Discussion:
What is the name of your state? Arizona
I contracted with a Hollywood agent/producer to market my screenplay. He registered it with WGA and showed it to several producers with his name as coauthor, but he did none of the writing. Is this grounds for legal action for damages?
Answer:
What does your contract with the agent have to say about this? Did you register your work with the copyright office?
Answer:
The contract only says that the agent will market the screenplay. No authorization to add his name as coauthor.
Answer:
"Is this grounds for legal action for damages?"
What damages have you suffered?
If you haven't registered the copyright, then you should do so. And maybe stop using that agent. But until you have been damaged in some way, a lawsuit really isn't going to get you anywhere.
Answer:
I have applied for copyright on the script, and have terminated the contract with the agent in question. I realize now that I won't have damages until or unless I can show resistance by producers who were shown the script by the rogue agent and who might have a grudge against him for some reason. I'll just wait and see. I'm looking for a new agent now. Thanks for the feedback.