I've completed my screenplay and I'm debating whether to register it with copyright.gov or with the wga. It costs money, money that I need for my film! lol. I was thinking of mailing it to myself. I'm not going to share it with anyone, except for a couple of close friends for some feedback. I am curious though, what if someone steals my idea? Will the "Poor Man's Copyright" hold up in court?

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my idea? Will the "Poor Man's Copyright" hold up in court?

no, i researched that before and its pretty worthless. if you're a real penny-pincher just get a creative commons license.

That is a myth. That won't help you at all.

If you're only showing it to close friends you trust, I wouldn't worry about it.

what's a creative commons license? And how do I get one? How much do they go for? Thanks.

While it seems like a silly use of money, I am spending the $20 and registering my most recent script with the WGA. It's funny, because I know no one will steal my idea (I'm just a college student), but it feels good to write WGA registered on the title page. It will impress my film friends.

If you're really worried, just register your script for peace of mind.

http://creativecommons.org/

A Creative Commons license is free, but not what you're looking for.

If you're serious about being a screenwriter, and if you've spent enough time to write that amazing screenplay, then you should register it.

Having a copyrighted work gives you more protection in the case on an infringement. The Library of Congress charges $35 for an online registration, and it is good for the author's lifetime plus 70 years.

The WGA registration service is also a good alternative. Although it costs $20, it is only good for 5 years. The process time is much shorter. If you need to provide proof of registration for a festival or a producer, the WGA registration will suffice.

I hear that mailing work to yourself registered is an urban myth. Best use the copyright office, only $35 online.

Hey all,
I'm using this technique too. But if you want 100% protect your work, join film communities, about £50 a year here in England, many of them have free option "screenplay copyright". Plus you have lot of free/low cost entry events like film festivals, workshops and etc.

PS. You can't protect your idea.

I've heard mailing it to your self would hold up in a small claims court but if they really push it, it wont matter.