Sundance Film 'Together' Embroiled In $17 Million Copyright Lawsuit Against Alison Brie And Dave Franco

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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Sundance Film 'Together' Faces $17 Million Copyright Lawsuit from Alison Brie and Dave Franco

The indie darling of the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, "Together," finds itself in the midst of a major legal battle. Alison Brie and Dave Franco, the film's stars, have filed a staggering $17 million copyright infringement lawsuit against the production company, alleging unauthorized use of their likeness and performance. This high-profile case throws a spotlight on the often-murky waters of intellectual property rights in the film industry and promises to set a significant precedent.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, claims that "Together" improperly used footage and audio from a separate, unreleased project starring Brie and Franco. The couple alleges the production company, [Production Company Name - replace with actual name if available], knowingly incorporated this material without their permission or compensation. The complaint alleges that this unauthorized use significantly damaged their reputations and caused them substantial financial losses.

The Heart of the Dispute: Unauthorized Use of Pre-Existing Material

The core of the lawsuit revolves around the alleged unauthorized use of scenes and dialogue from a short film, tentatively titled "[Short Film Title - replace with actual title if available]," which Brie and Franco independently created. The lawsuit contends that key scenes, dialogue exchanges, and even specific camera angles from this unreleased short were directly incorporated into "Together" without their consent.

This isn't simply a matter of incidental similarity; the lawsuit claims a deliberate and extensive appropriation of their intellectual property. The legal team representing Brie and Franco has provided detailed comparative analyses, highlighting specific instances where allegedly stolen footage appears almost identically in both projects.

Implications for Independent Filmmakers and Copyright Law

This case carries significant implications for independent filmmakers and the broader film industry. It raises crucial questions about the ownership and usage of performance rights, particularly in the context of low-budget productions. Many independent films operate with tighter budgets and may be more tempted to cut corners, potentially overlooking crucial legal aspects of copyright.

Experts believe this case could reshape the understanding of what constitutes fair use in the context of performance and likeness. The outcome will likely influence how future independent films navigate the complexities of obtaining proper clearances and permissions.

What's Next for "Together"?

The future of "Together" remains uncertain. The lawsuit could lead to significant delays in distribution, potentially impacting its theatrical release and streaming prospects. The production company will likely mount a vigorous defense, arguing that the similarities are coincidental or fall under the umbrella of fair use.

This developing legal battle is more than just a dispute over money; it's a test of copyright law in the ever-evolving landscape of independent filmmaking. The outcome will be closely watched by both aspiring and established filmmakers, emphasizing the critical importance of thorough legal counsel and adherence to copyright regulations throughout the production process. We will continue to update this story as it unfolds.

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