Alison Brie And Dave Franco Sued For Copyright Infringement Over Sundance Film 'Together'

Michael

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Post on May 19, 2025

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Alison Brie and Dave Franco Sued for Copyright Infringement Over Sundance Film 'Together'

Shockwaves ripple through the independent film scene as actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco, along with their production company, face a copyright infringement lawsuit concerning their Sundance Film Festival entry, "Together." The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges the film's central plotline and several key scenes are strikingly similar to an unpublished screenplay, "The Long Year," sparking a heated debate about originality and intellectual property in filmmaking.

The lawsuit, filed by screenwriter [Screenwriter's Name], claims substantial similarities between "Together" and "The Long Year," focusing on plot points involving a couple's struggle during a pandemic lockdown, their evolving relationship dynamics, and specific dialogue exchanges. The complaint alleges that the similarities are not coincidental but rather evidence of direct copying, potentially resulting in significant financial losses for the plaintiff.

Key Allegations of the Lawsuit:

• Plot Similarity: The lawsuit highlights a near-identical narrative arc concerning a couple's confinement during a global health crisis, mirroring the central theme of both "Together" and "The Long Year." The plaintiff claims the progression of their relationship, including specific conflicts and resolutions, is virtually identical across both works.
• Dialogue Comparisons: The complaint points to several instances of verbatim or nearly verbatim dialogue exchanges between the two screenplays. This precise replication, the plaintiff argues, further solidifies the allegation of copyright infringement.
• Character Archetypes: The lawsuit also argues that the characters in "Together" closely resemble the characters in "The Long Year" in terms of personality traits, motivations, and relationships, lending further weight to the claim of unauthorized appropriation.

The Impact on Sundance and Independent Filmmaking:

The lawsuit casts a shadow over the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, known for showcasing emerging talent and innovative storytelling. This legal battle raises important questions about the protection of intellectual property in the independent film industry, where budgets are often smaller and legal recourse may be more challenging for independent creators. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough due diligence and proper legal counsel for all filmmakers, regardless of budget or experience.

The Response from Brie, Franco, and Their Production Company:

At the time of publication, Alison Brie, Dave Franco, and their production company have not yet issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit. Legal experts anticipate a vigorous defense, likely centered on arguments of independent creation and the inherent limitations of copyright protection when dealing with common themes and situations.

What Happens Next?

The legal process will likely involve detailed analysis of both screenplays, expert testimony regarding the similarities and differences, and potentially settlement negotiations. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for future independent film productions and the broader understanding of copyright protection within the creative industry. This high-profile lawsuit is sure to be closely followed by filmmakers and legal professionals alike. We will continue to update this story as it develops.

Further Reading:

• [Link to an article about copyright infringement in filmmaking]
• [Link to the Sundance Film Festival website]

Disclaimer: This article presents the allegations of the lawsuit. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.