How to Protect Your Script From Theft Before Selling It

Introduction

For many Nigerian writers, one of the greatest fears is having your script stolen after sharing it with the wrong person. Stories of scripts being used without credit or payment are all too common in Nollywood, and it discourages many talented writers from putting their work out into the world.

But this fear doesn’t have to stop your career. Whether you’re a Nigerian screenwriter looking to break into Nollywood, or you want your stories to reach an international audience, there are proven steps you can take to protect your script before selling it.

Step 1: Register Your Script

The first layer of protection is legal proof of ownership. For Nigerian writers:

• You can register your screenplay with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC). This provides official recognition of your intellectual property in Nigeria.

• For wider international recognition, you can also register with the U.S. Copyright Office or the Writers Guild of America (WGA).

This way, whether your script is being pitched in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles, you have documented proof it belongs to you.

Step 2: Watermark Your Script

One of the most practical safeguards is watermarking. This places your name, brand, or even your Write Worth profile ID on every page of your script.

On Write Worth Nigeria, all uploaded scripts are automatically watermarked. This ensures that even if someone attempts to copy or share it outside the platform, your ownership is clearly visible.

Step 3: Use NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements)

An NDA is a legally binding agreement that prevents anyone who reads your script from using it without your permission. In Nigeria, this adds an extra layer of seriousness to transactions, ensuring producers respect your intellectual property.

On Write Worth, NDAs are built into the process. Writers don’t need to chase lawyers or draft separate agreements—every deal comes with protection by default.

Step 4: Share Your Script Through Secure Platforms

Avoid sending scripts through random WhatsApp messages, Facebook groups, or unsecured emails. These leave you vulnerable. Instead, share only through secure platforms like Write Worth, where transactions, messages, and contracts are logged.

This protects both the Nigerian writer and the producer, making deals smoother and disputes less likely.

Step 5: Keep a Record of Everything

Keep track of emails, contracts, and chats related to your script. In Nigeria, disputes about ownership often collapse because writers can’t show proof. On Write Worth, every communication stays in the system—giving you undeniable evidence of your authorship and agreements.

Why This Matters for Nigerian Writers

In Nollywood, where competition is fierce and intellectual property laws are often ignored, taking these steps is the difference between getting paid for your work and watching someone else profit from your idea.

By starting locally with NCC registration, NDAs, and Write Worth’s protections, you can sell confidently in Nigeria while also preparing your script for international opportunities.

Conclusion

Protecting your script is not optional—it’s the foundation of a professional writing career. Whether you want to succeed in Nollywood or reach Hollywood, the steps are the same: register, watermark, use NDAs, and share securely through Write Worth.