Dua Lipa Sues Samsung, Alleges Unauthorized Use of Her Image on Television Packaging
Dua Lipa has filed a $15 million lawsuit against Samsung, accusing the electronics giant of using her image on television packaging without permission in what her legal team describes as a deliberate attempt to commercially benefit from her public profile.
The complaint, filed Friday in federal court in California, alleges copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and violation of Lipa’s right of publicity. At the center of the dispute is a photograph of the singer that appeared on boxes for Samsung televisions sold in the United States, allegedly without authorization, compensation, or any endorsement agreement.
According to the filing, Lipa never entered into a promotional partnership with Samsung, despite her image being prominently featured on retail packaging used to market televisions equipped with Samsung TV Plus. The lawsuit argues that the placement created the false impression that the artist had some formal relationship with the company or had agreed to endorse its products.
The case also involves “right of publicity” laws, which generally prohibit companies from commercially using a person’s name, image, or likeness without permission. Celebrity endorsement disputes often center on whether marketing materials could lead consumers to believe a public figure approved or sponsored a product.
“Ms. Lipa brings this action against Samsung for copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and violation of her right of publicity in order to obtain redress for the massive, continuing, unauthorized commercial exploitation of her valuable image and likeness,” the complaint states.
The disputed image was reportedly taken backstage before Lipa’s performance at the 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival. The lawsuit points to Lipa’s history of commercial partnerships with brands including Porsche, Apple, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., arguing that her likeness is closely managed and not casually licensed for product marketing or endorsements.
The lawsuit alleges Samsung used the photograph “without authority or license” on packaging used to market televisions across the country.
Lipa’s legal team says the singer became aware of the issue in June 2025, when fans began posting about the packaging online. Social media commentary cited in the filing is used to support the argument that her likeness carried measurable promotional value.
One fan allegedly joked about purchasing the television simply because Lipa appeared on the box, while another remarked that putting her face on a product was enough to help sell it. Attorneys for the singer argue the reactions demonstrate that consumers could have interpreted the packaging as a legitimate endorsement or partnership.
The complaint also escalates the dispute by characterizing Samsung’s conduct as willful.
According to the filing, representatives for Lipa repeatedly demanded that the company stop using the image, but Samsung allegedly failed to comply. The lawsuit describes the company’s response as dismissive and argues that its refusal to remove the image demonstrates conscious disregard for her intellectual property and publicity rights.
The filing argues Samsung knowingly continued using the image after receiving repeated demands to stop. Under federal copyright law, findings of willful infringement can significantly increase potential damages.
Lipa is seeking at least $15 million in damages related to the alleged unauthorized use of her likeness on Samsung television packaging.
Samsung has not publicly responded to the lawsuit.
