Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
How Can Writers Protect Their Scripts?
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: February 3, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
On any given day, there are probably hundreds – if not thousands – of TV and movie scripts floating around Hollywood and just a select few get picked up and green-lighted for production.
Sharing scripts with so many people could put them at risk of being leaked – just ask Quentin Tarantino, who recently sued Gawker for leaking a script to his film “The Hateful Eight.”
Protecting One’s Script
Fortunately, there are steps writers can take to protect their scripts that make it possible to pursue legal action if someone improperly uses the work:
– Intellectual property registration: As soon as a motion picture of TV script is produced, it is automatically copywritten if the author’s name, date and the word ‘copyright’ is placed on the document. However, this doesn’t necessarily protect the script in the case of litigation, so further steps may need to be taken.
– Protection through the U.S. Copyright Office: An additional step that can be taken by screenwriter is to file for protection through the U.S. Copyright Office, which can issue a formal copyright. This type of protection is needed before anyone can bring a lawsuit against someone for copyright infringement. The process can take up to six months, so it is best to get the wheels in motion early on.
– Protection through Hollywood Script Express: Screenwriters who don’t want to wait the six months for the U.S. Copyright Office can use the registration service of the Hollywood Script Express. This creates a digital timestamp of a script, and the organization will provide documented evidence of registered work if needed during litigation.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
Businesses Are Facing Financial Headwinds—A Practical Guide
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox
On January 28, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated Gwynne Wilcox from her position as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board). Gwynne Wilcox, a union side lawyer for Levy Ratner, was confirmed to the Board for an original term in 2021 and confirmed again for a successive five-year term expiring […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
Breach of Contract Explained: Types and Consequences
Breach of contract disputes are the most common type of business litigation. Therefore, nearly all New York and New Jersey businesses will likely have to deal with a contract dispute at least once. Understanding when to file a breach of contract lawsuit and how long you have to sue for breach of contract is essential […]
Author: Brittany P. Tarabour
How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide
Closing your business can be a difficult and challenging task. For corporations, the process includes formal approval of the dissolution, winding up operations, resolving tax liabilities, and filing all required paperwork. Whether you need to understand how to dissolve a corporation in New York or New Jersey, it’s imperative to take all of the proper […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.