Sundance Hit 'Together' In Legal Trouble: Alison Brie And Dave Franco Hit With $17 Million Copyright Claim

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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Sundance Hit 'Together' in Legal Trouble: Alison Brie and Dave Franco Hit with $17 Million Copyright Claim

The indie darling of the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, Together, starring and produced by Alison Brie and Dave Franco, is facing a major legal hurdle. A $17 million copyright infringement lawsuit has been filed against the film, alleging significant similarities to an earlier, lesser-known screenplay. This unexpected legal battle throws a shadow over the otherwise celebrated romantic drama and raises important questions about intellectual property rights in the film industry.

The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, claims that Together's script borrows heavily from an unpublished screenplay titled "The Lovebirds," written by [insert plaintiff's name here]. The plaintiff's legal team argues that substantial plot points, character development, and dialogue are virtually identical, alleging a clear violation of copyright law. The $17 million figure represents the claimed damages, including lost profits and legal fees.

Striking Similarities or Creative Coincidence?

The heart of the lawsuit lies in the alleged similarities between the two screenplays. While specific details haven't been publicly released due to ongoing legal proceedings, the plaintiff's initial filing highlights several purported parallels, including:

• Central Plot: Both screenplays reportedly center on a struggling couple navigating relationship difficulties during a global crisis (though the specific crisis differs).
• Character Arcs: Similarities are claimed in the character development of the main protagonists and their respective journeys throughout the film.
• Dialogue: The lawsuit alleges several instances of nearly verbatim dialogue shared between the two scripts.

These allegations, if proven true, could seriously jeopardize the future of Together, which garnered significant critical acclaim and audience interest at Sundance. The film's distribution and potential for future screenings are now uncertain, pending the outcome of the legal battle.

Impact on Independent Filmmaking

This lawsuit highlights a crucial issue facing independent filmmakers: the vulnerability of smaller productions to copyright infringement claims. Securing adequate legal counsel and thoroughly vetting storylines is paramount, especially in a competitive industry where countless ideas are pitched and developed simultaneously. The high cost of litigation also presents a considerable risk for independent projects, often operating on tighter budgets than their studio counterparts.

The case serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of:

• Original Screenwriting: Developing truly unique narratives to minimize the risk of copyright infringement.
• Thorough Legal Review: Seeking professional legal advice to ensure the originality of scripts before production begins.
• Proper Copyright Protection: Understanding and utilizing appropriate copyright registration processes to safeguard intellectual property.

What Happens Next?

The legal process is expected to be lengthy and complex. Both sides will need to present compelling evidence to support their claims. Experts in copyright law will be crucial in assessing the degree of similarity between the two scripts and determining whether it constitutes infringement. The outcome could significantly impact not only Together but also set a precedent for future disputes in the independent film world. We will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they emerge. Stay tuned for further developments in this high-profile copyright case.