Sundance Hit "Together" Lands Alison Brie And Dave Franco In Major Copyright Dispute

David

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Post on May 19, 2025

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Sundance Hit "Together" Lands Alison Brie and Dave Franco in Major Copyright Dispute

A seemingly idyllic portrayal of a quarantined couple in the Sundance Film Festival hit "Together" has unexpectedly sparked a major copyright infringement lawsuit against its stars, Alison Brie and Dave Franco. The indie darling, which premiered to critical acclaim earlier this year, now finds itself at the center of a legal battle that could have significant implications for independent filmmaking.

The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court last week, alleges that key elements of the film's script, including dialogue, character development, and plot points, bear a striking resemblance to an unpublished screenplay penned by aspiring screenwriter, Ethan Cole. Cole claims he submitted his script, titled "Quarantine Love," to several production companies, including the one behind "Together," several years ago.

What are the specifics of the claim?

Cole's legal team argues that "Together" director, Nicolette Kreitz, and the film's producers had access to his script and subsequently used his intellectual property without authorization. Specific points of contention highlighted in the lawsuit include:

• Similar character dynamics: Cole claims the central relationship in "Quarantine Love" mirrors that of Brie and Franco's characters in "Together," particularly concerning the couple's evolving dynamic under prolonged isolation.
• Matching dialogue: Several lines of dialogue, allegedly lifted directly from "Quarantine Love," appear verbatim in "Together," according to the lawsuit.
• Parallel plot points: The lawsuit identifies crucial plot twists and narrative arcs present in both screenplays, indicating potential plagiarism.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, including compensation for lost profits and legal fees, as well as an injunction preventing further distribution of "Together" until the matter is resolved.

The Implications for Independent Filmmaking

This case throws a spotlight on the often-precarious legal landscape faced by independent filmmakers. Securing proper copyright protection and navigating the complexities of intellectual property rights can be challenging, particularly for smaller productions with limited resources. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent, impacting how independent films are developed, financed, and distributed in the future.

The Response from Brie and Franco

Representatives for Brie and Franco have yet to release an official statement concerning the allegations. However, sources close to the production company involved have suggested that the similarities cited in the lawsuit are merely coincidental and that the film’s creative team developed the story independently.

What's next?

The legal battle promises to be protracted and complex. Experts predict a lengthy process involving expert witnesses, depositions, and potentially a trial. The case will undoubtedly draw significant attention within the film industry, raising important questions about originality, creative inspiration, and the ever-evolving definitions of copyright infringement in the age of streaming and global distribution.

Keywords: Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Together, Sundance Film Festival, Copyright Infringement, Copyright Lawsuit, Ethan Cole, Quarantine Love, Independent Filmmaking, Legal Battle, Intellectual Property, Plagiarism, Film Industry News, Indie Film

Call to Action (subtle): Stay tuned for further updates on this developing legal story as it unfolds. We will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of this important case and its implications for the world of independent cinema.