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
Scarinci Hollenbeck Expands NYC Real Estate and Litigation Practices ADDING four litigators
NYC Real Estate and Litigation Attorney Ryan O. Miller and Team Join Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC New York City, NY – August 13, 2025 – Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC has strengthened its Real Estate and Litigation practices with the addition of four New York City-based attorneys. Ryan Miller, who joins as a partner, is well known for […]
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
What is Business Law and Why Is it Important?
Business law plays a critical role in nearly every aspect of running a successful enterprise, from negotiating a commercial lease to drafting employee policies to fulfilling corporate disclosure obligations. Understanding what is business law and your legal obligations can help your business run smoothly and build productive relationships with clients, business partners, regulators, and others. […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals
Corporate transactions can have significant implications for a corporation and its stakeholders. For deals to be successful, companies must act strategically to maximize value and minimize risk. It is also important to fully understand the legal and financial ramifications of corporate transactions, both in the near and long term. Understanding Corporate Transactions The term “corporate […]
Author: Dan Brecher
How to Conduct a Fair and Legal Employee Termination in 2025
Ongoing economic uncertainty is forcing many companies to make tough decisions, which includes lowering staff levels. The legal landscape on both the state and federal level also continues to evolve, especially with significant changes to the priorities of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) under the Trump Administration. Terminating an employee is one of the […]
Author: Angela A. Turiano
Admin Dissolution for Annual Report: What You Need to Know
While filing annual reports may seem like a nuisance, failing to do so can have significant ramifications. These include fines, reputational harm, and interruption of your business operations. In basic terms, “admin dissolution for annual report” means that a company is dissolved by the government. This happens because it failed to submit its annual report […]
Author: Dan Brecher
What Is Antitrust Litigation Law?
Antitrust laws are designed to ensure that businesses compete fairly. There are three federal antitrust laws that businesses must navigate. These include the Sherman Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and the Clayton Act. States also have their own antitrust regimes. These may vary from federal regulations. Understanding antitrust litigation helps businesses navigate these complex […]
Author: Robert E. Levy
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.