Sundance Film 'Together' At Center Of $17 Million Copyright Dispute Against Alison Brie And Dave Franco

Michael

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Post on May 19, 2025

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Sundance Film 'Together' at the Center of a $17 Million Copyright Dispute Against Alison Brie and Dave Franco

The indie darling of the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, Together, starring and produced by Alison Brie and Dave Franco, finds itself embroiled in a significant legal battle. A $17 million copyright infringement lawsuit has been filed against the couple, alleging that their film illegally incorporates elements from an earlier, unregistered screenplay. This high-stakes legal drama highlights the complex world of intellectual property rights in the film industry and raises questions about the future of independent filmmaking.

The Claim: Striking Similarities, Alleged Theft

The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court, claims that Together shares substantial similarities with an earlier screenplay titled "The Commune," written by an independent screenwriter, whose identity remains undisclosed for now. The plaintiff alleges that Together's plot, characters, dialogue, and even specific scenes are strikingly similar to those detailed in "The Commune." The complaint specifies numerous examples, ranging from shared plot points about a struggling relationship in a communal living setting to nearly verbatim dialogue exchanges.

The plaintiff's legal team is arguing that the similarities are not coincidental but rather represent a clear case of copyright infringement. They claim that the filmmakers had access to "The Commune" screenplay, either directly or indirectly, before production on Together began. The legal strategy hinges on proving substantial similarity and access, key elements in establishing copyright infringement.

Alison Brie and Dave Franco Respond

Representatives for Brie and Franco have yet to issue a detailed public statement directly addressing the specifics of the lawsuit. However, initial responses suggest a vigorous defense is planned. Sources close to the production team have hinted that the similarities are merely coincidental, a result of exploring common themes within the independent film genre. They are likely to argue that the overall concepts of communal living and relationship struggles are not unique and therefore not protectable under copyright law.

The High Stakes of Independent Filmmaking

This case underscores the significant financial risks inherent in independent filmmaking. The $17 million claim represents a substantial sum, particularly for an indie production. The outcome will undoubtedly impact not only Brie and Franco but also the broader independent film community. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of securing proper legal counsel and thoroughly vetting source material before commencing production.

Copyright Law and the Film Industry: A Complex Landscape

Navigating copyright law in the film industry is notoriously complex. While the idea itself is not generally protectable, the specific expression of that idea—the dialogue, characters, and plot structure—can be. The line between inspiration and infringement is often blurry, making litigation lengthy and expensive. This case will likely set a precedent for future disputes, particularly in the realm of independent filmmaking where access to legal resources may be limited.

What's Next?

The legal proceedings are expected to be protracted, involving expert testimony, detailed analysis of both screenplays, and potentially depositions from key personnel involved in both productions. The case highlights the ongoing debate about the balance between protecting creative works and fostering innovation within the film industry. We will continue to update this story as developments unfold. For further information on copyright law and its application to the film industry, you can consult resources from [link to reputable legal resource].

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on this developing legal battle? Share your opinions in the comments section below.