Matthew McConaughey, known widely for his distinctive voice, is pioneering legal protections to prevent unauthorized use of his identity in artificial intelligence applications. Over recent months, the actor has secured eight trademark approvals with the US Patent and Trademark Office to safeguard his voice and image against potential AI misuse.
Details of Trademark Approvals and Intended Use
The approved trademarks include iconic moments such as McConaughey’s memorable “Alright, alright, alright” phrase from the 1993 film Dazed and Confused, as well as visual elements like him smiling, talking, and scenes of him on a porch or seated in front of a Christmas tree. Although there have been no confirmed cases of AI manipulation of McConaughey’s likeness so far, his legal team aims to establish a clear legal boundary to prevent unauthorized reproductions.
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,
McConaughey said.
We want to create a clear perimeter around ownership with consent and attribution the norm in an AI world.
Balanced View on AI and Voice Modelling Technology
Despite this protective approach, McConaughey does not oppose AI technology outright. He has invested in ElevenLabs, a company specializing in AI voice modeling, which has created an authorized AI-generated audio version of the actor’s voice. Alina Tropova, a copyright law expert at University College London, notes that McConaughey has held this stake for several years, highlighting a nuanced engagement with emerging AI tools rather than outright rejection.
Implications for Celebrity Rights in the Age of AI
McConaughey’s move to trademark his voice exemplifies a growing concern among public figures about controlling their digital identities amid rapid AI advancements. This legal strategy could set a precedent for how actors and other celebrities protect their likenesses, ensuring consent and attribution become standard practices in an evolving technological landscape.
