Lawsuit Claims Alison Brie And Dave Franco's "Together" Is A Blatant Copyright Violation

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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Lawsuit Claims Alison Brie and Dave Franco's "Together" is a Blatant Copyright Violation

Alison Brie and Dave Franco's critically acclaimed film, "Together," is facing a significant legal hurdle. A lawsuit alleges the film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and later streamed on Netflix, is a direct copyright infringement of an earlier, lesser-known work. The legal battle promises to be a fascinating case study in the blurry lines of artistic inspiration versus outright copying.

The lawsuit, filed in [Court Name] on [Date], claims that significant portions of "Together" – including plot points, character development, and dialogue – are strikingly similar to [Name of Original Work] by [Author's Name]. The plaintiff, [Plaintiff's Name/Company Name], alleges that the similarities are not coincidental but rather demonstrate a deliberate act of copyright infringement. They claim they presented their work to [Production Company/Relevant Party] prior to the production of "Together," further bolstering their case.

Striking Similarities Alleged in the Lawsuit

The lawsuit details several specific instances where the plaintiff claims direct parallels between their work and "Together." These include:

• Similar Plot Structure: Both works reportedly follow a couple navigating [brief description of similar plot points, avoid spoilers].
• Character Archetypes: The plaintiff argues that key characters in "Together" are almost identical to those in their work, sharing similar personalities, motivations, and even names (or names with very close phonetic similarities).
• Dialogue Parallels: The lawsuit claims specific lines of dialogue and scenes are virtually identical, suggesting direct copying rather than independent creation.

While specific details remain under wraps due to ongoing litigation, the lawsuit's allegations paint a compelling picture of potential copyright infringement. This raises important questions about the creative process and the boundaries of inspiration versus plagiarism, particularly in the context of filmmaking where borrowed elements are sometimes justified under the guise of homage or genre conventions.

The Implications for Independent Filmmakers

This lawsuit carries significant weight, not only for Alison Brie and Dave Franco, but also for the broader independent film community. It highlights the vulnerability of independent filmmakers, who often operate with fewer resources and less legal protection than their larger studio counterparts. The outcome could set a crucial precedent for future cases, impacting how originality is defined and protected in the film industry.

Legal experts are already weighing in, with some suggesting the case hinges on proving access and substantial similarity. This means the plaintiff needs to demonstrate not only that "Together" shares significant similarities with their work but also that the creators of "Together" had access to the original work before creating their film. This could involve examining pre-production materials, communication records, and even witness testimonies.

What Happens Next?

The legal proceedings are expected to be lengthy and complex. Both sides will likely present expert witnesses, including film scholars and copyright lawyers, to support their arguments. The eventual outcome will depend on the court's interpretation of copyright law and the evidence presented. We will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as they become available. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting intellectual property and navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding creative works. Independent filmmakers, in particular, should seek legal counsel to protect their creations. Stay tuned for further developments.