How to Copyright Your Script

Copyright on written works such as a movie script is automatic; you receive protections at the moment of creation. However, to better protect yourself against movie script piracy, you can register your copyright under the category of Performing Art Works.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• a completed application Form PA http://www.copyright.gov/forms/formpai.pdf

1. Obtain the application Form PA from the Library of Congress. Fill it out completely, providing information about the authors and the work.

2. Include a copy of the unpublished movie script you are registering, which will not be returned, and a fee payment. All items must be sent together in one envelope or package.

3. Mail the package to:

   Library of Congress
   Copyright Office
   101 Independence Avenue, S.E.
   Washington, D.C. 20559-6000

Tips & Warnings

• Your copyright registration will be effective on the day that the Copyright Office receives your complete and accurate application, payment and the copy of your script.

• Yes, you can copyright your work by simply adding the following copyright symbol and information to your script--

• The symbol © (the letter "C" in a circle), or the word "Copyright"

• The year of first publication of the work

• The name of the copyright owner. Example: © 2008 Betty Brown HOWEVER, you are advised to go the full route with a government copyrighting, especially if you expect the ownership could be disputed once the script is circulated and seen as an item of value. This is especially true if the exact day the script was created is arguable.

References

• U.S. Copyright Office: Form PA