Stay Ahead of the Curve
Latest AI news, expert analysis, bold opinions, and key trends — delivered to your inbox.
Matthew McConaughey trademarks “alright, alright, alright” to fight AI misuse
3 min read Matthew McConaughey trademarks his voice, image, and iconic “alright, alright, alright” catchphrase to fight AI-generated fakes, marking the first time an actor has used trademark law to protect against AI misuse. January 16, 2026 13:11
Matthew McConaughey is taking a stand against AI-generated fakes — starting with himself. The Oscar-winning actor has trademarked his voice and image, including his iconic catchphrase “alright, alright, alright” from Dazed and Confused, in an effort to prevent unauthorized use by AI platforms.
According to reports, the trademark has been registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, making McConaughey the first actor to use trademark law specifically to protect against AI misuse. Lawyers and experts note this is a new approach in an industry still figuring out how to legally respond to AI-generated content.
Hollywood and the music world have already been grappling with the issue. Stars like Scarlett Johansson and Taylor Swift have seen fake images, videos, and audio clips of themselves appear online, created by AI tools — sometimes for harmless memes, sometimes for misleading or harmful purposes.
Why it matters
McConaughey’s move could set a precedent for other public figures, giving them a legal route to reclaim control over how their likeness is used in the AI era. As AI-generated media becomes more realistic and widespread, trademarking identity or catchphrases may become a key tool in fighting misuse, protecting both reputation and revenue streams.
The bigger picture: This isn’t just about one catchphrase — it’s about how society and the law will keep pace with AI’s ability to replicate human identity.
AI Agents