It is theoretically possible for someone to steal your screenplay and claim it as their own. However, there are steps you can take to protect your work and make it more difficult for someone to steal it. Here are a few things you can do:
Copyright your work: By copyrighting your screenplay, you establish a legal record of your ownership of the work. This can make it easier to take legal action against someone who tries to steal your screenplay.
Use a pseudonym: Consider using a pen name or pseudonym when writing and registering your screenplay. This can make it more difficult for someone to connect the screenplay to you personally.
Register your work with the Writers Guild of America: The Writers Guild of America (WGA) offers a registration service for screenplays. Registering your work with the WGA can provide an additional layer of protection.
Keep your work private: Don't share your screenplay with anyone who doesn't need to see it. The fewer people who have access to it, the less likely it is that someone will be able to steal it.
Use a non-disclosure agreement: If you do need to share your screenplay with others (e.g. agents, producers, etc.), consider having them sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). An NDA is a legally binding document that requires the person who signs it to keep your screenplay confidential.
Remember, there is no foolproof way to protect your work, but taking these precautions can help reduce the risk of someone stealing your screenplay.
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