Copyright Lawsuit Claims Alison Brie And Dave Franco's "Together" Is A "Blatant Rip-Off"

David

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Post on May 19, 2025

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Copyright Lawsuit Claims Alison Brie and Dave Franco's "Together" is a "Blatant Rip-Off"

A surprising twist in the world of independent film: Alison Brie and Dave Franco's critically acclaimed 2020 film, Together, is facing a copyright infringement lawsuit alleging the movie is a near-identical copy of a previously written screenplay. The lawsuit, filed in [Court Name/District], claims striking similarities between Together and an independently produced script, raising questions about originality and the complexities of copyright protection in the entertainment industry.

The lawsuit, brought by [Plaintiff's Name], alleges that Together, starring Brie and Franco, is a “blatant rip-off” of their screenplay, [Screenplay Title]. The plaintiff's claim centers on numerous alleged similarities in plot, characters, dialogue, and even scene-by-scene structure. Specific points of contention reportedly include [mention 2-3 specific examples of alleged similarities, e.g., "the central conflict of a struggling relationship during a pandemic," "a key scene involving a contentious dinner party," "the use of a specific piece of dialogue"].

Key Allegations of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit doesn't simply claim general similarities; it meticulously details specific instances where the plaintiff believes Together directly copied elements from their screenplay. This level of detail is crucial in copyright infringement cases, as proving substantial similarity is a key component of establishing infringement. The plaintiff's legal team argues that these similarities go beyond mere coincidences and demonstrate clear evidence of unauthorized copying.

• Plot Structure: The core narrative structure, the progression of events, and the resolution of the central conflict are allegedly almost identical in both works.
• Character Development: The plaintiff contends that key characters in Together mirror characters in their screenplay, sharing similar personalities, motivations, and relationships.
• Dialogue and Scene Descriptions: The lawsuit highlights specific instances of allegedly copied dialogue and nearly identical scene descriptions, bolstering their claim of substantial similarity.

The Implications for Independent Filmmakers

This lawsuit highlights the significant challenges faced by independent filmmakers in protecting their intellectual property. Securing copyright registration for screenplays is a crucial first step, but it doesn't guarantee immunity from infringement claims. The legal process can be lengthy, costly, and emotionally draining, even for successful independent films like Together. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough legal counsel and proactive measures to protect original works.

What Happens Next?

The legal battle is just beginning. The defendants, including Brie, Franco, and potentially the production company, will likely file a response to the lawsuit. Discovery will follow, a process involving the exchange of evidence and information between both parties. The case could eventually go to trial, where a judge or jury will determine whether Together infringes on the plaintiff’s copyright. The outcome could have significant implications for both the filmmakers and the future of copyright protection in the independent film industry.

For further information on copyright law and intellectual property protection, resources such as the [link to US Copyright Office website] and [link to relevant legal professional organization] are invaluable. This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Keywords: Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Together, Copyright Infringement, Copyright Lawsuit, Independent Film, Screenplay, Intellectual Property, Legal Battle, Film Industry, Plagiarism, Substantial Similarity, [Plaintiff's Name], [Screenplay Title]