Matthew McConaughey Takes Bold Step to Protect Himself from AI Deepfakes

Introduction: Why This Matters

In an era where artificial intelligence can replicate anyone’s voice and image with startling accuracy, celebrities are fighting back. Matthew McConaughey’s lawyers have secured eight trademarks from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office over the last several months, aimed at protecting his voice and likeness from unauthorized AI misuse. This groundbreaking legal strategy represents a crucial development in the ongoing battle between creative rights and rapidly advancing technology, with implications for artists and public figures worldwide.

The Trademark Strategy

The trademarks include a sound mark on audio of McConaughey saying, ‘Alright, alright, alright!’ — his memorable line from the 1993 comedy film ‘Dazed and Confused.’ Other trademarks include a 7-second video clip of him standing on a porch, a 3-second clip of him sitting in front of a Christmas tree, and audio of him saying ‘Just keep livin’, right?’ followed by pauses and other phrases. The Yorn Levine legal team pursued the novel trademark strategy so McConaughey has standing to sue in U.S. federal courts if need be.

Growing Industry Concerns

Concerns about AI-generated impersonation and deepfakes have been growing across the entertainment industry. There is, as of now, no federal law that would govern the use of a celebrity’s likeness without their consent, but a bill was introduced in Congress in 2024. Only a few states, notably Tennessee’s Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act, signed into law in March 2024, offer more targeted protections for artists against AI-generated cloning or impersonation.

Embracing AI on His Own Terms

Interestingly, McConaughey recently announced a partnership with AI voice company ElevenLabs to replicate a version of his newsletter ‘Lyrics of Livin” in Spanish with a likeness of his voice. McConaughey is an investor in ElevenLabs. This demonstrates that the actor isn’t opposed to AI technology itself, but rather seeks control over how his identity is used.

What’s Next for McConaughey

Beyond his legal battles with AI, The Rivals of Amziah King has now been given a theatrical release date at last, with Black Bear unleashing the movie later this year on August 22, 2026. The film, which has already got a 97% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, will hit U.S. theaters later this year.

Conclusion: A Precedent for the Future

Attorney Jonathan Pollack stated, ‘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.’ McConaughey’s proactive approach could establish a vital precedent for protecting creative professionals in the AI age. As technology continues to evolve, this case will likely influence how celebrities and artists safeguard their identities, potentially shaping future legislation and industry standards for years to come.