Copyright Battle Erupts: Alison Brie And Dave Franco Accused Of 'Blatant Rip-Off' In 'Together'

Michael

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Post on May 19, 2025

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Copyright Battle Erupts: Alison Brie and Dave Franco Accused of 'Blatant Rip-Off' in 'Together'

Hollywood is abuzz with accusations of plagiarism as actors Alison Brie and Dave Franco face a copyright infringement lawsuit over their Netflix film, "Together." The indie darling, praised for its intimate portrayal of a couple navigating lockdown, is now embroiled in controversy, with artist Michael Bay claiming the film's central concept is a direct copy of his unpublished screenplay.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that "Together" borrows heavily from Bay's script, titled "Quarantine," which he claims he submitted to several production companies years before the Netflix film's release. Bay's lawyers argue that the similarities between the two works are "striking and undeniable," pointing to shared plot points, character arcs, and even dialogue. The core narrative – a couple confined to their home during a pandemic, grappling with the pressures of isolation and their relationship – forms the crux of the copyright claim.

<h3>Similarities That Fuel the Fire</h3>

The lawsuit highlights several specific points of alleged similarity:

• The Central Premise: Both "Together" and "Quarantine" center on a couple forced into extended isolation due to a pandemic, leading to amplified tensions and introspection within their relationship.
• Character Arcs: Bay's lawyers argue that the character development in both scripts follows strikingly similar trajectories, with both couples experiencing escalating conflicts and eventual resolutions mirroring each other closely.
• Dialogue and Scenes: Several scenes, including specific conversations and interactions between the couples, reportedly share remarkably similar dialogue and staging, according to the legal documents.

Bay's legal team has released excerpts from both scripts, aiming to visually demonstrate the alleged similarities to the public and the court. These excerpts, however, are currently under a protective order and haven’t been made publicly available.

<h3>Brie and Franco's Response (or Lack Thereof)</h3>

So far, neither Alison Brie nor Dave Franco, nor their representatives, have publicly commented on the lawsuit. Netflix, the distributor of "Together," has also remained silent on the matter. This silence, however, only serves to fuel speculation and further intensify the media frenzy surrounding the allegations.

<h3>Copyright Law and the Challenges of Proving Infringement</h3>

Copyright infringement lawsuits in the entertainment industry are notoriously complex. Proving that a work is a direct copy, rather than simply sharing similar themes or concepts, requires a high burden of proof. Bay's legal team will need to convincingly demonstrate that Brie and Franco, or those involved in the production of "Together," had access to his script "Quarantine" and substantially copied protected elements.

This case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding originality and creative inspiration in the film industry. The line between inspiration and infringement is often blurry, making such cases challenging to navigate. The outcome of this lawsuit will likely set a significant precedent for future copyright disputes in the streaming era.

<h3>What Happens Next?</h3>

The legal battle is only just beginning. We can expect further developments as the case progresses through the courts. The discovery phase will be crucial, potentially uncovering evidence that supports or refutes Bay's claims. The final outcome will depend heavily on the judge's interpretation of the evidence presented. This high-profile case promises to keep the entertainment news cycle buzzing for months to come. Keep checking back for updates on this developing story.