Meloni seeks EU trademark for her voice to combat AI deepfakes

Key points

• Meloni filed a trademark application for a sound mark with the EU Intellectual Property Office on October 5, 2026.
• The application covers a four-second recording of Meloni saying 'Io sono Giorgia Meloni,' a phrase from her 2021 autobiography and a 2019 rally speech.
• The trademark is intended to protect against AI-generated voice clones and deepfakes.
• The filing follows years of manipulated content, including a 2024 civil case involving alleged pornographic deepfakes and new AI-generated images in May 2026.
• The 2019 rally speech was previously turned into a viral disco remix, highlighting the public familiarity with the audio.

Background

This action follows a pattern of AI-related legal and public relations challenges for public figures, similar to Ubisoft's recent trademark filings for AI game development tools. It also follows the broader trend of using intellectual property law to combat digital harassment, as seen in the legal proceedings Meloni faced in 2024 regarding deepfake pornography.

Why it matters

This filing represents a significant legal strategy to combat AI-generated disinformation and harassment targeting political figures. By trademarking her voice, Meloni seeks to establish a legal basis to challenge unauthorized AI clones, potentially setting a precedent for other public figures facing similar digital threats. It highlights the growing intersection of intellectual property law and AI technology in the realm of political security and personal protection.

What to watch

The outcome of the trademark application will determine whether Meloni has a legal basis to pursue action against future AI-generated voice clones. It may also influence how other public figures and politicians approach the protection of their digital likenesses and voices against AI manipulation.