Matthew McConaughey is moving swiftly to address concerns over unauthorized artificial intelligence use as Hollywood faces a surge in computer-generated AI representations. The actor has secured eight trademark approvals from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in recent months, aiming to block AI applications or users from replicating his voice or likeness without consent. This move highlights the urgency within the entertainment industry to protect artists’ identities against emerging digital threats.
Iconic Phrases Among Trademarks Filed by McConaughey
Among the trademarks approved is McConaughey’s well-known catchphrase “Alright, alright, alright,” from his role as David Wooderson in the cult film Dazed and Confused. Records show that McConaughey first filed for this trademark with the USPTO in December 2023, with approval granted two years later. These filings are part of a broader strategy to maintain control over the use of his image and voice in an era where AI-driven impersonations are becoming increasingly common.
Statements from McConaughey and His Legal Team
In an email shared with the Wall Street Journal, McConaughey emphasized the importance of controlling how his likeness and voice are used:
“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. We want to create a clear perimeter around ownership with consent and attribution the norm in an AI world.”
Jonathan Pollack, one of McConaughey’s attorneys, told the same publication,
“In a world where we’re watching everybody scramble to figure out what to do about AI misuse, we have a tool now to stop someone in their tracks or take them to federal court.”
Industry Background: AI Misuse and Legal Concerns
While McConaughey’s team has not reported any instances of AI misuse involving his likeness, the entertainment world has already encountered significant challenges. Various actors and musicians have faced deepfake impersonations targeting their images and voices for fraudulent purposes. For example, last August, a 66-year-old woman was scammed out of over $80,000 through AI-generated fake videos of General Hospital star Steve Burton.
The rise of AI in entertainment is causing widespread unease as technology increasingly disrupts traditional media roles. Actors and creatives worry about how AI could replace human performance or be exploited without permission.
Hollywood’s Struggle with AI During Recent Strikes
AI has been a contentious issue during recent labor strikes within the industry. The SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023 included serious concerns about AI-generated likenesses of actors being used without safeguards. When SAG-AFTRA members involved with video games went on strike the following year, protecting performers from unauthorized AI representation was a central grievance.
Controversy Over AI-Generated Performers
In September, AI-created actress Tilly Norwood drew public attention when an AI talent studio sought formal representation from Hollywood agencies. SAG-AFTRA promptly condemned this move, issuing a statement that challenged the legitimacy of “synthetic performers.”
The union clarified its position:
“To be clear, ‘Tilly Norwood’ is not an actor, it’s a character generated by a computer program that was trained on the work of countless professional performers — without permission or compensation.”
The statement continued,
“It has no life experience to draw from, no emotion and, from what we’ve seen, audiences aren’t interested in watching computer-generated content untethered from the human experience. It doesn’t solve any ‘problem’ — it creates the problem of using stolen performances to put actors out of work, jeopardizing performer livelihoods and devaluing human artistry.”
Looking Ahead: The Impact of McConaughey’s Trademark Strategy
Matthew McConaughey’s recent trademarks represent a pioneering step for entertainers seeking legal control over their AI likenesses and voices. By securing intellectual property rights around his iconic phrases, McConaughey aims to establish clear boundaries, demanding consent and proper attribution as standard practice in the evolving AI landscape.
This action may empower other performers and creatives to pursue similar protections, reinforcing the legal framework against unauthorized AI impersonations. As AI technology continues to advance rapidly, these measures could become vital tools for maintaining artistic integrity and safeguarding livelihoods within Hollywood and beyond.
