Matthew McConaughey Files Trademarks to Counter AI
Secures Approval for Iconic Videos and Voice Clips
Aims to Prevent AI Misuse: "Only Used with My Permission"
Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey is making headlines by registering his image and voice as trademarks to combat images and videos generated by artificial intelligence (AI). According to Yonhap News on January 13 (local time), citing the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), McConaughey, best known for the film "Interstellar," has filed and received approval for eight trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) over the past few months.
Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey is making headlines by trademarking his own name to counter images and videos created by artificial intelligence (AI). Photo by AP Yonhap News
The trademarks McConaughey received approval for reportedly include a seven-second video clip of him standing at a doorway, a three-second video clip of him sitting in front of a Christmas tree-both frequently used online-as well as the audio of his famous line "Alright, alright, alright" from his debut film "Dazed and Confused."
His legal team explained that the trademark applications are intended to prevent AI apps and users from creating unauthorized reproductions of his voice and likeness. In a letter to the WSJ, McConaughey stated, "If my voice or likeness is used, I wanted people to know that it’s only because I have permitted and approved it."
This move is also related to McConaughey's recent investment in the AI voice company ElevenLabs and his business partnership with the firm. Every Friday, he releases an audio newsletter called "Lyrics of Life" on platforms such as YouTube, and it is known that, through this company, his voice is being replicated in Spanish.
Under current state laws in the United States, it is already illegal to use an actor's image to advertise products without permission. However, his legal team believes that with these trademark registrations, AI-generated videos that do not explicitly serve as advertisements could also become the subject of federal lawsuits, further deterring misuse. In an interview with Variety, they stated, "We don’t know how the courts will rule," but added, "As people concerned about AI misuse are watching, there is now a tool to either prevent abuse or bring offenders to federal court."
However, some point out that it remains uncertain whether existing laws and trademark registrations will be effective on online video platforms, where AI-generated content is monetized in conjunction with advertising. Mark McKenna, a professor at the UCLA School of Law, told the WSJ, "This is exactly the kind of thing people worry about with new technologies," adding, "There is no clear rule about whether (AI-generated videos) would be considered advertising."
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