South Carolina

[finn_kuppler]

I have written a screenplay and have not formatted for submission as prescribed by The Guild. A well known (NY Times bestselling) author wants to meet with me to discuss co-write possibilities. How should I protect myself ?(economically challenged). Will a poor man's patent work? [Mail to self]

 

[Michael Wechsler]

You've got a couple of issues here - it's not patent. First, you should copyright your screenplay if possible. If it's your life work it's worth the investment. If you can, get a non-disclosure agreement signed as well and that should help protect your work and at least prove access to the work. While "ideas" aren't protected per se there still could be damages under other legal theories should this writer write his own screenplay that is remarkably similar to your own. Good luck to you!