*Lionel Richie is moving to protect his voice as artificial intelligence continues to change the entertainment industry.
According to Digital Music News, the singer has filed four trademark applications tied to spoken versions of lyrics from some of his most recognizable songs. The filings come as performers look for ways to safeguard their identity in a rapidly expanding AI landscape.
Each application centers on a short audio phrase linked to Richie’s catalog. The filings include “Hello, is it me you’re looking for?”, “Say you, say me”, “Easy like Sunday morning”, and “All night long.”
The move reflects a broader shift in the industry as artists respond to growing concerns about unauthorized voice replication. AI-generated soundalikes and digital imitations have increased pressure on entertainers to explore legal protections beyond traditional copyright and publicity rights.
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Other performers have pursued similar strategies. Taylor Swift and Matthew McConaughey have both filed for voice and likeness protections, with McConaughey securing trademarks linked to his well-known phrases, including “Hey, hey, hey.”
Legal experts note that voice-based trademarks remain a developing area. Applicants often face challenges because sound marks tied to human voices do not follow the same established path as more conventional trademarks.
Lawmakers are also reviewing the issue. A revised version of the No Fakes Act was introduced last month, signaling potential updates to how voice and likeness rights apply in the AI era. The proposal reflects growing attention in Congress as synthetic media becomes more widespread.
The filings place Richie among a growing group of artists responding to new questions about ownership, identity, and control in a technology-driven entertainment landscape.
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