Protect Stageplay Script Idea

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Summary

To protect your stageplay script, consider copyrighting it and registering it with the Writers Guild of America. In Puerto Rico, copyright protection is governed by federal law. You can register your work online through the U.S. Copyright Office for $45 and with the Writers Guild of America for $20-$30. When registering, include the completed application form, a nonrefundable filing fee, and a nonreturnable deposit. If your idea is unregistered and someone uses it, gather evidence to prove your originality, consult a lawyer, consider negotiation or mediation, or file a lawsuit for copyright infringement if applicable.

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Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico, copyright protection is governed by federal law. Here's what you can do:
- Register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office.
- Consider also registering with the Writer's Guild of America.
Would you like information on how to proceed with these registrations?
yes
Great! You can register for copyright online through the U.S. Copyright Office website. As for the Writer's Guild of America, you can register your work on their official website as well. After successful registration, you'll receive a certificate as proof.
how much it cost?
The fee for registering a copyright online with the U.S. Copyright Office is $* for a single author. For the Writer's Guild of America, it's $* for members and $* for non-members. These fees may vary, so please check their respective websites.
what should be include?
When registering your script, you typically need to include:
- The completed application form.
- A nonrefundable filing fee.
- A nonreturnable deposit—that is, a copy or copies of the work being registered and "deposited" with the Copyright Office.
if my idea is not registred and someone use my idea, a reference of my idea or part of my idea, what can I do?
If your idea is unregistered and someone uses it, you may have limited legal recourse. However, you can:
- Gather evidence to prove your originality.
- Consult with a lawyer to evaluate your options.
- Consider negotiation or mediation.
- File a lawsuit for copyright infringement if applicable.
This is a complex issue and may vary based on local laws.