Can You Trademark a Voice? AI, Celebrity Identity, and the Future of Intellectual Property
From Catchphrases to Voices In a prior discussion, we explored how celebrities like Matthew McConaughey have taken steps to protect recognizable elements of their identity, such as catchphrases, through trademark law. With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, celebrities are no longer just protecting what they say, they are attempting to protect how they sound. […]
Who Owns AI-Generated Content?
Who Owns AI-Generated Content? Understanding Intellectual Property Rights Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday business operations, from marketing content to product development. But as adoption increases, so does a fundamental legal question: who owns AI-generated content? The answer is not always straightforward. In fact, many businesses assume they own AI-generated content simply because […]
Unauthorized Use of Likeness in Marketing: What Businesses Need to Know
A recent lawsuit highlights the legal risks of using an individual’s image without permission in branding and advertising. As marketing strategies continue to evolve, particularly across digital platforms, businesses must be mindful of the legal risks associated with the unauthorized use of likeness. More are increasingly leveraging recognizable faces and personal brands to promote products. […]
March Madness and NIL: What Student-Athletes and Brands Should Know in 2026
A look at how name, image, and likeness (NIL) legal considerations continue to shape college athletics during tournament season. As March Madness begins, college athletics once again take center stage. Beyond the competition, the evolving landscape of name, image, and likeness rights continues to play a significant role in how student-athletes, brands, and institutions […]
Polar Bears and Brand Wars: Pepsi’s Bold Move Into Coca-Cola’s Territory
Polar Opposites? How Pepsi Can Use a Polar Bear Without Getting Frostbitten by Trademark Law? When you think of polar bears in soda advertising, one company likely comes to mind: Coca-Cola. For years, Coke’s animated arctic ambassadors have become a staple, wholesome, nostalgic, and instantly recognizable. So imagine a collective double take when Pepsi co. […]
Matthew McConaughey’s Trademark Strategy: What Business Owners Should Know About Protecting One’s Name, Voice, & Likeness
In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and deepfakes, even the way we protect personal brands is changing. Recently Matthew McConaughey, who is an Oscar winning actor known for his iconic career and unmistakable voice, made headlines for a novel intellectual property strategy. He secured trademarks on elements of his own persona including, protecting […]
Appellate Victory: Protecting Homeowners’ Rights
Major Win for Homeowners Against Improper HOA Enforcement We are proud to share a significant appellate victory for our clients in a newly published decision from the Court of Appeals of Virginia. In Terrace View Property Owner’s Association, Inc v. Jannah (Feb. 3, 2026), the Court unanimously affirmed that the homeowners’ association lacked authority to […]
USPTO Trademark Opposition Explained: The “Pink Pony Rig” Case and Why Brand Protection Matters
Understanding the Trademark Opposition at the Heart of the Dispute When a business applies for a federal trademark, most owners assume the hard part is over. The paperwork is filed, the brand is launched, everything feels official. For one Virginia fishing tackle company, the trademark journey was just getting started. In July 2025, the […]