From the WGA website at http://www.wga.org
The WGA's Registration Service registers over 30,000 pieces of literary material annually and is available to members and non-members. Writers are invited to submit their material to be archived by the Writers Guild to protect their work. For more information on this service, contact the Registration department at (213) 782-4500. Registration Service
PURPOSE & COVERAGE
The WGA Registration Service has been set up to assist writers in establishing the completion dates of particular pieces of their literary property written for the fields of radio, theatrical and television motion pictures, video cassettes/discs and interactive media.
Registration provides a dated record of the writer's claim to authorship of a particular literary material. If necessary a WGA employee may produce the material as evidence if legal or official Guild action is initiated.
The Registration Office does not make comparisons of registration deposits, nor does it give legal opinions, advice or confer any statutory protections.
Registration with the Guild does not protect titles.
PROCEDURE FOR DEPOSIT
Materials may be submitted for registration in person or by mail.
The Registration Office must receive: 1) One (1) unbound, loose-leaf copy of material on standard, 8 1/2" x 11" in. paper.
2) Cover sheet with title of material and all writers' full legal names.
3) Social security number (or equivalent), return address and phone number of one writer (the registrant).
4) Registration fee: WGAw and WGAE members - $10.00. Non-members - $20.00.
When the material is received, it is sealed in an envelope and the date and time are recorded. A numbered receipt is returned serving as the official documentation of registration and should be kept in a safe place.
Notice of registration shall consist of the following wording:
REGISTERED WGAw No.____ and be applied upon the title page.
Member Stamp
At the time of registration, WGAw members may request that a maximum of two (2) copies of the material being registered be stamped with the legend "MEMBER WGAw." The stamp indicates only that one or more of the writers listed as an author on the title page was a WGAw member at the time the material was registered with the title page bearing the stamp. There is no additional fee for use of the stamp.
REGISTRABLE MATERIAL
Registrable material includes scripts, treatments, synopses, outlines, written ideas specifically intended for radio, television and theatrical motion pictures, video cassettes/discs, and interactive media.
The WGA Registration Office also accepts stageplays, novels and other books, short stories, poems, commercials, lyrics and drawings.
DURATION AND EXPIRATION
Registration is valid for a term of five (5) years and may be renewed for an additional five (5) years at the current registration rate. Renewals will be accepted up to three months prior to the expiration of the original registration. A grace period will be extended allowing renewals as late as three months following the expiration of the original registration.
At the time of registration, or renewal, you authorize the WGA to destroy the material without further notice to you on the expiration of the first term of registration or any renewal period.
ACCESS TO REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Only the writers listed on the registration receipt may request confirmation of registration, the registration number, date of deposit, or any other information.
The WGA will honor such written requests from writers regarding the registration of their own work(s) only if accompanied by photo identification. All verification or confirmation requests from a writer should contain as much specific information as possible, such as registration number, title of material, effective date, and social security number of writer, and may be submitted by facsimile, mail or in person. The fax number for the Registration Service is (213) 782-4803.
ACCESS TO COPIES OF DEPOSITED MATERIAL
Because the deposited material cannot be returned to the writer without defeating the purpose of registration, registered material may not be withdrawn. It is therefore important to always retain a separate copy of the material being registered.
If a writer finds it necessary to obtain a copy of deposited material, duplicates may be purchased for the price of registration upon written request by one or more of the listed authors, identified by photo identification. In the event an author is deceased, proof of death and consent of the representative of the heirs and/or estate must be presented in order to obtain a copy of the material.
Requests for duplication of deposited material must be submitted by 5 p.m. Thursday of any week. Duplicates will be available Tuesday of the following week.
In no event, except under these provisions, shall any deposited material, copies of deposited material, or information regarding deposited material be provided unless an official guild action, court order, or other legal process has been served.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does registration take the place of copyright?
No. Any questions regarding copyright should be directed to the U.S. Copyright Office in Washington, D.C. at 1-800-688-9889 or to an attorney specializing in that area of law. Copyright application forms are available to walk-in customers only.
Does registration with the Writers Guild protect titles?
No.
Does registration help a writer become a member?
No. Questions concerning the rules for admission to membership in the guild should be referred to the WGA's Membership department at (213) 782-4532.
Does registration help in determining writing credits?
Generally, no. If there is a dispute as to authorship or sequencing of material by date, then registration may be relevant. Questions concerning the WGA credit determination procedures should be directed to the Credits department at (213) 782-4528.
REGISTRATION HOURS:
The Registration Office is open to the public between the hours of: 10:00AM TO 5:00PM, Monday through Friday.
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
(213) 782-4500 Information
(213) 782-4803 Fax
ADDRESS:
WGAw, REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT
7000 West Third St.
Los Angeles, CA 90048