Dua Lipa has filed a $15 million lawsuit against Samsung Electronics, accusing the company of using her image on television packaging without her permission. The case was filed in a California federal court and centers on claims that Samsung used a photo of the singer to promote and sell TV sets in the United States. (The Guardian)
According to reports, the lawsuit alleges that Samsung placed a copyrighted image of Dua Lipa on TV boxes, creating the impression that she had endorsed the product. Lipa’s legal team claims the image was used commercially without approval, compensation, or an official partnership agreement. (Billboard)
The photo at the center of the dispute was reportedly taken backstage at the Austin City Limits festival in 2024. The lawsuit claims Lipa owns the copyright to the image and that Samsung’s use of it violated her rights. Her attorneys argue that the packaging did more than simply display her face — they say it connected her public image to Samsung’s products in a way that could mislead customers. (The Guardian)
The singer is seeking at least $15 million in damages. The complaint reportedly includes claims related to copyright infringement, violation of publicity rights, trademark issues, and the alleged unauthorized commercial use of her likeness. Lipa is also asking the court to stop Samsung from continuing to use the image. (Pitchfork)
Lipa’s legal team also argues that her image carries significant commercial value because of her carefully managed public brand. The singer has worked with major companies in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and technology, making official endorsements an important part of her business identity. The lawsuit claims that Samsung benefited from that value without securing permission. (The Guardian)
The complaint reportedly says Lipa became aware of the alleged use in 2025 and sent requests asking Samsung to stop. Her lawyers claim the company did not properly resolve the issue and continued to benefit from packaging that featured her image. (People.com)
The lawsuit highlights a growing issue in entertainment and advertising: the use of celebrity images in commercial promotions without clear consent. For major artists, a photograph can represent not only personal identity but also brand value, endorsement power, and contractual exclusivity.
As of the latest reports, Samsung has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. The case is still in its early stages, and the allegations have not yet been tested in court. (The Guardian)
