McConaughey Trademarks Famous Phrase to Block AI Voice Theft
The Oscar-winning actor has filed eight trademark applications to protect his voice and image from unauthorized AI use, including his legendary three-word catchphrase from a 1993 cult classic.
The Academy Award-winning actor has secured legal protection for his legendary three-word phrase that launched a thousand impressions. McConaughey filed eight separate trademark applications with federal authorities to shield his voice and image from unauthorized artificial intelligence reproduction.
The phrase first appeared in the 1993 cult film where a young McConaughey delivered the line inspired by a Doors track. He repeated those same words during his 2014 Oscar acceptance speech after winning Best Actor for his role in a biographical drama about AIDS activism.
Legal Strategy Against Digital Impersonation
McConaughey explained his protective stance to a major business publication. "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," he stated. The actor wants to establish clear boundaries around ownership rights as artificial intelligence technology advances.
"We want to create a clear perimeter around ownership with consent and attribution the norm in an AI world," McConaughey added. His attorney Kevin Yorn acknowledged the uncertain legal landscape, admitting uncertainty about potential court rulings while emphasizing the need to test these protections.
Investment in Voice Technology
The Texas-born actor holds an investment stake in ElevenLabs, a voice synthesis company. Last November, the firm announced its Iconic Voice Marketplace, partnering with living and deceased performers who consent to AI voice replication.
British actor Michael Caine joined the platform, praising the company's approach. "ElevenLabs is at the very forefront of technology, using innovation not to replace humanity, but to celebrate it," Caine said in a company statement.
Through his ElevenLabs partnership, McConaughey recently announced plans for a Spanish-language audio version of his newsletter. The project represents his first major foray into AI-assisted content creation.