British pop sensation Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit against Samsung Electronics, seeking at least $15 million in damages over the alleged unauthorized use of her image to promote the company’s television products.
According to court documents filed in a California federal court, the singer accused Samsung of using a copyrighted photograph of her on the front of cardboard packaging boxes for televisions sold at retail outlets without obtaining permission or licensing rights.
The lawsuit claims that Samsung’s use of the image falsely created the impression that Dua Lipa endorsed or approved the company’s television products, potentially influencing consumer purchasing decisions.
The image at the center of the dispute is reportedly titled “Dua Lipa — Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024,” which, according to the legal filing, is fully owned by the singer with all associated rights, titles, and interests.
In addition to copyright infringement, the lawsuit also accuses Samsung of trademark infringement and violating Dua Lipa’s publicity rights by commercially benefiting from her identity and public image without authorization.
Lawyers representing the singer attached screenshots of social media posts and online comments to the filing, arguing that the packaging influenced customers by implying a celebrity endorsement.
One screenshot reportedly showed a fan commenting that they would purchase the television “just because Dua is on it.”
According to the lawsuit, the “Levitating” singer became aware of the alleged infringement in June last year and formally demanded that Samsung stop using her image.
However, the filing claims the company repeatedly refused to cease the alleged unauthorized use despite receiving notice.
The lawsuit further argues that Samsung’s actions have damaged Dua Lipa’s commercial goodwill and brand identity by misleading consumers into believing she had an official partnership or endorsement arrangement with the electronics manufacturer.
A spokesperson for Samsung Electronics declined to comment on the matter, citing ongoing litigation, while representatives for Dua Lipa had not publicly responded further regarding the case.
Legal experts say the lawsuit could become a significant case involving celebrity image rights, intellectual property protection, and unauthorized commercial endorsements in global marketing campaigns.
