Pop star Dua Lipa has filed a $15 million (£12 million) lawsuit against Samsung, accusing the electronics giant of using her likeness to sell televisions without permission or payment.
The complaint, filed in the Central District of California, alleges that Samsung featured Lipa's image on cardboard packaging for its TVs from last year. When Lipa's team demanded the company cease using her image, Samsung was reportedly “dismissive and callous” and refused the request.
“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 lawsuit states. “Ms. Lipa did not allow and would not have allowed this use.”
The suit claims that Samsung profited from the false impression that Lipa endorsed the product. It cites social media comments suggesting customers were influenced by the apparent endorsement, including one user who wrote: “I wasn’t even planning on buying a tv but I saw the box so I decided to get it.”
Lipa, who owns the copyright to the photograph taken backstage at the 2024 Austin City Limits Festival, alleges copyright violation, violation of California’s right of publicity statute, and trademark claims under the Lanham Act.
Samsung responded on May 11, stating that the image came from a content partner who assured permission had been secured. “Samsung has great respect for Ms. Lipa and the intellectual property of all artists. We have actively sought and remain open to a constructive resolution with Ms. Lipa’s team,” the company said.
