$17 Million Lawsuit Claims Alison Brie And Dave Franco's "Together" Infringes Copyright

Michael

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Post on May 19, 2025

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$17 Million Lawsuit Claims Alison Brie and Dave Franco's "Together" Infringes Copyright

The seemingly idyllic portrayal of a quarantined couple in the 2020 film Together, starring real-life spouses Alison Brie and Dave Franco, is facing a significant legal challenge. A $17 million copyright infringement lawsuit alleges the film directly lifted substantial portions of its plot and characters from an earlier, independent project. This legal battle raises important questions about originality in filmmaking and the complexities of copyright law.

The Accusation: Striking Similarities Between "Together" and "The Weekend"

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, centers on the independent film The Weekend, a romantic drama completed in 2018. The plaintiff claims that Together, while seemingly a unique portrayal of a couple navigating lockdown, shares striking similarities with The Weekend, including:

• Similar Plot Structure: Both films depict a relationship undergoing stress and transformation during a period of confinement. The lawsuit highlights similarities in the progression of the relationship, the specific challenges faced by the couple, and the overall narrative arc.
• Character Archetypes: The plaintiff argues that the characters in Together closely mirror those in The Weekend, pointing to parallel personality traits, motivations, and conflicts.
• Dialogue and Scenes: The lawsuit alleges specific instances of near-identical dialogue and scene recreations, further strengthening the claim of copyright infringement.

While Together, directed by the husband-and-wife team of Nicole Beckwith and Stephen Dunn, was a Netflix release that received moderate critical acclaim, The Weekend remains a relatively obscure film. This disparity in distribution and recognition highlights the challenges independent filmmakers face in protecting their intellectual property.

The Legal Landscape of Copyright Infringement

Copyright infringement lawsuits in the film industry are complex and often expensive to litigate. To win, the plaintiff must demonstrate:

1. Ownership of a valid copyright: This requires proving that The Weekend holds a valid copyright registration.
2. Access to the copyrighted work: The plaintiff needs to show that the defendants (Brie, Franco, and the production companies) had access to The Weekend. This could be through screenings, online platforms, or other avenues.
3. Substantial similarity: This is arguably the most difficult element to prove. The plaintiff must show that Together is substantially similar to The Weekend in both its ideas and expression. Mere similarities in theme or concept are not enough; the specific expression of those ideas must be copied.

This case will likely hinge on the court's assessment of substantial similarity. Legal experts will analyze the scripts, storyboards, and other creative materials from both films to determine the extent of the alleged copying.

What's Next for Alison Brie, Dave Franco, and Netflix?

The lawsuit presents significant challenges for Alison Brie, Dave Franco, and Netflix. A $17 million judgment, if successful, could have substantial financial implications. The outcome of this case could also set a precedent for future copyright disputes in the film industry, particularly regarding the use of similar themes and concepts in different creative works. The legal battle promises to be long and arduous, with significant attention from the entertainment media.

This developing story will be updated as further information becomes available. We will continue to provide coverage on this important case and its implications for the future of independent filmmaking.