Recently, some public figures have been exploring trademark law as a potential tool to protect distinctive aspects of their voice and likeness from unauthorized AI-generated uses. In particular, trademark filings for “sensory” marks by Matthew McConaughey for his iconic “ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT” phrase (e.g., Reg. No. 8,070,191), and by Taylor Swift for recognizable spoken phrases and imagery (e.g., Serial No. 99/784,980) illustrate how celebrities are attempting to use trademark registrations to strengthen protection against misuse of their identities. As AI technology continues to evolve, such trademark strategies may become an avenue not only for entertainers, but also for other prominent individuals seeking to control commercial uses of their voice and likeness.

Cleo Suero is an intellectual property attorney at Malloy & Malloy. Her practice focuses on protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights, with experience spanning trademark and copyright prosecution, disputes, litigation, and related agreements. Ms. Suero is available to consult with clients in the Firm’s Miami office.