His attorneys said the trademarks are meant to stop AI apps or users from simulating McConaughey’s voice or likeness without permission—an increasingly common concern of performers.
The trademarks include a seven-second clip of the Oscar-winner standing on a porch, a three-second clip of him sitting in front of a Christmas tree, and audio of him saying “Alright, alright, alright,” his famous line from the 1993 movie “Dazed and Confused,” according to the approved applications.
“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,” the actor said in an email. “We want to create a clear perimeter around ownership with consent and attribution the norm in an AI world.”
McConaughey’s lawyers say they aren’t aware of his likeness being manipulated by AI, but hope the trademarks can be used broadly against any unauthorized duplications of him.
The lawyers said they aren’t aware of any other actors who have secured broad trademarks on themselves, particularly in the age of AI. They acknowledge that if a defendant fights one of McConaughey’s trademark claims, the outcome is uncertain.
“I don’t know what a court will say in the end. But we have to at least test this,” said McConaughey lawyer Kevin Yorn, who represents numerous top Hollywood actors including Scarlett Johansson and Zoe Saldaña.
