Copyright Battle Erupts: Alison Brie And Dave Franco's "Together" Faces $17 Million Claim

David

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Post on May 19, 2025

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Copyright Battle Erupts: Alison Brie and Dave Franco's "Together" Faces $17 Million Claim

The seemingly idyllic world of independent film has been rocked by a significant copyright infringement lawsuit. Alison Brie and Dave Franco's critically acclaimed film, "Together," faces a staggering $17 million claim, alleging substantial similarities to an earlier, lesser-known screenplay. This legal battle throws a spotlight on the complexities of copyright law in the entertainment industry and raises crucial questions about originality and inspiration.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses Brie and Franco, along with the film's production company, of copying significant plot points, characters, and dialogue from an unpublished screenplay titled "The Commune." The plaintiff, screenwriter Robert "Bob" Miller, claims his work, completed in 2016, bears striking resemblance to "Together," which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020 and subsequently received positive reviews and accolades.

Miller's Claims: A Detailed Look

Miller's complaint meticulously outlines the alleged similarities, focusing on key elements such as:

• The Central Premise: Both screenplays reportedly center around a couple navigating a tumultuous relationship during a period of isolation and confinement within a communal living setting.
• Character Archetypes: Miller alleges that the character dynamics and personalities in "The Commune" are mirrored in "Together," citing specific parallels between the protagonists and supporting characters.
• Dialogue and Scenes: The lawsuit claims specific scenes and lines of dialogue are nearly identical, indicating direct copying rather than coincidental similarities.

The Defense's Potential Strategy

While Brie and Franco haven't publicly commented on the lawsuit, their legal team will likely argue that any similarities between the two works are either coincidental or fall under the doctrine of "fair use." This legal defense allows for the use of copyrighted material under certain circumstances, such as parody or criticism. However, proving fair use in this case may be challenging, given the allegedly substantial similarities outlined in the complaint. The defense might also focus on the inherent differences in tone, style, and overall message between the two films.

The Implications for Independent Filmmaking

This lawsuit has significant implications for independent filmmakers, highlighting the risks associated with developing original content. The high cost of litigation, even for successful projects like "Together," underlines the importance of robust legal protection and thorough due diligence during the scriptwriting and production phases. This case serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for comprehensive copyright clearance procedures and the potential financial consequences of inadvertently infringing on existing intellectual property.

Navigating Copyright in the Digital Age

The rise of readily available information and digital content sharing has amplified copyright concerns across various creative fields. Understanding copyright law, seeking legal counsel, and employing effective originality checks are critical steps for all creators, regardless of their project's scale. Resources such as the offer valuable guidance and information on protecting intellectual property.

What Happens Next?

The legal proceedings are likely to unfold over several months, involving discovery, depositions, and potentially a trial. The outcome will not only determine the financial implications for Brie, Franco, and the production company but will also offer valuable legal precedents for future copyright disputes within the independent film sector. The case is a compelling example of the complex legal landscape faced by artists and creatives in today's digital age and raises important questions about the boundaries of inspiration and infringement. We will continue to update this story as it progresses.