Copyright Protection for your script

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 doing this 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 of the script.  Until now there were very few ways to do this, other than asking a solicitor, which can cost anything between £25-£50.  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 (fee fully tax deductible to eligible taxpayers).  Your script will be date stamped upon arrival and you'll be sent a registration certificate.  It will then be deposited unopened in our Script Vault for 10 years.  When the 10 years have elapsed you can either renew the facility or have the script returned.

In the event of a copyright dispute, the sealed script together with evidence of the date of receipt can be delivered direct 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.

TO REGISTER YOUR SCRIPT CLICK HERE.

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

Does The Writer's Guild register scripts?
No, however The Script Vault is the only UK based Script Registration Service approved by the Writers' Guild of Great Britain.  In the USA The Writer's Guild of America will also register scripts for UK writers; they charge $20 per script.

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.

Do you offer special deals to people who use your file backup service?
Yes.  If you subscribe to our Bronze file backup service, you'll be able to register and deposit two scripts every year with our script registration service completely free of charge.  Silver members can deposit 4 scripts a year and Gold members can deposit 10 a year.  Full details of the different types of membership can be found here.

As a Gold member, could I also send scripts written by my friends as part of my 10 script package?
In theory yes, we don't open the envelopes so have no way of knowing whose scripts they are, but we would strongly advise writers not to do this.  In the event of a copyright dispute a defence barrister will look for the smallest loophole in order to win a case.  A script registered by a writer unconnected with the script could be used to discredit the authenticity of the registration.  Script registration costs just £1 per year, at that price it isn't worth cutting corners on something as important as your fundamental right to hold on to your intellectual property.

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 send?
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 £2.

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.  Our 'terms & conditions' page (which can be found by using the link below) gives further details.

How do I register my script with you?
Follow the link below, print off the form, fill in your details and post it together with your payment.  Then all you have to do is send us the script in a secure sealed envelope.

TO REGISTER YOUR SCRIPT CLICK HERE.

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