How to Copyright a Script
When you write a screenplay or any other written work, such as novels, journals, and stories, you form a basic copyright protection the instant you put an idea and text to paper. Registering a screenplay with the copyright office gives it added protection, helps keep people from stealing your work, and can entitle you to damages and lawyer fees in an infringement case. The protected screenplay is copyrighted for more than 100 years, and the process only takes a few minutes to complete online using the Electronic Copyright Office.
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Instructions
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Polish and complete the final draft of your script. If you submit an early draft that is vastly different from your final draft, multiple registrations may be needed to claim the copyright on each version, so it is simpler and more cost effective to wait until the final draft is completed.
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Export the final draft as a PDF file. The Electronic Copyright Office does not accept files specifically made for screenwriting software and PDF files are not editable, so they are the easiest type to export to.
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Make sure your screenplay includes a title page with the title, author and contact information.
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Fill out the Electronic Copyright application form. Select the "Literary Works" category from the list of options. Double-check the spelling of your name and details of your address so there are no disputes about the proper copyright ownership.
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Select and enter a payment method. Prices vary, but screenplay registration is typically around 20 dollars per script.
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Attach the digital copy of your script to the application.
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Click on the "Submit" button and wait for a confirmation page to load. Click the "Submit" button only once so that the application is not sent multiple times.
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Copy the address and information to send a hard copy of your script for deposit at the copyright office. Mail the script to the copyright office and make sure you include all the proper application information so that the script is not lost and the process is not delayed.
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Tips & Warnings
Register all of your screenplays with the Writer's Guild of America for further protection and assistance. Many screenplay competitions, agents and movie studios will not read a script unless it registered with both the Copyright Office and the WGA.
