Dua Lipa sues Samsung for $15 million alleging unauthorised use of her image on TV packaging
Photo: Reuters
Dua Lipa has filed a $15 million lawsuit against Samsung, alleging the electronics company used her likeness on television packaging without her permission or compensation.
The complaint was reportedly filed on Friday in the Central District of California and claims Samsung used the singer’s image on cardboard TV boxes as part of a mass marketing campaign that began last year.
The lawsuit alleges that Lipa became aware of the packaging and requested that Samsung stop using her image, but claims the company refused to comply. The filing describes Samsung’s response as “dismissive and callous”.
Yesterday, Dua Lipa sued Samsung for using her image on TV boxes without permission.
She seeks actual damages of at least $15 million.
She alleges straightforward claims for violating her publicity rights and false endorsement, in addition to copyright and trademark claims.… pic.twitter.com/tUkJ5xg5cn“Ms. Lipa’s face was prominently used for a mass marketing campaign for a consumer product without her knowledge, without consideration, and as to which she had no say, control, or input whatsoever,” the complaint states.
“Ms. Lipa did not allow and would not have allowed this use.”
The suit further alleges that Samsung financially benefited from creating the impression that Lipa had endorsed its televisions, despite no agreement existing between the singer and the company.
According to the complaint, Lipa owns the copyright to the image in question, which was reportedly taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Festival in 2024.
The filing also includes comments posted online by users who suggested the packaging influenced their purchasing decisions.
“I wasn’t even planning on buying a tv but I saw the box so I decided to get it,” one user wrote.
Another commented, “I’d get that TV just because Dua Lipa is on it. That’s how obsessed I am. That’s how much I love her.”
A third wrote, “Just put a picture of Dua Lipa on it.”
The complaint alleges copyright infringement, trademark violations, breach of California’s right of publicity statute and violations under the federal Lanham Act.