Dua Lipa Sues Samsung for $15 Million Over Unauthorized Image Use

Dua Lipa is reportedly taking legal action against Samsung, seeking $15 million in damages, as reported by Variety, which reviewed the court complaint filed on Friday in the Central District of California.

The lawsuit alleges that Samsung used Lipa’s image on its television packaging without her permission or compensation. According to the complaint, the company began featuring her likeness on TV boxes sometime last year. Upon discovering this, Lipa requested that Samsung cease using her image, but the company reportedly responded in a “dismissive and callous” manner.

Her legal team argues that the use of her image suggested she was endorsing the product, despite her never agreeing to such an endorsement. The complaint also claims that Samsung profited from this misleading impression.

The filing 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.”

Additionally, the lawsuit asserts that Lipa holds the copyright to the photo in question, which was reportedly taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Festival in 2024.

The filing also highlights social media reactions on X, illustrating how users felt influenced to purchase the TVs, believing Lipa was associated with the product. One quoted post in the complaint stated, “I wasn’t even planning on buying a tv but I saw the box so I decided to get it.” Another user 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.”

The lawsuit emphasizes that Lipa meticulously manages her brand and is selective about endorsements, asserting that this unauthorized use of her image contradicts her brand values.

The case includes claims under copyright law, California’s right of publicity rules, the federal Lanham Act, and trademark law. As of now, Samsung has not publicly commented on the lawsuit.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!