🎭 Skit Stealers Beware: Social Media Comics Can Legally Protect Their Skits
It’s all funny, until it isn’t…
If you’re a social media comic that performs skits, naturally you’d be excited with growing views, likes, shares and engagement. But how would you feel about “steals”?
Yes, we’re talking about someone (probably another other social media comic) stealing your skits, reposting your work without credit, or (gasp) copying your catchphrases and passing them off as their own. What would you do now? AND What could you do moving forward?
At Spring Up Legal, we work with creators, comedians, and digital entrepreneurs who are building entire brands off their content. So, if you’re wondering how to protect your funny skits legally — here’s a quick game plan.
🎬 1. Copyright Is Your Best Friend
Your skit is an original performance. That means it’s automatically protected by copyright as soon as you create it — so there’s requirement to register your copyright in order to be protected; HOWEVER, if you really want to be able to enforce that right (especially if someone copies or profits from it), you’ll need to register it with the U.S. Copyright Office.
✅ What you can register:
Your script
The video performance itself
A series of skits or episodes
📌 Why it matters:
A registered copyright lets you send takedown notices, sue for infringement, and prove you’re the original creator.
🗣️ 2. Trademark Catchphrases or Skit Series
Got a character with a viral catchphrase? A comedy series with a name people know you for? It might be time to trademark it.
🎯 What you can trademark:
A skit series title
Recurring character names
Catchphrases you’re using on merch or branding
🤝 3. Use a Contract When You Collaborate
If you’re doing skits with your friends, guest creators, or even brands, get clear on who owns what. You can avoid 99% of misunderstandings just by having a simple agreement in place.
🧠 4. Keep a Paper Trail (Receipts Matter)
Not to trying to be funny, be be paranoid. Seriously, if you ever need to prove you’re the original creator, you’ll want:
Drafts of your script
Original video files
Emails or DMs about the idea
Screenshots of uploads or timestamps
✍️ 5. Add a Disclaimer to Your Captions
Disclaimer Example:
📢 “All content is original. Do not repost or reproduce without written permission.”
It won’t stop everyone — but it makes your stance clear, and it’s one more layer of protection for your content.
🔐 6. Watermark or Brand Your Skits
Your handle, a subtle logo, or a branded intro/outro can help protect your work and keep your name attached even when it’s shared.
✅ Your “Protect My Skit” Checklist
🛡️ Skit Protection Checklist for Creators:
✔️ Register your script or skit with the U.S. Copyright Office
✔️ Trademark your skit name, catchphrase, or recurring character
✔️ Use a collaboration agreement for any joint content
✔️ Save all drafts, notes, and original files
✔️ Add disclaimers in your video captions
✔️ Include watermarks or logos in your videos
✔️ Avoid using unlicensed music or other people’s content
✔️ Create a folder of receipts (dates, concepts, screenshots)
✔️ Add licensing terms if brands or pages want to repost your work
✔️ Consult with us or your attorney if your content gets copied or goes viral
🎉 Need help registering your copyright or filing a trademark?
Let Spring Up Legal handle the legal stuff — so you can keep doing the funny stuff.
Our entertainment law firm is here to provide guidance and support for entertainers and creatives. Reach out and request a consultation if you have any additional questions.
