So last week I tried my levelest best to copyright one of my scripts on protectrite.com, and every time I tried ot would give me an error. Thankfully it was never charged to my card but I emailed them and tweeted them and they never responded but yet their twitter account can comment on the latest GoT episode? What is the matter???
Go to the Library of Congress, Copyright Office and copyright it directly. There is no reason to go through a third party company when you can do it yourself. http://copyright.gov/
The only reason I was doing it through protectrite is because it offers a certificate right away saying that its copyright you, with the LoC you have to wait 6 months to get anything back. That's the only reason I was using protectrite.
I'm not sure where you go that incorrect information. I always copywrite through the LoC and I usually get certificates back in 4-8 weeks. Plus you can alway print a receipt that can act as proof until the certificate shows up, as well as look up your case file online. You can also register a screenplay with the WGA as a secondary protection. With the advent of eCopywrite, it is much easier and quicker to get a work copywrited. Also, unless you have an agreement for sale as soon as the work is completed, there is really no need for a certificate that quickly. But then again that may be considered a "work for hire" which is a different type of copyright and you wouldn't retain the rights anyway, the buyer would.
This is a copyright I need for a project I'm producing, I want something in-hand so I can get the crowdfunding campaign started, but I didn't realize it took only 4-8 weeks. I got the 6 month info offline but it was a random google search and I'm not sure how old that article was, but I thought it was 6 months. I'm glad you told me otherwise though. Do you know anything about copyrighting a collection through the LoC?
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What you are really doing when you get a copyright with the LoC is getting a date and time stamp for a file you upload. That date/time stamp happens when you complete the application process. Once you have that date/time stamp it becomes your point of reference for any matters that may arise regarding ownership of the material. The certificate is a secondary, follow-up reference that really seems an outdated and superfluous part of the process given the digital age.
Stevie T is correct. During the application for copyright process, you specify what type of copyright that you are attempting to obtain. The timestamp of the upload is the reference for your copyright. I've never done a collection but I do remember there being a specific portion on the application that dealt with them. I would advise attempting to complete an application and saving as a trial run prior to actually paying the fees, letting it sit a day then going back and reviewing everything. Good luck.
you are better off with the WGA. WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA
The only registration that will stand up in a US court of law is an LoC registration, all others, including WGA, are a waste of money and offer no real protection.
I hope you used the US Copyright Office's official page first. Registering with the WGA does nothing to protect you legally in case your screenplay gets stolen and you want to ake it to court. The WGA registration should come after for a little extra padding, legally speaking. Many people go the WGA route because its cheaper, but you're going about it all wrong if you do that.
I stand corrected Dan, WGA registration is admissible in a court of law BUT due to the fact that you will not receive compensatory damages and legal fees, you are actually worse off for the $20 you spend to register. The ONLY option to consider is the US Copyright Office (LoC) because there is no point or benefit in registering with both. https://zernerlaw.wordpress.com/2010/12/03/it%E2%80%99s-time-for-the-wri...
Us Copyright office is the way to go. The cool thing is you get a copyright ID righta way after you pay the fee and then later on you get a legal document in the mail showing your copyright ID, you as the author's name, and the title of your screenplay. I didn't know about it until I got it in the mail and it was such a nice surprise.
What is the difference between the US Copyright Office and the LoC or are they one in the same? I don't mean to sound like an ignoramous.
For the purposes if registration they are the same thing. US Copyright Office lodges your registration with the LoC.
Okay what is the eCO??? Sorry the abbreviation kind of threw me there. -G.R.B.
It's just the online portal for the US Copyright Office registration. If you look at their site, you'll see it.
GR... First let me say I am truly sorry you had trouble with ProtectRite. We have been helping writers register their work since 1994 and not sure why you had issues. Our old system did have a problem with long unconventional Mac filenames but that is no excuse. I was surprised to see we hadn't responded to you and wanted to do so personally.
ProtectRite and WGA registration has been accepted in the limited US Court cases where our form of registration has been presented as evidence as a full copyright. So statutory protections were granted. ProtectRite.com registration is proof of the date and time of creation and we will provide testimpony and a copy of a registered work to a court or arbitration upon a registrant's request. (In the USA, just by creating and dating a work you are entitled to copyright protection.) We do advise registrants to also file for formal copyright with LOC which takes a bit longer and absolutely keep all copies or correspondence relating to sharing your work. Having proof someone saw "YOUR" work is critical in an infringement case.
Our services help establish proof of your completion date and we have rescued many panicked writers by providing copies of registered materials when hard drive crashes happen. My father is the fiction author, Harvey Jacobs and we created ProtectRite back in 1994 to make things easier for writers. Back then offering online registration services was revolutionary and we are really proud of that. Our new ProtectRite.com now protects thousands of registrants in over fifty countries. Hoping you might give us a second chance.
Please accept my apology for our lack of responsiveness. We have always tried to do a great job for writers and the fact that we didn't meet your needs is a big deal to me and our great team.
Best,
Adam Jacobs /
CEO /
ProtectRite.com
Hi Adam.
I actually posted this last year and when I finally emailed them the 2nd time, someone did respond. So, the issue has been resolved, but, good to know someone who knows something about it posts here. :)
-G.R.B.
I know it is an old post but I saw it and wanted to jump in. Just discovered Stage32 and really like it. So thank you for your complaint... if that makes sense. :)
Glad we did resolve things back then. Makes me feel better.