$17 Million Lawsuit Claims Alison Brie And Dave Franco's 'Together' Is A Copyright Violation

David

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Post on May 20, 2025

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$17 Million Lawsuit Claims Alison Brie and Dave Franco's 'Together' is a Copyright Violation

The quiet intimacy of a pandemic-era romance, captured on film – that's the premise of Alison Brie and Dave Franco's critically acclaimed 2020 film, Together. However, the idyllic setting and seemingly original storyline are now at the center of a significant legal battle. A $17 million copyright infringement lawsuit claims the film directly copies substantial elements from an earlier, lesser-known work, throwing the indie darling into unexpected controversy.

The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, alleges that Together unlawfully appropriates significant portions of the screenplay, characters, and overall narrative from an unpublished screenplay titled "The Commune." The plaintiff, whose identity is currently being withheld pending further legal proceedings, claims substantial similarities between the two works, encompassing plot points, character arcs, and even dialogue.

The Alleged Similarities: A Tale of Two Lockdowns?

The lawsuit details several specific instances of alleged copyright infringement. These include:

• The Central Premise: Both "The Commune" and Together reportedly focus on a couple forced into close confinement due to a crisis (a pandemic in Together, unspecified in "The Commune"). This shared central theme forms the backbone of the plaintiff's claim.
• Character Development: The plaintiff alleges striking similarities in the portrayal of the main characters, their personalities, and their evolving relationship dynamics throughout the respective narratives.
• Dialogue and Scene Structure: The lawsuit highlights specific scenes and lines of dialogue allegedly lifted directly from "The Commune" and incorporated into Together. Specific examples, however, remain sealed at this time.

Impact on Alison Brie and Dave Franco's Careers:

The lawsuit casts a shadow over the generally positive reception Together received. The film, which was praised for its intimate portrayal of a relationship under pressure, is now embroiled in a complex legal battle that could have significant repercussions for Brie and Franco, both known for their successful careers in Hollywood. The potential $17 million in damages, coupled with the negative publicity surrounding the allegations, could impact their future projects and reputations.

Copyright Infringement: A Complex Legal Landscape:

Copyright law is notoriously complex, and establishing infringement often requires proving both substantial similarity and access to the copyrighted work. The plaintiff must demonstrate that Together's creators had access to "The Commune" and that the similarities between the two works are not merely coincidental but represent unlawful appropriation. This will involve a detailed comparison of the two screenplays and a thorough examination of the creative process behind Together.

What Happens Next?

The legal battle promises to be a protracted and intricate affair. Both sides will need to present compelling evidence to support their claims. Experts in copyright law will be crucial in analyzing the similarities between the two works and determining whether they constitute copyright infringement. The outcome of the lawsuit will have significant implications for the film industry, highlighting the importance of protecting intellectual property and the complexities of establishing originality in creative works. We will continue to update this story as it develops. Stay tuned for further developments in this high-profile legal case.