Matthew McConaughey has filed trademark applications to protect his voice and image from unauthorized AI use. The US Patent and Trademark Office has already approved eight of these filings. According to the Wall Street Journal, these trademarks cover specific video and audio clips, including footage of him on a porch and an audio recording of his famous "alright, alright, alright" catchphrase.

While existing laws already prohibit stealing a person's likeness for commercial purposes, McConaughey's move addresses the gray areas surrounding AI-generated content. His lawyer, Kevin Yorn, admits they are unsure how courts would rule if the trademarks are challenged. The goal is to create a legal deterrent, making companies think twice before using McConaughey's digital doppelganger without permission.

This proactive stance reflects growing tension in Hollywood over AI's role in entertainment. The issue was a major sticking point during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes, where actors fought for protections against digital replication. McConaughey isn't anti-AI, however; he is an investor in voice-cloning startup ElevenLabs and has collaborated with the company on projects. He simply wants consent and attribution to be the standard.