Tennessee has enacted the “Elvis Act”, a first-of-its-kind law designed to protect artists from AI-generated deepfakesthat misuse their voices.

Strengthening Rights Against AI Misuse

This new legislation amends Tennessee’s Protection of Personal Rights statute, which already safeguards a person’s name, photograph, and likeness from unauthorized use. The Elvis Act extends these protections to artists’ voices, ensuring that musicians and performers have legal recourse against AI-generated impersonations.

Why This Matters for Artists and IP Law

With the rapid advancement of AI technology, deepfake tools can now replicate voices with alarming accuracy, raising serious concerns about unauthorized use, copyright infringement, and the dilution of artists’ brands. This legislation represents a critical step in protecting creators from exploitation in an era where AI-generated content is becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Key takeaways from the Elvis Act:
✅ Prevents unauthorized AI-generated voice impersonations of artists.
✅ Expands Tennessee’s existing right of publicity protections to include voice replication.
✅ Creates a legal framework for musicians and rights holders to challenge AI-generated content that misuses their identity.

A Broader Trend in AI and IP Regulation

As deepfake and AI technologies continue to evolve, lawmakers across the U.S. and globally are examining similar measures. The Elvis Act signals a growing awareness of the legal challenges posed by AI and could pave the way for federal or international regulations addressing AI-generated content in entertainment and beyond.

At Andrés Izquierdo & Lawyers, we specialize in intellectual property, copyright, and AI-related legal issues, helping artists, businesses, and policymakers navigate these evolving challenges.

For expert legal guidance on AI, copyright, and publicity rights, contact our IP & Technology Law team at info@andresizquierdo.com