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Protect Your Work

When protecting a screenplay, you have two primary options: WGA (Writers Guild of America) Registration and U.S. Copyright Office Registration. Here’s how they differ and what they offer:

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1. WGA Registration

  • What It Does: The WGA offers a script registration service that provides a time-stamped proof of authorship. It acts as evidence in case of disputes over ownership.

  • How It Works: You submit your script to the WGA registry (either WGA West or WGA East), and they store it for five years.

  • Cost: Typically $20 for members and $30 for non-members.

  • Legal Protection: While it proves you wrote the script at a certain date, it does not grant legal copyright or provide strong legal recourse in infringement cases.

  • Best For: Writers looking for quick, low-cost proof of authorship for industry use or internal disputes.

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2. U.S. Copyright Office Registration

  • What It Does: Officially registers your script as intellectual property, granting you exclusive rights under U.S. copyright law.

  • How It Works: You file an application with the U.S. Copyright Office, including your script and a filing fee.

  • Cost: Usually around $45–$65.

  • Legal Protection: Provides strong legal standing in infringement cases, including the ability to sue for statutory damages and attorney’s fees if registered before an infringement occurs.

  • Best For: Writers who want full legal protection for their screenplay, especially if they plan to sell or produce it.

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Which One Should You Use?

  • For full protection, register with the U.S. Copyright Office.

  • For extra proof of authorship, consider WGA registration as a secondary safeguard.

  • If you’re just starting out and want basic protection, WGA is better than nothing, but it’s not a replacement for copyright registration.

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How to Register Your Screenplay with the WGA and U.S. Copyright Office

1. WGA (Writers Guild of America) Registration

Both WGA West and WGA East offer script registration, but you can register with either one regardless of location.

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Steps to Register with WGA

  1. Go to the WGA Website:

  2. Create an Account (if you don’t have one).

  3. Prepare Your Screenplay:

    • Save it as a PDF (preferred format).

    • Ensure the title page includes your name and contact information.

  4. Submit Your Script and Pay the Fee:

    • $20 for WGA members / $30 for non-members

    • Registration lasts five years.

  5. Receive a Registration Number & Confirmation:

    • Keep this as proof of submission.

2. U.S. Copyright Office Registration

Copyright registration provides legal protection and ownership rights.

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Steps to Register with the U.S. Copyright Office

  1. Go to the U.S. Copyright Office Website:

    • Copyright Registration Portal

  2. Click on “Register a Literary Work.”

  3. Create an Account (or log in).

  4. Complete the Online Application:

    • Work Type: Select Literary Work (screenplays fall under this category).

    • Provide the title, author information, and ownership details.

    • If you’re the sole writer, register under one author, one claimant (simpler process).

  5. Pay the Registration Fee:

    • $45 (single author, same owner)

    • $65 (if multiple authors or claimants)

  6. Upload Your Screenplay (Preferred format: PDF).

  7. Submit & Wait for Approval:

    • The registration process can take several months but is retroactive to your submission date.

    • You will receive an official Certificate of Registration once approved.

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Which One Should You Do First?

If budget permits, register with the U.S. Copyright Office first for stronger legal protection, then register with the WGA as an additional safeguard (optional).

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If you have any questions or concerns, you can always seek legal advice from an attorney.

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