I registered a script several years ago. I've since done some significant revisions and I'm wondering if the registration number still sticks. Thanks for any insight.
Screenwriting : WGA Registration Question by Frank Hauser
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Yes, the registration number is still good. It lasts ten years. You can wait it out.
Just FYI. WGA registration is not copyright protection. In the US, any original written work is copyrighted when it's finished. This means it's automatically protected without having to register it anywhere. The writer doesn't have to do anything. (Because of this protection, one doesn't need to put copyright or WGA registration info on the script's cover page.)
However, if you were to officially copyright it with the US Copyright Office, you would get a few extra protections that you don't get without the official registration. (For example, you can sue for additional damages you would not be entitled to without the official copyright.) The official copyright costs (around) $35. And it lasts your life time, plus 70 years.
As said, WGA registration is not a copyright. It's merely a timestamp. If you wanted to register it somewhere and can only afford one, the recommendation would be to officially copyright the script with the US Copyright Office.
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Above is totally correct. Well done Christopher Lockhart. The Library of Congress LOC
backs up the Copyright IMVHO... That's for long, long time too...
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Great. Thanks for the info.
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I go with WGA because of cost and ease of use, I figure it is already copyrighted from moment of creation and I only need WGA proof of approximate date of creation. Some don't agree with this and say copyright office is only protection!
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"How to Protect Your Script from Theft" www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-script-from-theft-3210
I had a very similar situation. I opted to reregister my script, simply because my major edits came with new scenes and ideas, and were not part of the original script. For the best protection, I would re-register with both the WGA and US Copyright office.