Austin, Texas, January 16, 2026
Matthew McConaughey has trademarked his iconic catchphrase, ‘Alright, alright, alright’, to protect his voice and likeness from unauthorized AI use. This trademark reflects a trend among celebrities safeguarding their intellectual property in the digital age. By specifying the unique pitch variations, the trademark ensures any replication of McConaughey’s voice requires his consent. Additionally, he has secured trademarks for various personal assets, emphasizing the importance of consent in the evolving landscape of AI technology. McConaughey’s proactive measures serve as a model for others in the industry.
Matthew McConaughey Trademarks ‘Alright, Alright, Alright’ to Safeguard His Voice
Austin, Texas – A Move Towards Protecting Personal Brands
Film star Matthew McConaughey has made headlines by successfully trademarking his famous catchphrase, “Alright, alright, alright.” This strategic initiative aims to protect his voice and likeness from potential misuse by artificial intelligence (AI), reflecting a growing trend among celebrities to safeguard their intellectual property in an increasingly digital landscape. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted McConaughey this trademark in December 2025, following the application he filed two years earlier.
This legal protection is designed to ensure that any replication of McConaughey’s unique vocal attributes, specifically the pitch variations of his catchphrase, cannot be used without his consent. The move not only emphasizes the importance of personal approval in AI-generated content but also highlights McConaughey’s proactive approach to managing his public persona amidst evolving technologies.
Details Behind the Trademark
The trademark registration includes specific details regarding the pitch variations of the catchphrase: the first syllable of the first two words is at a lower pitch than the second syllable, and the first syllable of the last word is at a higher pitch than its counterpart. This level of specification underscores the commitment McConaughey has to preserving the authenticity and originality of his work.
Additional Assets Secured
In addition to his iconic phrase, McConaughey’s legal team has secured trademarks for various personal assets. This includes a seven-second video clip of him standing on a porch, a three-second video snippet of him in front of a Christmas tree, and audio recordings featuring him encouraging his audience with the phrase, “Just keep livin’, right? I mean, what are we gonna do?” These trademarks collectively serve to strengthen McConaughey’s control over how his persona is represented across digital platforms.
The Growing Importance of Consent in AI
McConaughey’s actions emphasize a critical conversation regarding consent and attribution in the realm of AI. By taking this leap, he aims to establish benchmarks for ethical practices in AI applications involving public figures. The actor has publicly shared his desire to ensure that his likeness and voice are utilized only with appropriate permission, showing forward-thinking leadership as the use of AI becomes more prevalent in creative industries.
Prior Collaborations with AI Technology
Before securing this trademark, McConaughey had previously collaborated with ElevenLabs, an AI audio company, to create a synthetic version of his voice for a Spanish-language edition of his newsletter, “Lyrics of Livin’.” This partnership illustrates his willingness to embrace technology while also managing how it can impact his brand and public image. By blending innovation with protection, McConaughey serves as a role model for other artists navigating similar challenges.
Implications for Celebrities and AI Content Generation
McConaughey’s trademark success aligns with a rising pattern among celebrities who are actively working to protect their brand identities from unauthorized uses of AI. As AI technology continues to advance and influence media production, more public figures may find a need to establish legal safeguards around their voices and images. This proactive measure could set a precedent for how intellectual property rights are defined and enforced in the era of AI-generated content.
Key Takeaways
Through his recent trademark efforts, Matthew McConaughey exemplifies how celebs can wisely navigate the complexities of intellectual property in the digital age. By asserting control over their likenesses, stars can maintain authenticity, forge new revenue channels, and ensure they benefit personally from any AI innovation that builds upon their established brands.
Conclusion
Matthew McConaughey’s decision to trademark “Alright, alright, alright” illustrates an important intersection between creativity and technology, showcasing a thoughtful approach to safeguarding personal identities amid rapid advancements in AI. His initiative serves as a vital reminder for other Texas entrepreneurs and public figures about the necessity of maintaining control over one’s own brand. As the landscape of communication continues evolving, staying informed and proactive will be key in preserving individuality and fostering economic growth within the local community.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Catchphrase Trademarked | “Alright, alright, alright” |
| Additional Assets Trademarked | Seven-second video clip of McConaughey standing on a porch, three-second clip of him sitting in front of a Christmas tree, and audio recordings of him saying, “Just keep livin’, right? I mean, what are we gonna do?” |
| Trademark Registration Details | Specifies unique pitch variations of the catchphrase |
| Previous AI Collaboration | Partnered with AI audio company ElevenLabs to create a synthetic version of his voice for a Spanish-language edition of his newsletter, “Lyrics of Livin'” |
| Purpose of Trademark | To prevent unauthorized AI applications from replicating McConaughey’s voice and likeness without his consent |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did Matthew McConaughey trademark his catchphrase?
Matthew McConaughey trademarked his catchphrase, “Alright, alright, alright,” to protect his voice and likeness from unauthorized use by artificial intelligence (AI).
What other assets did McConaughey trademark?
In addition to his catchphrase, McConaughey’s legal team secured trademarks for a seven-second video clip of him standing on a porch, a three-second clip of him sitting in front of a Christmas tree, and audio recordings of him saying, “Just keep livin’, right? I mean, what are we gonna do?”
How does this trademark protect McConaughey’s likeness?
The trademark registration specifies the unique pitch variations of the phrase, detailing that the first syllable of the first two words is at a lower pitch than the second syllable, and the first syllable of the last word is at a higher pitch than the second syllable.
Has McConaughey collaborated with AI companies before?
Yes, McConaughey previously collaborated with AI audio company ElevenLabs to create a synthetic version of his voice for a Spanish-language edition of his newsletter, “Lyrics of Livin.”
What does this trademark mean for AI-generated content?
This trademark aims to prevent AI applications from replicating McConaughey’s voice and likeness without his consent, addressing concerns over unauthorized AI-generated content.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
