Matthew McConaughey files patents to safeguard his image and voice from unauthorised AI use, setting a precedent for celebrity rights in AI era

Actor Matthew McConaughey has filed recordings of his image and voice with US patent authorities to prevent unauthorised use by artificial intelligence platforms, a representative confirmed on Wednesday.

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The filings, made through the commercial arm of the just keep livin Foundationa non-profit established by McConaughey and his wife Camila include multiple video clips and audio recordings, according to the United States Patent and Trademark Office database.

The move reflects growing concerns among artists over uncontrolled use of their likeness via generative AI since the introduction of tools such as ChatGPT.

While several US states have adopted legislation to regulate malicious or commercial AI use, only a few, such as Tennessee’s ELVIS Act passed in 2024, provide targeted protections against AI-generated cloning or impersonation.

Some actors have already pursued legal action.

Scarlett Johansson notably sued the AI-generated app Lisa AI in 2023 for using her likeness in advertisements without consent.

McConaughey, star of “Interstellar” and “Dallas Buyers Club,” has embraced AI commercially, holding a stake in ElevenLabs, a company specialising in AI voice modelling.

The startup has produced an AI audio version of McConaughey with his authorisation.

Attorney Kevin Yorn, representing McConaughey, said the filings aim to ensure the actor “has the same kind of protections that their businesses have” while also allowing him to “capture some of the value that is being created with this new technology using their voice and likeness.”