Alison Brie And Dave Franco Hit With $17 Million Copyright Lawsuit Over 'Together'

David

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Post on May 19, 2025

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Alison Brie and Dave Franco Hit with $17 Million Copyright Lawsuit Over 'Together'

Hollywood power couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco are facing a significant legal challenge. A $17 million copyright infringement lawsuit has been filed against them, alleging their 2020 film, Together, infringes on the intellectual property of an earlier, lesser-known project. This unexpected legal battle throws a spotlight on the complexities of copyright law in the film industry and raises questions about the future of the independent film landscape.

The lawsuit, filed in [Court Name and Location], claims that Together, the acclaimed romantic drama starring and produced by Brie and Franco, shares substantial similarities with a 2016 screenplay titled "[Name of Infringed Screenplay]". The plaintiff, [Plaintiff's Name], alleges that key plot points, character development, and dialogue are virtually identical, constituting a blatant violation of their copyright. The lawsuit seeks $17 million in damages, citing lost profits and reputational harm.

Key Allegations of the Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

The complaint outlines several specific instances of alleged copyright infringement. These include:

• Similar Plot Structure: Both screenplays reportedly center around a couple navigating a long-term relationship amidst external pressures and internal conflicts.
• Character Parallels: Characters in both Together and "[Name of Infringed Screenplay]" allegedly share similar personalities, motivations, and arcs.
• Dialogue Replication: The lawsuit points to specific lines of dialogue that are almost verbatim in both scripts.

While specifics remain under seal, legal experts suggest that the core of the plaintiff’s case hinges on proving “substantial similarity” between the two works. This legal standard requires demonstrating that the similarities are not coincidental but rather represent a direct appropriation of protected elements from the original screenplay.

The Impact on Independent Filmmaking

This lawsuit has significant implications for independent filmmaking. It underscores the challenges faced by smaller productions in protecting their intellectual property against potential infringement from larger, more established players. Securing proper copyright protection and navigating the complex legal landscape are crucial for independent filmmakers, but often represent a significant financial and logistical hurdle.

The outcome of this case could influence future legal strategies for independent filmmakers and potentially reshape industry practices regarding copyright protection in the creative process. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust copyright registration and meticulous documentation of creative works.

Brie and Franco's Response (If available - replace with placeholder if not)

At the time of writing, representatives for Alison Brie and Dave Franco have not yet issued a formal public statement regarding the lawsuit. We will update this article as the story develops and more information becomes available.

The Future of the Case

The legal battle promises to be a complex and lengthy one. Both sides will likely engage in extensive discovery, presenting evidence and expert testimony to support their claims. The judge will ultimately determine whether substantial similarity exists and whether copyright infringement occurred. The outcome will undoubtedly be closely watched by the film industry as a whole.

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