Screenwriting : Copyright by Angel Arpita

The only thing that copyrighting does is allow you to seek certain legal remedies. You still have to bring and prove the case. Conversely, if you pitch an idea to someone who is considering producing it, and they steal it and make it without you, you do have legal recourse against them copyright or no.

I'm sure someone will say it's wrong, but I never waste the time or money til there's interest in a particular screenplay from a query or pitch.

Angel, there has been a ton of threads about this topic. Perhaps do a general search in the Lounge. Just type "copyright" in the search bar and all threads about copyright will be listed. I hope that helps. :) Best to you!

You already own the copyright to your script. It is important to REGISTER the copyright. Registration is important, relatively inexpensive and not too complicated. Do it! Under U.S. Law, you need a registration to enforce those rights in a court of law. Infringement of a registered copyright entitles the owner to seek "statutory damages" and provides for costs and attorney's fees. Infringement of an unregistered copyright does not and, in addition, the owner must prove actual damages.