinction between creating your script and registering it.
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
- Write your original screenplay
Put the script into written form. Copyright begins automatically at that point.
- Decide whether to register
Consider registration separately from automatic protection. Ask a lawyer how registration applies to your situation.
- 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.
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 and finishing your first screenplay.