Copyright Battle Erupts: Alison Brie And Dave Franco Accused Of Plagiarism In 'Together'

David

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Post on May 20, 2025

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Copyright Battle Erupts: Alison Brie and Dave Franco Accused of Plagiarism in 'Together'

The seemingly idyllic portrayal of quarantine life in Alison Brie and Dave Franco's directorial debut, "Together," has taken a dramatic turn. A copyright infringement lawsuit has been filed, alleging the film's central premise and several key scenes plagiarize the unpublished work of a lesser-known screenwriter. The accusations have sent shockwaves through Hollywood, raising questions about originality and the complexities of intellectual property in the film industry.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, names Brie and Franco, along with their production company, as defendants. The plaintiff, a screenwriter who wishes to remain anonymous for now (referred to as "Jane Doe" in court documents), claims "Together," released in 2020 on Netflix, bears a striking resemblance to a screenplay she submitted to several production companies in 2018.

Similarities Alleged in the Lawsuit:

The lawsuit highlights several alleged similarities between Doe's screenplay and "Together," including:

• Central Premise: Both works depict a couple confined to their apartment during a period of societal lockdown, grappling with the strains of prolonged togetherness.
• Key Scenes: Specific scenes, such as a heated argument over grocery shopping and a comedic sequence involving a disastrous attempt at baking, are strikingly similar, according to the legal filing.
• Character Arcs: The plaintiff argues that the emotional journeys of the characters in both works share remarkable parallels.

The Impact on Brie and Franco's Careers:

The allegations are a significant blow to Brie and Franco's burgeoning careers as filmmakers. Both actors are well-respected in Hollywood, known for their roles in numerous critically acclaimed projects. Brie's starring role in Community and Franco's performance in The Disaster Artist have solidified their status as talented actors. This plagiarism accusation, however, casts a shadow over their directorial debut and raises concerns about their future projects.

Legal Experts Weigh In:

Legal experts predict a lengthy and complex legal battle. Determining copyright infringement requires proving substantial similarity between the works, and the courts will have to analyze the degree of originality in both the plaintiff's screenplay and "Together." The defense will likely argue that the similarities are coincidental or fall under the realm of idées fixes, common tropes in romantic comedies.

The Broader Implications for the Film Industry:

This case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding originality and intellectual property in the entertainment industry. The ease with which scripts can be accessed and shared increases the risk of unintentional or deliberate plagiarism. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting original works and the potential consequences of copyright infringement. It also underscores the need for robust mechanisms to verify originality and ensure fair compensation for creative individuals.

What's Next?

The legal proceedings are expected to unfold over the coming months, with discovery and expert testimony likely to play a significant role. The outcome of the lawsuit will have important implications for both Brie and Franco's careers, and for the broader conversation about plagiarism in filmmaking. We will continue to update this story as it develops.

Do you have thoughts on this developing legal battle? Share your opinions in the comments below!