Is my Screenplay Protected by Copyright Laws?
As a screenwriter, you spend countless hours working on your screenplay. And when it’s done, you need to know it’s protected. Should someone attempt to take credit for your hard work or otherwise infringe on your intellectual property, do you know your rights? Whether you’re writing your first screenplay, or you’ve written several before, you’re probably wondering! Is my screenplay protected by copyright laws?
Understanding basic copyright laws and the protection afforded to you and your intellectual property is important for any screenwriter. In fact, this is a critical component to navigating the entertainment business. Here’s what you need to know.
An Entire Screenplay is NOT Required for Copyright Protection
You might have heard that ideas are not copyrighted. And perhaps you even thought that you had to write an entire screenplay in order to protect your idea for a show or movie. However, an entire screenplay is not required in order to apply for copyright protection of your ideas.
A mere concept for a movie that has not been fully hashed out is not eligible for copyright protection. But writing a strong logline and synopsis for your film or a treatment will be sufficient for copyright.
We strongly recommend you apply for a copyright in this early stage of fleshing out your screenplay ideas.
The WGA Does NOT Provide Copyright Protection
If you’re wondering whether it’s better to register your script or screenplay with the Writers Guild of America or the U.S. Copyright Office, the answer is – the U.S. Copyright Office!
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) does not provide copyright protection as they are a labor union for screenwriters.
Their focus is on collective bargaining agreements for screenwriters and those in the film industry, but they cannot provide protection or enforcement of U.S. Copyright laws. Therefore, if you’re interested in protecting your screenplay, you need to apply for a copyright first.
Your Screenplay is NOT Protected until You Receive Copyright Confirmation
A screenplay copyright is important, especially with advances in technology which make it faster and easier than ever before to have your literary works plagiarized or otherwise stolen. But if you’ve applied for a copyright, don’t just assume that your screenplay is protected.
Your screenplay is not fully protected by copyright laws until you have proof of copyright registration and confirmation. Make sure you play it safe with your intellectual property until you’ve confirmed your copyright registration.
After Receiving Confirmation
Once you’ve received proof that your copyright has been registered, you can expect your screenplay to be protected by copyright laws.
This means that your screenplay cannot be reproduced without your consent, that no prequels, sequels, plays, or other works can be created from your screenplay.
Anyone interested in performing your screenplay or otherwise publicly displaying work from your screenplay will be required to seek permission from you, first.
