The Writers Guild of America, west, Inc. (WGAw), has offered writers protection through its Intellectual Property Registry since 1927. Today, the process of registering is more efficient than in the past, thanks to the addition of online registration. Each year, thousands of screenwriters register new works with the WGAw, to establish completion dates of intellectual property. WGAw registration runs five years. Be sure to see the WGAw's website for more information.
As an alternative to WGAw registration, ProtectRite opened operations in 1994. The service, through ProtectRite.com, allows you to register your work online in a matter of minutes. When you finish your transaction, you may print out a Certificate of Registration, which includes among its details, your ProtectRite registration number and the registration's expiration date (which is a full ten years from the date of registration–twice as long as WGAw registration).
Part of the Library of Congress, the United States Copyright Office offers the writer the “legal formality” (as the department's website says) of copyright registration. As Brooke A. Wharton advises, in The Writer Got Screwed (but didn't have to), without this registration, you cannot sue for copyright infringement.
The Copyright Office's website can answer your copyright registration questions.
How do I follow screenplay format?
How do I dream up a movie idea?
How do I obtain representation?
Do I have to move to Hollywood?
How do I make a story believable?
How do I add direction to dialog?
How do I get input on my writing?
How do I stay focused on my writing?
What is important to remember regarding creativity?
How do I get into screenwriting?
Do I need to rewrite after my first draft?
What is the upside of the writer´s life?
How do I keep the audience´s attention?
What will I write for Hollywood?
What shows may educate me about screenwriting?
How do I write shots and camera angles into my scripts?
What is my role as a screenwriter?
What would I offer Hollywood as a screenwriter?
How do I use writing to get into acting?
How do I keep the reader reading?
How do I indicate voiceover, or off screen dialog?
Where can I see movies or shows made from good scripts?
How do I give copyright notice?
How do I keep readers interested?
What festivals should I attend?
Where else can I learn more about screenwriting?
Where can I find exposure for my writing?
An agent has asked me to write a "Blurp/Logline" about my screenplay. What is a Blurp/Logline?
Guru Spotlight |
Christina Chan |