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Trademark Protection for Celebrity Voices, Likenesses In An AI World

Matthew McConaughey secured eight federal trademark registrations covering his voice and iconic catchphrases in a novel legal strategy aimed at combating AI’s unauthorized use of his voice and likeness. The move signals an important evolution in the power dynamics between talent/brands and the companies providing generative AI tools.

8 minute read April 01, 2026 at 12:09 AM
By
Robert Botkin , Traci Bransford , Shayla Wright , Eva Frongello and Caroline McCracken
Trademark Protection for Celebrity Voices, Likenesses In An AI World

Matthew McConaughey secured eight federal trademark registrations covering his voice and iconic catchphrases in a novel legal strategy aimed at combating AI’s unauthorized use of his voice and likeness. The move signals an important evolution in the power dynamics between talent/brands and the companies providing generative AI tools.

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