American Screenwriters Association Register Scripts Page - Screenwriters Agent Director Producer Script Studio Hollywood Actor Agents Directors Producers Scripts Studios Actors Conferences

American Screenwriters Association
Registering Your Scripts

There are many schools of thought out there on the best way (and when) to register your script. Some people will tell you to register your work once it is completed. Others will tell you that once you've awaken from a cold sweat in the middle of night and written down the next Oscar or Emmy winner on a piece of paper or napkin, you should register your work.

Our suggestion is that you trust your instincts, but always protect your work when completed AND before you submit it to studios, agents or screenplay competitions.

ASA SCRIPT REGISTRATION
The American Screenwriters Association recommends you use the ProtectRite script registration service. Founded in California in 1994 by writers and attorneys, National Creative Registry's ProtectRite service processes thousands of online registrations each year from writers, screenwriters, attorneys, songwriters, advertising agencies, Internet & software developers, inventors, scientists, individuals and corporations worldwide. ProtectRite provides confidential time sealed registration of original works, intellectual property & records. As a disinterested third party, ProtectRite registration establishes the completion date of your registered materials and offers the security of long-term storage in the event your original is lost or destroyed.

Question: How is ProtectRite different than registering my script with the WGA?
Answer: ProtectRite offers the exact same protection as the Writer's Guild registration service for less money and longer terms. Many ASA and WGA members register their work with ProtectRite for the added convenience of instant online registration.

Question: What is the ProtectRite fee & how long is my work registered?
Answer: ProtectRite's $18.95 fee is for ten-year registration; the WGA is only for five years. ProtectRite accepts Mastercard, Visa & American Express and use secure servers to protect your privacy. At any time in the registration period, you can renew for an additional ten-year term by mailing ProtectRite the appropriate fee.

Question: Is registering with ProtectRite, or the WGA, a US Copyright?
Answer: Only The US Copyright Office can issue a formal copyright, however, the law states that when you affix your name and date to an original work you are automatically entitled to copyright protection. In the cases where ProtectRite's type of registration has been presented as evidence, it has been accepted as a copyright. (Writers: Since the copyright office takes an average of six-months to process applications, many writers register with ProtectRite for instant peace of mind and as an added protection so they can begin showing their work immediately.)

Question: How does protectRite work?
Answer: ProtectRite registration creates a digital timestamp, assists in establishing proof of completion date and provides a documented record of your claim to authorship, ownership, creation. If needed, a ProtectRite representative will produce registered materials at an arbitration hearing or in a court of law. Registration also provides the security of long-term storage. In the event that your original manuscript is lost or destroyed, we provide free emergency retrieval service.

REGISTER YOUR SCRIPTS NOW

REGISTRATION OF YOUR SCRIPT WITH THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Register your script with the Library of Congress. Only The US Copyright Office can issue a formal copyright. We want our registrants to be well protected and do advise that writers explore filing final drafts with the US Copyright office. Also, always save all correspondence with anyone you send your work to. A rejection letter can be important evidence in an infringement case.