The Cheapest and Most Effective Ways to Protect Your Screenplay

Many aspiring screenwriters wonder, 'What is the cheapest way to copy write my screenplay?' The good news is that your screenplay, once it's created and fixed in a tangible form, is automatically protected under copyright laws. Specifically, the U.S. Copyright Office states that your work is immediately protected the moment it's created. However, relying solely on this automatic protection might not be enough if you face legal challenges or concerns about potential infringement. This article will explore the most cost-effective and powerful ways to protect your screenplay.

Automatic Copyright Protection

According to the U.S. Copyright Office, your screenplay is automatically protected the moment it's created and fixed in a tangible form. You don't need to do anything extra to claim this protection. Merely adding your name to the work qualifies you for copyright. However, this automatic protection may not be sufficient evidence in a legal case. Therefore, providing evidence of prior art, such as eyewitness testimony, a competition win, or public forum participation, can strengthen your case.

Established Registry Protection

The strongest means of protection is through an established registry. The U.S. Library of Congress is the most prominent registry and provides additional protection for your screenplay. The cost is currently $35 for a single author. This registration not only documents your claim of authorship but also helps establish your ownership and rights to the work. While The Writers Guild of America West (WGA) offers a script registration service at $20 per script, their service is primarily a document of authorship and does not replace the protection offered by the U.S. Copyright Office.

WGA Registration Details

The Writers Guild of America West (WGA) offers a script registration service but explicitly states that their registration only documents the claim of authorship and does not substitute for the primary registration with the U.S. Copyright Office. Importantly, WGA registration is only guaranteed for five years, whereas the lifetime copyright from the U.S. Copyright Office offers better long-term protection.

Substantive Changes and Idea Protection

It's common to make substantial changes to your screenplay in subsequent drafts. However, these changes are not automatically protected by copyright. Copyright law is subjective and does not protect ideas. Only the fixed and written work as submitted is protected. Therefore, having a formal registration is crucial if you wish to enforce your rights against potential plagiarizers or other infringers.

Common Misconceptions

A common misconception is the "poor man's copyright," where writers send a copy of their script to themselves via registered mail. This approach is not advised and is not considered a valid form of protection. According to the U.S. Copyright Office, there is no provision for such protection, and it is not a substitute for formal registration. Taking the proper steps to register your screenplay will provide you with the necessary legal backing.

Conclusion

The cost of protecting your screenplay can range from free (automatic copyright protection) to $35 (Library of Congress registration). If you are serious about protecting your work, consider the full cost-benefit analysis. While automatic copyright protection is necessary, additional registration with a recognized registry can significantly strengthen your legal claims. In summary, the cheapest yet most effective way to protect your screenplay is to take both automatic and formal registration steps to ensure comprehensive protection.