$17 Million Lawsuit Claims Alison Brie And Dave Franco's 'Together' Is A Copyright Violation

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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$17 Million Lawsuit Claims Alison Brie and Dave Franco's 'Together' is a Copyright Violation

A surprising legal battle has erupted, accusing the acclaimed film "Together," starring real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco, of copyright infringement. The lawsuit, filed in California federal court, seeks a staggering $17 million in damages, alleging that the film's plot and characters bear a striking resemblance to an earlier, independently produced screenplay. This news has sent shockwaves through the independent film community and ignited a debate about originality and intellectual property rights in Hollywood.

The plaintiff, [Plaintiff's Name], claims their screenplay, "[Screenplay Title]," submitted to various production companies in [Year], shares substantial similarities with "Together." The lawsuit details specific plot points, character arcs, and thematic elements allegedly copied without permission. Key similarities reportedly include [mention 2-3 specific, non-spoilery similarities without revealing too much detail].

The Core Allegations: A Detailed Look

The lawsuit doesn't just allege superficial similarities. It meticulously compares the two works, highlighting what it claims are instances of direct appropriation of both the narrative structure and the characters' emotional journeys. The plaintiff's legal team argues that these similarities go beyond mere coincidences, indicating a deliberate act of copyright infringement.

• Plot Parallels: The lawsuit points to several key plot points that mirror each other remarkably closely, arguing that this demonstrates a clear pattern of copying.
• Character Archetypes: It also claims that the characters in "Together" are direct analogues of characters in "[Screenplay Title]," possessing remarkably similar personalities, motivations, and relationships.
• Thematic Resonance: Even the underlying themes of the films, the lawsuit argues, echo each other too closely to be considered mere coincidence.

This isn't just a case of two films exploring similar themes; the lawsuit argues that "Together" directly lifts significant portions of "[Screenplay Title]'s" intellectual property. The plaintiff is seeking not only monetary compensation but also an injunction to prevent further distribution of "Together" until the matter is resolved.

The Impact on Independent Filmmakers

This lawsuit highlights a significant challenge facing independent filmmakers: protecting their intellectual property in a highly competitive industry. Securing copyright protection for screenplays is crucial, but proving infringement can be a lengthy and expensive process. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of registering screenplays with the Copyright Office and seeking legal counsel to protect their work.

Many independent filmmakers are watching this case closely, hoping for a clear precedent that will better protect their creative endeavors. The outcome could significantly impact how future film projects are developed and distributed.

What Happens Next?

The legal battle promises to be protracted, involving extensive evidence review and potentially expert testimony on cinematic storytelling and creative originality. Both sides will likely engage in robust legal maneuvering, and the outcome remains uncertain. We will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they emerge. For further information on copyright protection for screenwriters, you can consult resources like the [link to a relevant website, e.g., Writer's Guild of America website]. This case serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the critical need for filmmakers to safeguard their creative work.

Stay tuned for further updates on this high-stakes legal battle.