Prove it existed.
Before any AI could have.
Generative AI has changed what it means to claim authorship. When a script, manuscript, or song can be produced in seconds, the question “did you really write this?” is no longer hypothetical. ScriptShield gives you timestamped, cryptographic evidence and a recorded authorship declaration — an answer that existed before anyone asked the question.
The Problem AI Creates for Creators
Before large language models, if someone claimed your screenplay was plagiarised, you could point to drafts, emails, and creation dates. The burden of proof was manageable. Today, a bad actor can generate something structurally similar to your work in under a minute and claim they produced it first — or claim that you used AI to produce yours.
This creates three distinct risks for working creators:
The "AI wrote this" accusation
Studios, publishers, and competitions are increasingly suspicious of AI-generated submissions. Without dated evidence of your work and a recorded human-authorship declaration, you may be disqualified or dismissed — even if your work is entirely original.
AI-assisted plagiarism claims
A third party generates something similar to your work and claims priority. Without a timestamped record, your word against theirs is decided by who has the better lawyer, not who created first.
Training data disputes
AI companies have scraped creative work without consent. A certificate with a clear creation date is foundational evidence if your work appears in training datasets published after your registration.
What a ScriptShield Certificate Actually Records
A ScriptShield certificate is a layered evidence document. Each layer adds weight independently — together they create a compelling evidence record of your authorship claim at a specific point in time.
Cryptographic Proof of Your Exact Work
Independently Auditable Trusted Timestamp
Certificate of Authorship PDF
Jurisdiction-Aware Legal Context
Honest About What a Certificate Does and Doesn't Do
We believe in being direct. Here is exactly what a ScriptShield certificate establishes — and what it does not.
What it establishes
- That a specific file with this exact content existed at this exact UTC time
- That the content has not been altered since registration (via hash comparison)
- That an independent, publicly-trusted third party verified the time of registration
- That the registrant declared themselves the author at the time of registration
- A dated, independently verifiable record that predates any AI model that did not exist at that date
- Distribution evidence — who received the work, when, and whether they accepted your NDA
What it does not do
- It is not a formal copyright registration — that requires filing with your national copyright office
- It does not constitute legal advice or replace an attorney
- It does not prove you are the original creator — only that you registered this content at this time
- It cannot prevent infringement — it provides evidence after infringement occurs
- It is not a notarised document — though independent trusted timestamps carry comparable legal weight in many jurisdictions
- It does not guarantee admissibility in every court in every country
How to Use Your Certificate in Practice
A certificate is only useful if you know when and how to present it.
1.Studios and production companies require proof of original authorship
Attach your Certificate PDF to your submission package. The certificate number and QR code allow any recipient to independently verify authenticity at scriptshield.app/verify/[certificate-number].
2.A competition or publisher questions whether your work is AI-generated
Present your certificate showing the creation date predates the AI models in question. If your story was timestamped in 2023 and the accusation involves a model released in 2025, the timeline is clear.
3.Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance underwriting
E&O insurers look for documented evidence of original authorship before issuing production insurance. Your certificate — particularly one carrying an independent trusted timestamp — is strong supporting documentation.
4.Sending your manuscript to agents, producers, or collaborators
Use ScriptShield's NDA-gated share links. Each recipient gets a unique link. When they open it, their IP address and acceptance of your NDA is logged. This creates a distribution record alongside your authorship record.
5.Suspected plagiarism or IP theft
Your certificate and distribution log together show what existed, when it existed, and who had access to it before the alleged infringement. Present both to your attorney. Every element can be independently verified — your attorney does not need to take ScriptShield's word for it, and we provide full verification detail to legal counsel on request. And for ongoing exposure, ScriptShield Sentinel watches the web for your protected works and preserves evidence the moment a match appears — every action approved by you.
Legal Basis by Jurisdiction
Copyright is automatic under the Berne Convention in 181 countries. Timestamped evidence strengthens your position in each of them.
United States
17 U.S.C. (Copyright Act)
Registration with the US Copyright Office is required to sue for statutory damages and attorney's fees, but not to hold copyright. A ScriptShield certificate is strong corroborating evidence of creation date in any dispute, and the cryptographic evidence it carries is of a kind accepted in US federal proceedings.
Australia
Copyright Act 1968 (Cth)
Copyright arises automatically on creation of an original work. The Electronic Transactions Act 1999 establishes the legal validity of electronic records and timestamps. ScriptShield certificates are admissible as electronic evidence under the Evidence Act 1995.
United Kingdom
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
Copyright is automatic on creation. UK courts have broad discretion to admit digital evidence, and independently verifiable timestamp evidence is increasingly recognised by UK courts and arbitrators.
European Union
EU Copyright Directive (2019/790) · EU AI Act (2024/1689)
The EU Copyright Directive strengthens creator rights across all 27 member states, and under eIDAS Regulation Article 41 qualified electronic timestamps carry legal presumption of accuracy. From 2 August 2026, EU AI Act Article 50 requires AI-generated content to be machine-marked and labelled — but the law labels the machine, not the human. A recorded authorship declaration and timestamped provenance evidence document the human contribution the Act leaves blank.
Canada
Copyright Act (R.S.C. 1985)
Copyright is automatic. Canada is a Berne Convention signatory. Electronic evidence is governed by the Uniform Electronic Evidence Act. Timestamped hash certificates are recognised as valid electronic records.
New Zealand
Copyright Act 1994
Copyright arises automatically. The Electronic Transactions Act 2002 provides the framework for electronic records as evidence. ScriptShield certificates align with these requirements.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. If you are involved in a dispute regarding copyright or intellectual property, consult a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction before taking action. ScriptShield is not a law firm and does not provide legal services.
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Submitting to agents, publishers, or competitions? Read our guide to AI disclosure requirements →