Looking to understand the basics.
When ideas and scripts are shared, pitched, and submitted - what’s the best way to protect them, and is it necessary?
What if the project is international and not connected to the U.S.?
What if no one on the team is from the U.S.?
What if the script is written in Europe (EU country)?
WGA? U.S. Copyright Office? Copyright.eu?
I’ve read the rules in my country - they say registration isn’t required since copyright applies automatically once the script is created. (what if, it’s still a draft, not fully finalized.)
Also, is it worth registering in both Europe and the U.S.?
For example, using both WGA and Copyright.eu?
What do you actually do? What’s your practical solution?
Thanks in advance for your help and tips :)
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Hi, Inessa Kraft. It's best to register a script, treatment, etc. with the U.S. Copyright Office if someone lives in the U.S.
Your country said registration isn’t required since copyright applies automatically once the script is created, so you're covered.
You might also be able to register a script, etc. with the U.S. Copyright. I suggest contacting them to be 100% sure. Their contact info is in the bottom right-hand corner of their website: www.copyright.gov/registration/performing-arts/index.html
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Maurice Vaughan Thanks, I wrote to them :)
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You're welcome, Inessa Kraft.
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I always register my scripts with the Copyright Office using their online portal! Versus say the WGA West or East since it's for all of the U.S.
Fairly painless to do, not expensive at all!
Jaye
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Wuick heads up / registering scripts either EHA is not copyright protecting your work, which only occurs if you register it with IS copyright office.
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Protecting your script from whom and where? IP laws vary by country, and here is not the place to seek legal advice. THAT BEING SAID - if someone steals your IP, let them!
Then wait for trailer to come out and find yourself a lawyer, and give them your trail of social media posts, reviews from editors, your website, and the preponderance of evidence that they stole from you.
Walt Disney was asked if he was worried about people stealing his ideas. His response: we create ideas faster than people can steal them.