Professions
Protect a manuscript or a script: proof and legal support
Your text passes through many hands before it is published or filmed. Timestamp every version, and get support if it is copied.
Write, then send
A manuscript goes to ten publishers. A synopsis goes to a production company, a script to a competition. Every send circulates your text before any contract.
Your text is protected by copyright from the moment you create it. Protection covers the written form: the developed plot, the characters, the scenes, the dialogue. That is why every version should be dated. Ipocamp gives you that proof, and legal support to enforce it.
An example
The day your story reaches the screen
What happens
Picture a screenwriter. She sends a series treatment to a production company, which passes. Two years later, a series comes out with characters, scenes and lines very close to hers.
Without dated proof
She has her files and emails, but no version dated beyond dispute. The production company says it developed the project alone. The screenwriter has to prove everything, and pay for the proceedings herself.
With Ipocamp
Her synopsis, her treatment and every version of her episodes were deposited before she sent them. Their date is recorded in a public ledger that no one can rewrite. She calls the legal experts of her legal protection.
Is your situation different?
Something went wrong while adapting the scenario. The typical scenario is still shown. You can rephrase your situation and try again.
Adapted scenarioBased on: ""
Automatically generated text, for illustration only, based on the sentence you entered. It describes an evidentiary position (what you could prove, and how). For an analysis suited to your situation, ask a legal professional for advice.
With Ipocamp
From first draft to defense
Writing
She timestamps every version
Synopsis, character bible, treatment, episodes. Each version gets its own timestamp, with her name as the author.
Sending
She timestamps before sending
The exact version sent to the production company is deposited on the day she sends it. She also keeps the email.
Two years later
She calls a legal expert
Covéa Protection Juridique's legal experts answer by phone. She quickly learns whether the situation is a dispute and how to report it.
Conciliation
An amicable solution first
The legal experts seek removal, regularization or a negotiated agreement. Many cases are settled at this stage.
Proceedings
A lawyer if needed
If proceedings become necessary, her defense costs are covered up to €5,000 per dispute on the Individual plan. Her proof becomes the key piece of evidence.
Ipocamp and other deposit services
In France, the SGDL, the SACD and INPI also offer deposits to date a work, for a few renewable years. Ipocamp timestamps every version in seconds, with a certificate that stays verifiable with no time limit and legal protection included in the subscription.
Moments to timestamp
All file formats are accepted. Up to 2 GB per deposit without an account, unlimited with a subscription.
→Notes, outlines and character bibles.
→The synopsis and the treatment.
→Every version of the manuscript or script.
→Before each send: the exact version sent to a publisher, a producer or a competition.
→The final version, before publication or shooting.
Frequently asked questions
How do I protect a manuscript before sending it?
Your text is protected by copyright from the moment you create it. What you need is proof of its date. Deposit the exact version you send on Ipocamp, and keep a record of the send.
Can I protect a script idea?
Protection covers the written form: developed plot, characters, scenes, dialogue. Write your idea up as a synopsis or treatment, then timestamp it. Our guide on protecting an idea explains this in detail.
Should I deposit every version?
Deposit each version that leaves your desk or marks a milestone. Dated versions show how the text took shape, and who contributed when several people write together.
What about the SGDL or the SACD?
The SGDL and the SACD also offer deposits for works. Ipocamp timestamps every version in seconds, with a certificate that stays verifiable with no time limit and included legal protection. You can use both.
When does the legal protection apply?
After a three-month waiting period, for a creation timestamped by Ipocamp, if your subscription has stayed active without interruption since that timestamp. So subscribe before you share your work. The exact terms are in the Covéa information notice.