Sundance Hit "Together" In Legal Trouble: Copyright Suit Against Alison Brie And Dave Franco

David

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Post on May 19, 2025

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Sundance Hit "Together" Faces Copyright Infringement Lawsuit: Alison Brie and Dave Franco in the Spotlight

The indie darling of the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, "Together," starring and directed by real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco, is facing a significant legal hurdle. A copyright infringement lawsuit has been filed against the film, alleging that substantial portions of the script plagiarize an earlier, unpublished work. This unexpected legal challenge casts a shadow over the film's critical acclaim and potential for wider distribution.

The lawsuit, filed in [Court Name] on [Date], alleges that key plot points, character arcs, and dialogue in "Together" are strikingly similar to a screenplay titled "[Name of Alleged Infringed Work]," written by [Name of Plaintiff]. The plaintiff's legal team claims that substantial similarities extend beyond mere coincidences, demonstrating clear evidence of unauthorized copying.

The Accusations:

The lawsuit details specific instances of alleged infringement, focusing on:

• Central Plotline: Both screenplays reportedly revolve around a [brief, spoiler-free description of the central plot element, avoiding specifics to protect against further copyright infringement]. The plaintiff argues this core narrative is nearly identical in both works.
• Character Development: The plaintiff claims several key characters in "Together" mirror characters in their screenplay, sharing similar motivations, relationships, and even dialogue. Specific examples cited in the lawsuit remain sealed at this time.
• Dialogue: The lawsuit alleges numerous instances of near-identical dialogue between the two screenplays, strengthening the claim of copyright infringement.

Alison Brie and Dave Franco's Response:

Representatives for Alison Brie and Dave Franco have yet to issue a formal public statement regarding the lawsuit. However, sources close to the production team suggest they are taking the allegations seriously and are currently consulting with their legal counsel to formulate a response. The legal battle ahead is expected to be complex and potentially lengthy.

Impact on "Together's" Future:

The copyright infringement lawsuit poses a significant threat to the film's future. Distribution plans could be delayed or even halted pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. The film's reputation, currently bolstered by positive reviews from Sundance, could also suffer damage if the allegations prove substantiated. This situation highlights the critical importance of thorough copyright clearance in film production.

Copyright Law and Independent Filmmaking:

This case underscores the challenges faced by independent filmmakers navigating the complex world of copyright law. Securing the rights to all source material, including inspiration and potential similarities to other works, is crucial to avoid costly legal battles. Many independent filmmakers rely on smaller budgets and may not have access to the same legal resources as larger studios, increasing the risks involved.

Looking Ahead:

The legal battle surrounding "Together" will be closely watched by the film industry. The outcome could set a precedent for future cases, highlighting the importance of due diligence in protecting intellectual property rights in the ever-evolving landscape of filmmaking. We will continue to provide updates as this story unfolds.

Further Reading:

• [Link to article about copyright law in filmmaking]
• [Link to information about Sundance Film Festival]

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and reports. The information presented should not be considered legal advice.