Technology often has significant implications for businesses. In some cases, it can also have an impact on celebrities, such as entertainers, athletes and influencers. There are always those willing to embrace new technology before it becomes mainstream, and that is exactly what Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks recently did.
In a move intended to capitalize on her popularity, the WNBA star announced an AI twin accessible via phone service. Fans can call to talk to an AI program designed to recreate her personality, speech patterns and voice. The announcement of this exciting new means of helping fans connect with celebrities has profound implications for business and intellectual property law.
New opportunities for wealth generation
AI technology that allows software to communicate with interested fans creates a new opportunity for revenue for those with strong personal brands. While celebrities can use the internet to monetize their prestige by sending bespoke short videos, restraints on their time made the costs of such services prohibitive for the average fan.
This new AI system is interactive and more likely to keep fans engaged, while also being more affordable. Businesses that can secure licensing privileges for various celebrities could soon have a brand-new stream of revenue available to them.
Infringement concerns require consideration
The dark side of this exciting development is the possibility of abuse. The dark web already features inappropriate AI-generated videos and images of celebrities generated using technology. It is easy to see the potential for abuse.
Celebrities may need to be more diligent about monitoring the use of their likeness, and businesses may need to be vigilant when they vet new opportunities for creating AI twins or otherwise replicating the likeness of a popular celebrity.
Those weighing the intellectual property implications and profits of AI-based interactive software may need guidance to avoid potentially costly infringement claims. Consulting with an attorney can limit the risk of investing in new systems or seeking licensing rights accordingly.