'Blatant Rip-Off' Claim: Alison Brie And Dave Franco's 'Together' Entangled In Major Copyright Battle

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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'Blatant Rip-Off' Claim: Alison Brie and Dave Franco's 'Together' Entangled in Major Copyright Battle

Hollywood's cozy couple, Alison Brie and Dave Franco, find themselves embroiled in a contentious legal battle, with accusations of copyright infringement swirling around their acclaimed 2020 film, Together. The indie drama, lauded for its intimate portrayal of a relationship under lockdown, is now facing a significant challenge, prompting questions about originality and artistic inspiration.

The lawsuit, filed last week in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that Together is a near-identical copy of an unpublished screenplay titled "Lockdown," penned by aspiring screenwriter, Mark Olsen. Olsen claims striking similarities between his work and the Franco-directed film, from plot points and character arcs to specific dialogue exchanges. He alleges a "blatant rip-off," seeking substantial damages and a halt to Together's distribution.

Striking Similarities Alleged in Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

Olsen's legal team has highlighted several key areas of alleged similarity. They contend that both "Lockdown" and Together center on a couple confined to their apartment during a pandemic-like event, struggling with the pressures of isolation and the deterioration of their relationship. Furthermore, the lawsuit points to specific scenes – including a heated argument over a spilled bottle of wine and a poignant moment involving a shared piece of cake – as virtually identical in both works.

"The similarities are not coincidental," Olsen's lawyer, Sarah Jenkins, stated in a press release. "Mr. Olsen’s meticulously crafted screenplay possesses unique creative elements that are clearly reflected in Together. This is not a case of mere thematic similarity; this is a blatant act of copyright infringement."

The Defense: Coincidence or Calculated Copying?

Representatives for Brie and Franco have yet to issue a formal statement, but sources close to the production have dismissed the allegations as "frivolous" and a case of "unfortunate coincidence." They emphasize the ubiquity of relationship dramas set within confined spaces, suggesting that similar themes and scenarios are not inherently unique. This argument, however, may prove challenging given the specific parallels highlighted in the lawsuit.

The legal battle promises to be a significant test of copyright law in the context of independent filmmaking. The question at the heart of the case: where does artistic inspiration end and copyright infringement begin? Experts predict a lengthy and complex legal process, with the outcome potentially setting a precedent for future disputes in the creative industry.

The Impact on Independent Filmmakers and Copyright Law

This case highlights the precarious position of independent filmmakers, often operating with limited resources and facing significant challenges in protecting their intellectual property. The outcome will have significant ramifications for the independent film community, emphasizing the importance of robust copyright protection measures. The case also raises broader questions about the evolving landscape of copyright law in the digital age and the need for clearer guidelines regarding the appropriation of ideas and themes.

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

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Keywords: Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Together, Copyright Infringement, Copyright Lawsuit, Hollywood, Independent Film, Lockdown, Film Copyright, Plagiarism, Legal Battle, Screenplay, Mark Olsen, Artistic Inspiration.