Pop superstar Dua Lipa has initiated legal proceedings against electronics giant Samsung, seeking $15 million (£11 million) in damages over the alleged unauthorized use of her image on television packaging, according to court documents.
Legal Action Filed in California
The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California. Lawyers for the Grammy-winning artist claim that Samsung used a photograph of Lipa on the front of cardboard boxes for its televisions without obtaining permission, constituting wilful copyright and trademark infringement as well as a violation of her right of publicity.
The court documents state: “Samsung has refused to comply with Ms Lipa’s repeated demands that it cease and desist from infringing on her rights.”
Dua Lipa’s Global Stardom
Described in the filing as a “hugely successful” artist, Lipa has toured extensively worldwide, selling out stadiums. The papers highlight that over the past decade she has built “one of the most successful and recognisable artist brands in the world,” citing collaborations with luxury brands such as Chanel, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Porsche, and Apple.
The Alleged Infringement
The image in question was reportedly taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Festival in Austin, Texas, in 2024. According to the lawsuit, Samsung exploited Lipa’s brand identity to sell televisions without her knowledge or consent. “Samsung exploited Ms Lipa’s carefully curated and extremely valuable brand identity to sell televisions, by using, without authorisation, Ms Lipa’s copyrighted image on the front of cardboard boxes offering Samsung televisions for sale,” the document reads.
It continues: “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. Ms Lipa did not allow and would not have allowed this use.”
Legal Claims and Remedy Sought
Lipa is pursuing claims for copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and violation of her right of publicity. The lawsuit aims to obtain redress for what it describes as “massive, continuing, unauthorised commercial exploitation of her valuable image and likeness by Samsung on cardboard television boxes.”
The Press Association has contacted Samsung for comment but has not yet received a response.
