Also known as: scripto · scriptum · in scripto · written form
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
2 senses
An original or principal writing.
The literal handwriting of an author.
Each sense below has its own examples, sources, and questions.
An original or principal writing.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
The literal handwriting of an author.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Serena Soto and Sebastian Santos discussed terms for a film script over several meetings but left key payment and credit provisions open. Sebastian knew Serena viewed the deal as incomplete until a formal writing was signed. When Sebastian later tried to enforce the oral terms, the court held no contract existed because Serena had reason to know the agreement remained preliminary.
Selena Singh contracted with Starlight Media to star in a film based on a specific script. After the studio substituted a different script without her approval, she refused to perform. The court enforced the original script term because the substitution materially altered the agreed role.
Sydney Santos performed an original script act at a fair. When Solstice Ventures broadcast the entire performance without consent, the court held the script performance itself constituted a protectible act whose commercial value the broadcaster had appropriated.
Samantha Stone wrote a script for a television series later edited by Sterling Manufacturing without her approval. When the edited version aired, the court recognized the original script as the protected work and held the edits created an unauthorized derivative version.
Script refers to an original or principal writing or the literal handwriting of an author.
Supporting sources
Samantha Stone created a handwritten script and licensed its photographic reproduction. When Silverline Industries copied the photograph without permission, the court treated the original script as a protected writing whose ideas received visible expression through the photograph.
Steven Silva challenged a state monument displaying the Ten Commandments alongside an ancient script. The court examined whether the script's presence alongside other historical markers rendered the display primarily secular rather than religious.
…to be 12 point block type, and easy to read. In the short paragraphs under discussion, however, the type appears to be six point script and the print is solid, that is, the lines are very close together. The two paragraphs are: “The front and back of this Order comprise the entire agreement affecting this purchase and…