Virtual Influencers and Trademark Ownership: Who Controls the Brand Behind an AI Personality?
Can a Virtual Influencer Own a Trademark? A virtual influencer can attract millions of followers, secure advertising partnerships, and become the recognizable face of a commercial brand without ever existing as a real person. These computer-generated personalities are changing how businesses advertise products, build audiences, and establish brand identities. But when a virtual influencer becomes commercially valuable, an important legal question emerges: who actually owns the trademark rights behind that digital personality? Under U.S. trademark…