Let’s talk about Matthew McConaughey. Yes, the Oscar-winning actor. The smooth-talking, Lincoln-driving, “Alright, alright, alright”-chanting Texan who could probably sell sand in the desert. Well, turns out he’s selling something even cooler: his identity.
No, he’s not uploading himself to the metaverse (yet). What he is doing, though, is next-level genius. He’s trademarking elements of his personality. That’s right.
He locked down his iconic catchphrase, his voice, and even audiovisual snippets of himself like they’re designer handbags. Because in the age of AI, your voice might be more valuable than your vintage Rolex.
What’s going on here?
Well, welcome to the 21st century. A time where anyone with Wi-Fi can clone your voice, deepfake your face, and make you promote skincare products you’ve never even heard of. (Looking at you, AI-generated Morgan Freemans.)
So McConaughey is saying: “Hold up. If you want to use me—my voice, my words, my vibes—you gotta pay.” And frankly, that’s alright, alright, alright with us.
It’s not paranoia. It’s a business model.
McConaughey’s move isn’t just self-defense. It’s a strategy. He’s not only blocking unauthorized use—he’s setting the stage for licensing deals with brands, games, apps, and possibly your next AI-powered GPS that guides you with Southern charm.
Think about it. His voice in an audiobook? His catchphrase on a hoodie? His vibe in a meditation app that ends every session with a smooth “Keep livin’”? Yes, please.
It’s merch. It’s marketing. It’s money.
It’s not just McConaughey. The celebs are coming
McConaughey’s not alone on this red carpet of legal brilliance.
Paris Hilton trademarked “That’s hot” and slapped it on merch. Ringtones, t-shirts, mugs—you name it, it’s been “hot.”
Taylor Swift? She copyrighted her own lyrics. Whole chunks of her songs are now printed on officially licensed products. Why? Because no one should profit off her heartbreak but her.
Then there’s Cardi B, who tried to trademark her iconic “Okurrr.” It didn’t fully work out—apparently the U.S. Patent Office isn’t fluent in pop culture—but the attempt says it all.
Even catchphrases are brand assets now. This isn’t branding. It’s Pokémon. Gotta trademark ’em all.
And here’s the twist: You can do it too
Okay, maybe you’re not McConaughey. Maybe your catchphrase is more “Did you turn it off and on again?” than Oscar-worthy. Still, the lesson here is gold: Your brand has an identity. Protect it. Build with it. And don’t let AI turn it into a karaoke machine.
But here’s the kicker…
None of this works if you’re winging it
To develop real products from your brand’s voice, you need consistency. Style. Standards. And for that, you need software that sticks to your style guide like glitter to a kindergarten craft project.
Without it? You’ll end up with a slogan in Comic Sans and a voiceover that sounds like Siri’s weird cousin.
So yeah. Be like McConaughey. Lock it down. Own your voice. And build your brand—with tech that knows your style better than your mom does.
