Copyright Registration

Although copyright protection attaches as soon as the screenplay or other literary property exists in tangible form, and the rest of the world is notified of your copyright by placing the copyright notice on the screenplay (see section entitled Copyright Protection), there are a great many benefits to registering the work with the U.S. Copyright Office.

For example, you cannot sue another party for copyright infringement until you have registered your copyright. Any statutory damages for infringement that occurred prior to registration which would normally be allowable under the Copyright Act cannot be awarded in a lawsuit unless the work is registered. If you register the work, any infringement that occurs after the date of registration will allow you to collect your attorney fees as well as statutory damages in addition to other damages for each copyright violation.

In order to register your literary work with the Copyright Office obtain Copyright Form PA (for screenplays) or TX (for other literary works).

A work can be registered online with the Copyright Office through the following link:

https://www.copyright.gov/registration/

You can also register by mail. However, it is best to do so online.

If you wish to contact the Copyright Office, the address is U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20559-6000. The telephone number is 202-707-9100 or 1-800-688-9889.

For further protection, the property should be Registered with the Writers Guild of America.