'Together': Alison Brie And Dave Franco's Sundance Successor Faces $17 Million Copyright Claim

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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'Together': Alison Brie and Dave Franco's Sundance Successor Faces $17 Million Copyright Claim

The indie darling of Sundance, "Together," starring real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco, is facing a significant hurdle in its journey to wider audiences: a staggering $17 million copyright infringement lawsuit. The film, lauded for its intimate portrayal of a relationship navigating lockdown, now finds itself embroiled in a legal battle that threatens to overshadow its critical acclaim.

The lawsuit, filed in California federal court, alleges that "Together" infringes on the copyright of an unnamed screenplay. The plaintiff claims substantial similarities in plot, characters, and dialogue between their protected work and the film that premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. The specifics of these alleged similarities remain largely under wraps, as details are slowly emerging through court filings. However, the sheer size of the claim – $17 million in damages – suggests a significant degree of alleged infringement.

The Impact on Distribution and Future Prospects

This legal battle throws a considerable wrench into the gears of "Together"'s distribution and potential for broader success. While the film received positive reviews and generated buzz at Sundance, the looming lawsuit creates uncertainty for distributors and investors. The potential for lengthy and costly litigation could significantly delay the film's release on streaming platforms or in theaters, impacting its potential reach and ultimately, its profitability.

The legal team representing the filmmakers has yet to issue a formal public statement addressing the allegations. However, sources close to the production suggest they are confident in their defense and believe the lawsuit lacks merit. This confidence, however, does little to alleviate the immediate concerns surrounding the film's future.

Copyright Infringement in the Film Industry: A Growing Concern

The case highlights a growing concern within the film industry: the increasing prevalence of copyright infringement lawsuits. With the rise of independent filmmaking and a more competitive market, allegations of plagiarism and unauthorized use of intellectual property are becoming increasingly common. This lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of the legal complexities and risks involved in film production, even for projects that receive critical acclaim. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future disputes, potentially influencing how filmmakers approach script development and production.

What Happens Next?

The legal proceedings are expected to unfold over several months, if not years. The discovery phase will be crucial, as both sides will seek to present evidence supporting their claims. Ultimately, the judge will determine whether the similarities between the plaintiff's screenplay and "Together" constitute copyright infringement. The outcome will have far-reaching consequences for the film's future and could significantly impact the landscape of independent filmmaking.

For now, fans of Alison Brie and Dave Franco's work will have to remain patient and await further developments in this high-stakes legal battle. The future of "Together" remains uncertain, leaving a cloud of doubt over this otherwise promising independent film. We will continue to monitor this case and update readers as new information becomes available. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.