So you finally finished your script. Or maybe it’s that treatment you’ve been tweaking for months. Either way — it’s your baby, and you’re ready to share it. But before you send it out into the world… let’s talk about how to protect it.
One of the easiest and fastest ways to show that your work is yours is by registering it with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). Yep — that same guild that represents “Hollywood” writers. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a member to use their registration service.
For a small fee, you can upload your script or treatment even online, hit submit, and within minutes you’ll have a certificate of registration — complete with a registration number, your title, and the official date of deposit. That’s instant proof of authorship. The physical certificate arrives in the mail about a week or two later, but you’ll already have your digital version ready to go.
Why does this matter? Because if anyone ever tries to claim your work, you’ll have documentation that proves when you created it. The WGA can even testify on your behalf in the event of a credit arbitration or lawsuit — that’s a huge plus in your corner.
Now let’s be clear — this is not the same as official copyright registration with the Library of Congress. Here’s the quick breakdown:
- WGA registration = establishes authorship (who wrote it), lasts 5 years, renewable.
- Copyright registration = establishes ownership (who legally owns it), lasts for your lifetime + 70 years.
Both are important. But WGA registration is faster — like immediately fast. Copyrights can take months. That’s why I always tell writers to register with the WGA first, especially before you start pitching, submitting, or shopping your project around.
And don’t worry — the WGA accepts more than just full scripts. You can register treatments, outlines, synopses, even early drafts. They’ve got two branches — WGA West and WGA East — and you can find all the details, fees, and links at www.wga.org.
Here’s the big takeaway: registering with the WGA doesn’t just prove authorship — it creates a deterrent. It quietly tells the industry, “This work belongs to someone. Don’t touch it.”
Still, no system is foolproof. We’ve all seen the headlines about stolen ideas and lawsuits in the film and TV business. So think of this as your first line of defense, not your only one. For deeper protection and peace of mind, always consult an entertainment lawyer or intellectual property lawyer who knows the terrain.
If you’re ready to learn more about protecting your creative work (and your career), check out my book, The Business of Stage, Screen & In Between — available on Amazon and Kindle. https://planoly.store/jalenemack
Because in this business, proof of authorship is power.
Want to protect your project the right way?
Book a legal consultation or one-on-one session today:
https://calendly.com/info-fey/jalenemack