Matthew McConaughey has officially trademarked his signature phrase,
“All right, all right, all right,”
in an effort to prevent misuse by AI deepfakes. The move aims to safeguard the actor’s voice and likeness from unauthorized use amid rising concerns about artificial intelligence-generated content. This step reflects the growing need for artists to maintain control over their personal brand in the digital age.
Origin and Cultural Impact of the Catchphrase
The phrase first appeared in the 1993 film Dazed and Confused, becoming closely linked with McConaughey’s public persona over time. It notably resurfaced during his 2014 Oscars acceptance speech for Best Actor, when he won for his role in Dallas Buyers Club. This expression has evolved into a defining element of McConaughey’s identity, making its protection especially significant.
Legal Measures Against Unauthorized AI Use
McConaughey has submitted eight trademark applications covering various aspects of his voice and likeness to the US Patent and Trademark Office. These filings are intended to restrict apps or AI technologies from using his identity without explicit consent. Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, he said,
“My team and I want to know that when my voice or likeness is ever used, it’s because I approved and signed off on it.”
He further emphasized the need for clear boundaries, stating,
“We want to create a clear perimeter around ownership with consent and attribution the norm in an AI world.”
However, McConaughey’s lawyer, Kevin Yorn, expressed uncertainty about how courts might rule on these issues:
“I don’t know what a court will say in the end. But we have to at least test this.”
Partnership with AI Voice Technology Company
McConaughey is an investor in ElevenLabs, a company pioneering AI voice technologies. Recently, ElevenLabs announced the development of the ‘Iconic Voice Marketplace,’ which will feature voices of well-known figures who have granted permission for their likenesses to be used in AI applications. Actor Michael Caine is among those participating, praising the company for advancing technology in a way that respects humanity:
“ElevenLabs is at the very forefront of technology, using innovation not to replace humanity, but to celebrate it.”
Through this partnership, McConaughey has also launched plans to offer an audio version of his Lyrics of Livin’ newsletter in Spanish, expanding his outreach using AI-supported formats.
Implications for Celebrity Rights in the AI Era
By trademarking his catchphrase and protecting his voice and image, Matthew McConaughey is setting a precedent for how celebrities might defend their identities against emerging AI misuse. This approach underscores the importance of personal consent and attribution as AI technologies continue to evolve. The outcomes of ongoing legal challenges will likely influence future cases regarding digital rights and the commercial use of likenesses.
