Art, AI & Ownership: Who Really Owns the Spotlight?

In the age of artificial intelligence, the question of who owns what in the entertainment industry is murkier than ever.

Recently, AI-generated songs mimicking the voices of major recording artists—without their permission—have gone viral on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. One AI-generated Drake and The Weeknd collaboration fooled millions before being yanked offline. The backlash was swift, but so was the public fascination.

Here’s the twist:
Many of these songs aren’t being created by fans. They're being created for profit—by people who don’t own the voice, the likeness, or the brand. And now, the courts and record labels are scrambling to answer a hauntingly futuristic question:

If AI creates content in your image or voice… do you still own it?

🧠 The Era of Digital Doppelgängers

We’ve seen AI-generated art win competitions. We’ve watched deceased actors "come back to life" in films. We’ve heard virtual artists top streaming charts. But behind the glitz is a legal vacuum: how do you protect your legacy when the tool replicating you isn't human?

These issues go beyond music.
If you’re a thought leader, influencer, business owner, or creative entrepreneur, your voice, face, and identity may already be floating online—and ripe for replication.

💼 So, Who Does Own the Spotlight?

Legally speaking, it’s complicated. But here’s what should be true:

• You own your likeness.
  But only if you’ve taken steps to protect it—through publicity rights, trademarks, and licensing agreements.
  
  
• You own your content.
  Unless you signed it away in a bad deal, or never copyrighted it in the first place.
  
  
• You can control how you're used—digitally or otherwise.
  But only if your business and estate planning documents include digital asset protection, right of publicity clauses, and IP control language.
  
  

🔐 Why It Matters for Your Legacy

Imagine your brand being copied… your voice used to sell something you don't believe in… your heirs fighting to take back control of your name after you're gone.

That’s not just celebrity drama.
That’s your brand. Your future. Your family’s inheritance.

The rise of AI means protecting your identity and creative work isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re building a media empire or simply sharing your expertise online, ownership must be intentional.

💡 Takeaway:

Don’t wait until your likeness is stolen or your content is cloned. Future-proof your brand—and your legacy—today.

At Mason Firm, we help entrepreneurs, artists, and legacy builders lock down their IP, secure their business structures, and make sure their spotlight shines for generations to come.

🔗 Book a Strategy Session Here