Copyright still valid after changing title?

Question

I started writing a screenplay for over a year ago. A couple months later I copyrighted it with copyright.gov. But I've done some changes on the screenplay and I've also changed the tile, but the plot is still the same.

Is the Copyright still valid? Or do I need to get a new one?

Bonus question: Am I capable of register myself at WGA? They ask for SSN, and since I live in Norway, I don't have an American SSN.

Answer 1

Everything you create is copyrighted as soon as you have it in a fixed form. The question is whether your registration still covers your changed work. Changes to the work itself require a new registration altogether, while simply changing the title requires a supplementary registration.

Answer 2

Copyright assigns on creation or authorized transfer, regardless of whether or not you register it. Registering it just helps you protect your rights in case of a dispute. You should be able to update the registration.



As far as the WGA, until you have sold the script I am not sure you are eligible. If you sell it in the US you will probably get a taxpayer ID which can be used for ident.

Answer 3

You know why "Night Of The Living Dead" (1968) is public domain? You can watch the full movie for free on Youtube. I may be wrong, but they went to copyright it, they copyrighted the wrong name but didn't catch the mistake until after the film was released. So no one made any money from it.

...search online if you're not certain.