Matthew McConaughey and Taylor Swift Secure Trademarks for Voice and Image as AI Use in Entertainment Evolves
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Matthew McConaughey and Taylor Swift have successfully registered trademarks for their distinctive voice clips and images, a move that could help them control how their likenesses are used in an era of growing AI-generated content. The entertainment industry is navigating this new landscape through new union agreements, legal actions, and proposed legislation.
Facts First
- Matthew McConaughey secured trademarks for his catchphrase 'Alright, alright, alright!' and other audio clips after a two-year review.
- Taylor Swift filed trademark applications covering her voice saying 'Hey, it's Taylor Swift' and a specific photograph of her.
- A new union deal requires studios to notify and bargain with the union if they license performances for AI training.
- The Academy clarified that purely AI actors are ineligible for awards, and screenplays must be human-authored.
- More than 50 copyright cases against AI companies are currently pending, alongside new lawsuits and proposed federal legislation.
What Happened
Matthew McConaughey's legal team filed for eight trademarks in 2023, including a sound mark for his phrase 'Alright, alright, alright!' and other audio and video clips. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted these trademarks in 2025. Separately, on April 24, Taylor Swift's company filed three trademark applications covering her voice saying 'Hey, it's Taylor Swift' and 'Hey, it's Taylor', as well as a visual trademark for a specific photograph. Swift has registered more than 400 trademarks worldwide previously.
In the broader entertainment industry, a four-year deal was recently reached between studios and a union regarding synthetic performers. The deal states that synthetic performers can only be used if they bring 'significant additional value' to a project, and studios must notify and bargain with the union if they license performances for AI training. On May 1, the Academy clarified award rules, stating purely AI actors are ineligible and screenplays must be human-authored. Legal activity is increasing, with over 50 copyright cases against AI companies pending, a new lawsuit filed by publishers and author Scott Turow against Meta, and the No Fakes Act proposed in Congress to outlaw unauthorized AI copies.
Why this Matters to You
If you consume movies, music, or online content, you may encounter more AI-generated versions of familiar voices and faces. These trademark registrations by celebrities like McConaughey and Swift could give them stronger legal tools to control or potentially license such uses, which might lead to more authorized, high-quality synthetic performances in official projects. The new union agreement and award rules may encourage studios to use AI tools more transparently and collaboratively with human artists. However, the pending lawsuits and unsettled legislation indicate the legal landscape for AI and creativity is still evolving, which could affect the availability and nature of AI-generated entertainment.
What's Next
The trademark applications by Taylor Swift will undergo review by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The numerous pending copyright lawsuits against AI companies are likely to progress through the courts, potentially setting important precedents. Congress may consider the proposed No Fakes Act, which could establish federal rules for AI-generated likenesses. The free registry for granting or denying consent for AI use, planned for launch in June by the non-profit RSL Media, could provide a new tool for creators to manage their digital rights.