Matthew McConaughey Trademarks Voice and Likeness Against AI
TL;DR
Matthew McConaughey Takes Action Against AI Deepfakes by Trademarking Voice and Likeness
Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey is proactively safeguarding his voice and likeness against unauthorized use in AI-generated deepfakes. He has secured several trademarks to protect his identity in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Trademark Approvals
McConaughey has been granted eight trademark applications by the US Patent and Trademark Office. These include:
- Audio of his catchphrase “all right, all right, all right” from the movie Dazed and Confused.
- “Several visual clips” of him smiling, speaking, and looking into the camera.
- A “seven-second video” of McConaughey standing on a porch.
- A “three-second video” of him in front of a Christmas tree.
- An “audio clip” of the actor saying: “Just keep living, right? ... I mean ... what are we gonna do?”
Purpose of Trademarks
The primary goal is to ensure that McConaughey's voice and likeness are used only with his explicit consent and approval. According to the Wall Street Journal, McConaughey stated, “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." His legal team aims to establish “a clear perimeter around ownership” in the age of AI. Jonathan Pollack, an attorney at Yorn Levine, emphasized that this provides "a tool now to stop someone in their tracks or take them to federal court" regarding AI misuse.
AI Deepfakes and Celebrity Concerns
Deepfakes have been used to create fake endorsements and scams involving celebrities like Taylor Swift, Tom Hanks, and Oprah Winfrey. Explicit deepfakes have also been created, leading to legal and ethical concerns. Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, faced criticism for generating inappropriate images. These incidents highlight the urgent need for measures to protect individuals from AI-generated misuse.
McConaughey's Stance on AI
Despite taking steps to protect his identity, McConaughey is not against AI. He has invested in ElevenLabs, an AI audio company, and is working with them to create a Spanish-language version of his newsletter, Lyrics of Livin’. This demonstrates a balanced approach, embracing AI's potential while guarding against its misuse.
Industry-Wide Impact
McConaughey's actions may set a precedent for other celebrities and public figures. While some have trademarked catchphrases, McConaughey's comprehensive trademark over his likeness is considered a pioneering move. This could encourage others to seek similar protections against unauthorized AI use. The rise of deepfakes has led to proposed legislation like the No Fakes Act, aimed at protecting individuals from unauthorized digital replicas.
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