Registering unfinished scripts?

Registering... where? The WGA? The Copyright Office?

You can register a treatment, outline or synopsis if the script isn't completed.

It's just the same as registering a script, only the little drop down menu you pick a different option than screenplay.

But...

Just know that it's fairly pointless to register and/or copyright a script (partial or completed) if you have no plans to show it to anyone (i.e. agents, managers, producers, etc.). I know this might seem rather obvious to many of you, but some writers try to protect their ideas even though they have no immediate plans to send the script out.

I don't know that I would characterize the action of registering a script as 'fairly pointless'. One might argue that it is 'fairly pointless' to WRITE a screenplay if you have no plans on showing it to anyone - for that matter.

Yes, of course a script is 'copywritten' the very moment it is fixed in a tangible form of expression. No NEED to copywrite it at the PTCO -unless you intend to get the highest damages possible should the work BE infringed.

No, registering a work is just one more thing on the 'to do' list as you go about marketing it. If you think you'll be pitching a treatment to someone, sure - go ahead and register it before the pitch. Why not? Can't hurt, might help - registration is pocket change... parking fees.

"No Immediate Plans" - can often turn into "Sounds great! Send me a copy!" when you least expect it.

Whether or not you register your idea, a way to HELP insure your idea is protected while typing it on your computer, is to password protect your document. Or, the program. I use a external hard drive where I back up my work into, that way I don't have to worry about one of two things happening, one the computer crashes or two, God forbid my house gets robbed and they steal my computer. I use an I-book that I have concealed behind my desk as well as a flash drive for drafts that I update all the time.