Lionel Richie Files to Trademark His Voice Amid AI Concerns

Lionel Richie has taken steps to trademark his voice in response to the increasing prevalence of AI deepfakes. His legal team filed an application with the U.S.

Patent and Trademark Office to secure a trademark for his instantly recognizable vocal phrases, including "Hello" and "Is it me you're looking for?" This initiative aims to protect his identity from unauthorized AI voice clones and deepfake technology. The move aligns with a broader trend among high-profile artists, such as Taylor Swift, who also filed for a sound mark to protect her vocal signature.

Richie's application seeks to establish a legal framework that links his vocal style to his personal brand, allowing him to pursue legal action against malicious deepfake uses. While traditional trademark law does not cover generic singing voices, it does allow for the protection of specific vocal catchphrases and signature sounds.

Richie's career spans five decades, beginning with his role as frontman of the Commodores and later achieving solo success.