COPYRIGHT PROTECTION FOR YOUR WORK

Even though copyright occurs automatically when a script is created, proving it can sometimes be difficult.  Many copyright disputes hinge on the date copyright was established.  If a writer can't prove his script was written before an alleged plagiarised or stolen piece of work was created then any copyright claim will almost certainly fail.

The age-old technique of sending a script to yourself then storing it unopened in case of future dispute is nowadays unfortunately nothing more than a waste of a stamp.  The extensive use of self-seal and resealable envelopes means that while sending the script to yourself proves that an envelope was received, it doesn't prove what was inside when it was sent.

It's generally accepted that the best way to establish the date a piece of work is created is to have an independent 3rd party verify that they've been given a copy.  Until now there were very few ways to do this, other than asking a solicitor, which can cost anything from £50 upwards.  Nowadays an inexpensive way to do this is to send your script to The Script Vault.  Script Registration and Deposit costs just £10 per script for online registrations (fee fully tax deductible to eligible taxpayers).  The date your script arrives will be logged and you'll be sent a registration certificate.  It will then be stored in our Script Vault for 10 years. In addition to protecting your copyright, the stored copy will also be a useful back-up in the event of your original file being deleted or damaged.

In the event of a copyright dispute, the script together with evidence of the date of receipt can be made available as evidence to a court of law or tribunal.  If additional corroboration is required we would be prepared to swear an affidavit to confirm the date the script was received and if necessary give this evidence in court (additional charges may apply in these circumstances).  

N.B. We offer free initial advice to clients who feel their copyright has been infringed.
HOW TO REGISTER YOUR SCRIPT WITH THE SCRIPT VAULT
There are now two ways in which you can register your script with The Script Vault, online or by post. The fastest, most convenient and cheapest way is online.

1) ONLINE REGISTRATION
Online registration costs just £10.00 per script. Simply enter the Author's name in the box below and then click the “SCRIPT REGISTRATION PAYMENTS” button, you will then be taken to the PayPal website where you will be able to make a payment either by Credit or Debit Card. N.B. Please do not make your payment until you are ready to send your script. Scripts should be sent within one hour of making payment.

Once you have made your PayPal payment you will be returned to this page and you will then need to click the “DEPOSIT YOUR SCRIPT IN THE SCRIPT VAULT” button. Clicking this link will open an e-mail, if you follow the instructions in the e-mail you will then be able to email your script and details to us. N.B. Hotmail and other 'web based' email users should click the Hotmail link instead.

If you would like to register more than one script you will need to repeat the process for each script, this is necessary in order to ensure that each script is registered independently.

If you would prefer to pay by cheque or postal order please use the 'Deposit Your Script in the Script Vault' link below to send your script and then post your payment to THE SCRIPT VAULT, P O BOX 36, TODMORDEN, OL14 7WZ. Payments should be made to 'The Script Vault Ltd'. When you send your script please mention that you are posting your payment.

SAVE MONEY WITH A 12 MONTH ONLINE SCRIPT REGISTRATION FACILITY
You can save money by buying a 12 month online script registation facility, this will enable you to register up to 10 scripts throughout the next 12 months for just £30. Enter the Author's name in the box below then click the '12 month' box to buy your 12 month facility. NB This is not a recurring payment. We will contact you before your subscription expires and give you the option to renew.

Click on the link below to buy a 12 month script registration facility.

Name of Author(s)

Click on the link below to pay for just one script registration.
N.B. Do not make your payment until you are ready to send your script. Scripts should be sent within one hour of making payment.

Name of Author(s)

Once you have made your payment click on the link below to deposit your script.
N.B. If you use Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, AOL or any other 'web based' email service do not click the link below, instead click here to deposit your script.

The current fee for registration by post is £25.00 per script. You will need to print off a hard copy of your script and post it to us. To send a script by post please click HERE.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON PROTECTING PROGRAMME IDEAS, FORMATS, TREATMENTS, SYNOPSES ETC.

FAQ's

Does The Writer's Guild of Great Britain register scripts?
No, however The Script Vault is the only UK based Script Registration Service approved by the Writers' Guild of Great Britain. 

Can I also register Synopses and Treatments at The Script Vault?
Yes, however we recommend you read our copyright information in order to find out what the Law says you can and can't copyright.  Click here for information on protecting programme ideas, formats, treatments, synopses etc.

What should I do if I think my copyright has been infringed?
We offer free initial advice to all our clients.  If legal action is to follow we can put the writer in contact with Solicitors who specialise in Copyright issues. N.B. The Writers' Guild offers legal assistance to its members.

Are there any restrictions on the size of script I can send?
There is no restriction for online registrations, although please bear in mind that emails containing large files (in excess of 10mb) are usually blocked by most ISPs as a virus protection measure. If you are sending a large size attachment please email us first in order to discuss this. For postal registrations the maximum weight of each script and envelope should not exceed 1600gm, which is approximately 300 pages.  For each additional 500gm or part of (approximately 100 pages) please add £5.

What would happen to my script if The Script Vault ceased trading?
We're not planning to go out of business just yet, but to give our clients piece of mind, we've negotiated an agreement with a firm of solicitors who have given an undertaking that in the event of our company ceasing to trade, they will take possession of all scripts that we are holding and will continue to store them until the end of the registration period.

THE SCRIPT VAULT IS THE ONLY UK BASED SCRIPT REGISTRATION SERVICE APPROVED BY THE WRITERS' GUILD



www.thescriptvault.com is the official web site of The Script Vault Ltd. UK company registration No 4391218