QUESTION
Where do I go to patent a script idea? How?
Asked on Sep 09th, 2015 on Patents - Massachusetts
More details to this question:
I need to patent a script idea. Where can I go to do that? How much will it cost? My teacher said it would only be $20 at most.
3 ANSWERS
Patents are reserved for "useful items. Movie and TV scripts are "copyrighted." You can register a copyright at the U.S. Copyright Office in the Library of Congress.
Answered on Sep 09th, 2015 at 9:41 PM
Intellectual Property Attorney serving Marshalltown, IA
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Patwrite L.L.C.
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You can't patent a script. Likely what you mean is you would like to register your script with the US Copyright Office. The current fee is $35.00. You already have the copyright but the process of registering your script gives you additional rights. The copyright office has a lot of helpful information at the official government site.
Answered on Sep 09th, 2015 at 9:36 PM
Appellate Litigation Attorney serving Boston, MA
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Banner & Witcoff, Ltd.
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Your teacher is likely confusing copyright protection with patent protection. Copyright registration is inexpensive, but is more than $20. Visit the Copyright Office website - www.copyright.gov for current fees and registration requirements. Patent protection is not available for a script idea. Visit the Patent Office website - www.uspto.gov - for more information about protection of inventions by patenting. GOOD LUCK!
Answered on Sep 09th, 2015 at 2:54 PM