Alison Brie And Dave Franco's Sundance Success 'Together' Mired In $17 Million Copyright Dispute

Michael

2 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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Alison Brie and Dave Franco's Sundance Hit 'Together' Faces $17 Million Copyright Lawsuit

Alison Brie and Dave Franco's critically acclaimed film, "Together," which premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, is currently embroiled in a significant legal battle. A $17 million copyright infringement lawsuit threatens to overshadow the film's success, raising questions about the future of independent filmmaking and the complexities of intellectual property rights.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that "Together" infringes on the copyright of an unpublished screenplay. The plaintiff, an unnamed screenwriter, claims striking similarities between their script and the final product, alleging that key plot points, character arcs, and dialogue are virtually identical. This isn't just a minor dispute; the plaintiff is seeking a substantial $17 million in damages, plus legal fees.

This development casts a long shadow over the generally positive reception "Together" received at Sundance. The film, a romantic drama starring Brie and Franco, garnered praise for its intimate portrayal of a relationship navigating challenges. Positive reviews and buzz surrounding the festival appearance fueled expectations for a successful theatrical release or streaming deal. However, the looming legal battle significantly complicates the film's future distribution prospects.

<h3>The High Stakes of Copyright Infringement in the Film Industry</h3>

The case highlights the ever-present risk of copyright infringement in the competitive world of filmmaking. Even successful independent films, like "Together," are not immune to such legal challenges. The high cost of litigation, potentially crippling for smaller production companies, underscores the importance of thorough legal vetting during the development process. Independent filmmakers often operate on tighter budgets, making the financial burden of a lawsuit like this particularly devastating.

The specifics of the alleged similarities between the plaintiff's screenplay and "Together" remain largely undisclosed due to the ongoing litigation. However, the sheer sum involved – $17 million – suggests significant alleged infringements. This figure points to the potentially devastating financial consequences for both the filmmakers and any involved production companies.

<h3>What Happens Next for "Together"?</h3>

The outcome of this lawsuit remains uncertain. Legal battles of this magnitude can be lengthy and complex, potentially stretching out for years. The film's distribution plans are likely to be on hold pending the resolution of the copyright dispute. This uncertainty leaves the future of "Together" hanging in the balance, affecting not only the filmmakers' careers but also the potential audience who eagerly anticipated seeing the film.

This situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust intellectual property protection for all those involved in the creative industries. For aspiring filmmakers, it underlines the need for careful legal counsel and meticulous due diligence to avoid similar pitfalls. The case will undoubtedly be closely followed by the film industry, serving as a cautionary tale of the high stakes involved in navigating the legal complexities of filmmaking.

What are your thoughts on this developing legal battle? Share your opinions in the comments below.