Dua Lipa is suing Samsung for $15 million in a legal dispute over the unauthorized use of the pop star's image. The British singer, 30, filed the lawsuit on Friday, alleging that the electronics giant used a photograph of her face to promote televisions without obtaining her permission or offering any compensation.
Allegations of Unauthorized Use
According to the legal filing, Samsung allegedly began incorporating Lipa's image into marketing materials and on cardboard packaging for its TVs worldwide at the start of 2025. Lipa holds the copyright to the photograph in question, which was taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Festival in 2024. The complaint states: "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."
When Lipa became aware of the advertising campaign, she requested that Samsung cease using the image. However, the lawsuit claims that the company was "dismissive and callous" and refused her request.
Claims of False Endorsement
The suit alleges that Samsung has profited from using Lipa's image and creating the false impression that she endorses their products. The filing includes comments from Lipa's fans on social media platforms, suggesting that some consumers were motivated to purchase Samsung TVs because they believed Lipa had endorsed them. One comment quoted in the complaint reads: "I wasn't even planning on buying a tv but I saw the box so I decided to get it." Another Instagram user wrote: "I'd get that TV just because Dua Lipa is on it."
Lipa's lawsuit accuses Samsung of copyright infringement, violation of the right of publicity, and false endorsement. She is seeking at least $15 million in damages, in addition to the profits Samsung allegedly earned through the unauthorized use of her image.
Legal Grounds
Her legal team argues that Samsung violated California's right of publicity law, the federal Lanham Act, and trademark laws, which protect celebrities from having their public identities exploited for commercial purposes without authorization.
Representatives for Samsung and Lipa did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Previous Legal Victory
This is not the first time Lipa has had to defend her image in court. Last year, she won a lawsuit against two songwriters who claimed she copied the melody of her hit song "Levitating" from disco tracks they had written. Songwriters L Russell Brown and Sandy Linzer sued Lipa in 2022, alleging she copied their 1979 track "Wiggle and Giggle All Night" and their 1980 song "Don Diablo." However, the judge concluded that the similar elements of the songs "lacked sufficient originality alone" to be protected under copyright law.
