Can I copyright a series of screenplays?

Question

I’ve been writing a series of scripts and I’m planning on making a future out of them. If I put a copyright on the scripts does that include the characters and plot in them?

Answer 1

Yes, you can copyright a series of screenplays. In the United States, copyright protection applies to original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible form, such as a written screenplay. This means that as soon as you put your ideas on paper or in a computer file, they are protected by copyright law.

Copyright protection for a screenplay includes the characters and plot, as well as the dialogue, settings, and other creative elements that you have included in the script. It is a good idea to include a copyright notice on your screenplays to make it clear to others that your work is protected by copyright law and to help establish the date of creation. You can include a copyright notice on your screenplays by placing the symbol © followed by your name and the year of first publication on each page of your script or on the title page.

It's also a good idea to register your screenplays with the U.S. Copyright Office to get even more protection. This will allow you to take legal action if someone uses your work without your permission, and it can also help establish your ownership of the work if there is any dispute. You can find more information about copyrighting and registering your screenplays on the U.S. Copyright Office website.

You may also want to consider registering your screenplays with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). The WGA is a union for professional screenwriters that offers a number of services to its members, including the registration of screenplays. Even if you are not a member of the WGA, you can still register your screenplays with the organization. This can provide additional protection for your work and make it easier to prove ownership in the event of a dispute.

Best,

Erik L.