Alison Brie And Dave Franco Sued For Copyright Infringement Over Sundance Film 'Together'

David

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Post on May 19, 2025

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Alison Brie and Dave Franco Sued for Copyright Infringement Over Sundance Film 'Together'

Shockwaves ripple through the indie film world as actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco, along with their production company, face a copyright infringement lawsuit regarding their Sundance Film Festival entry, "Together." The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleges that significant portions of the film's screenplay directly copy elements from an earlier, unpublished work. This unexpected legal battle casts a shadow over the already competitive landscape of independent filmmaking and raises questions about the intricacies of copyright protection in the creative industry.

The plaintiff, an anonymous screenwriter identified only as "John Doe" in court documents, claims that "Together," a romantic drama exploring the complexities of a long-term relationship, bears striking similarities to their own script, submitted to several production companies years before the release of Franco and Brie's film. Doe's lawyers assert that key plot points, character arcs, and dialogue are virtually identical, constituting clear evidence of copyright infringement. The suit seeks unspecified monetary damages and an injunction preventing further distribution of "Together."

Key Allegations in the Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

The lawsuit details numerous alleged instances of plagiarism, focusing on:

• Similarities in Plot Structure: Both scripts reportedly follow a similar narrative structure, charting the evolution of a relationship from initial infatuation to the challenges of long-term commitment.
• Parallel Character Development: Central characters in both scripts share remarkably similar personality traits, motivations, and even names, according to the plaintiff.
• Identical Dialogue Sequences: The lawsuit points to specific scenes where dialogue is almost verbatim between the two scripts, further strengthening the claim of copyright infringement.

This isn't the first time high-profile films have faced copyright challenges. Remember the infamous case of [link to a relevant previous copyright infringement case in film]? These cases highlight the importance of thorough due diligence in the filmmaking process and the potential consequences of overlooking existing intellectual property rights.

The Impact on "Together" and the Independent Film Scene

The lawsuit's impact extends beyond Brie and Franco. The film, which garnered considerable buzz at Sundance, now faces an uncertain future. Distribution plans may be delayed or even halted pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. The case also serves as a cautionary tale for independent filmmakers, emphasizing the need for robust legal protection and thorough copyright clearance before production.

What Happens Next?

The legal battle promises to be a protracted one, involving detailed analysis of both scripts and potentially expert testimony on the issue of substantial similarity. The outcome will significantly impact the future of "Together" and could set a precedent for future copyright cases in the independent film industry. We will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.

Stay tuned for further developments in this high-profile copyright infringement case. What are your thoughts on the allegations? Share your opinions in the comments below.