'Together': Alison Brie And Dave Franco's Sundance Successor Faces Major Copyright Dispute

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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<h1>Together: Alison Brie and Dave Franco's Sundance Successor Faces Major Copyright Dispute</h1>

Alison Brie and Dave Franco's critically acclaimed film, Together, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival to significant buzz, is now embroiled in a major copyright infringement lawsuit. The independent drama, lauded for its intimate portrayal of a long-term relationship navigating the challenges of the pandemic, is facing allegations of plagiarism from a lesser-known filmmaker. This unexpected legal battle threatens to overshadow the film's initial success and raise questions about the future of its distribution.

<h2>The Allegations: Striking Similarities or Coincidence?</h2>

The lawsuit, filed last week in the US District Court for the Central District of California, alleges that Together bears striking similarities to an unreleased screenplay titled Quarantine Love. The plaintiff, independent filmmaker Anya Petrova, claims that Together's plot, characters, and dialogue share substantial overlap with her own work, which she registered with the Writers Guild of America in 2020. Petrova's legal team points to specific scenes and dialogue exchanges as evidence of copyright infringement, arguing that the similarities are too extensive to be mere coincidence.

Specific allegations include mirroring plot points such as the central couple's struggles with isolation, the introduction of a surprise pregnancy, and a key conflict arising from a past infidelity. The lawsuit demands a significant financial settlement, as well as a halt to the film's distribution until the matter is resolved.

<h2>Together's Producers Respond: A Case of Artistic Inspiration?</h2>

Producers for Together have yet to issue a detailed public statement addressing the allegations directly. However, an anonymous source close to the production has indicated that the team is confident they will be able to successfully defend against the lawsuit. The source suggests that the similarities highlighted by Petrova are coincidental, representing common themes explored in relationship dramas, rather than evidence of direct copying. This argument hinges on the idea that certain narrative elements, particularly those relating to the universal experience of navigating a global crisis, are not unique or protectable under copyright law.

This case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding copyright in the film industry, particularly concerning the balance between protecting original works and allowing for creative inspiration drawn from shared experiences and common tropes.

<h3>The Impact on Together's Future</h3>

The copyright dispute casts a significant shadow over the future of Together. While the film initially garnered considerable praise and generated substantial interest from distributors, the legal battle could lead to delays in its release, negatively impacting its box office potential and critical momentum. Furthermore, the publicity surrounding the lawsuit, even if ultimately resolved in favor of the producers, could damage the film's reputation and deter potential viewers. The outcome will be closely watched by the independent film community, offering a cautionary tale about the challenges and risks involved in navigating the complexities of copyright law.

<h3>What Happens Next?</h3>

The legal process is expected to be lengthy and complex. Both sides will need to present substantial evidence to support their claims. Experts will likely be called upon to analyze the scripts and determine the extent of any similarities. The outcome will depend heavily on the court's interpretation of copyright law and its assessment of the evidence presented. The case also raises broader questions about the protection of intellectual property in the increasingly interconnected world of filmmaking. Keep checking back for updates as this significant copyright dispute unfolds.

Keywords: Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Together, Sundance Film Festival, Copyright Infringement, Copyright Lawsuit, Independent Film, Film Industry, Plagiarism, Legal Battle, Quarantine Love, Anya Petrova, Film Distribution.