May 10 – British pop superstar Dua Lipa has launched a major legal battle against Samsung Electronics, accusing the global technology company of using her image without permission to promote and sell television sets across the United States. The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in California, seeks at least $15 million in damages and alleges that Samsung improperly used a copyrighted photograph of the singer on television packaging, creating the impression that she endorsed the products.
According to court filings, the dispute centers on a photograph titled “Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024.” The image allegedly appeared on the front of cardboard television boxes distributed for retail sale. Lawyers representing the Grammy-winning artist claim the photograph was displayed prominently as part of Samsung’s marketing and packaging strategy, despite the singer never authorizing its use.
The legal complaint argues that the use of the image gave consumers the impression that Dua Lipa had entered into a partnership or endorsement agreement with Samsung. Her attorneys contend that the electronics company financially benefited from the singer’s global popularity and commercial influence while failing to seek permission or provide compensation.
The lawsuit outlines multiple claims against Samsung, including copyright infringement, trademark violations, false endorsement, and violations of publicity rights under California law. The filing also accuses the company of exploiting the singer’s public image for commercial gain without her consent.
Samsung has not publicly addressed the detailed allegations contained in the lawsuit. A spokesperson for the company reportedly declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation and company policy regarding pending legal matters.
Dua Lipa’s legal team claims the singer first became aware of the alleged use of her image in June of last year. According to the complaint, her representatives immediately contacted Samsung and demanded that the company stop using the photograph on its product packaging and marketing materials. However, the filing alleges that Samsung repeatedly refused to comply with those demands.
The complaint describes the company’s alleged conduct as dismissive and harmful to the singer’s carefully managed public brand. Lawyers for the artist argue that she has built a highly selective endorsement portfolio over the years and maintains strict control over the brands and products associated with her image.
The filing points to several major luxury and consumer partnerships previously connected to Dua Lipa, including collaborations with internationally recognized companies such as Apple, Porsche, Versace, Bulgari, and Nespresso. Her legal team argues that unauthorized use of her likeness undermines the exclusivity and commercial value of those relationships.
The lawsuit further claims that Samsung’s actions diluted the singer’s brand identity and commercial goodwill by falsely suggesting that she approved of or supported the company’s television products. According to the filing, such an impression may have influenced purchasing decisions among consumers and fans.
To support the claim, the legal documents reportedly include screenshots of social media posts and public comments from consumers reacting to the packaging. Some users allegedly stated they were motivated to buy Samsung televisions specifically because Dua Lipa’s image appeared on the box.
One social media comment cited in the complaint reportedly said the individual would purchase the television “just because Dua is on it.” Another claimed they were not initially planning to buy a television but decided to make the purchase after seeing the packaging featuring the singer’s image.
Lawyers for Dua Lipa argue that these comments demonstrate the commercial value of her likeness and show how the alleged unauthorized use may have directly contributed to product sales.
The lawsuit also emphasizes the importance of publicity rights for celebrities and public figures in the entertainment industry. Such rights generally allow individuals to control how their name, image, or likeness is used commercially. Unauthorized use of a celebrity’s image in advertising or product marketing can expose companies to significant legal and financial consequences, especially when it appears to imply endorsement.
Legal experts often note that celebrity endorsements can dramatically influence consumer behavior, particularly in industries such as fashion, technology, cosmetics, and entertainment. As a result, endorsement agreements involving major public figures are typically negotiated carefully and can involve multimillion-dollar contracts.
Dua Lipa’s attorneys argue that Samsung bypassed that process entirely while benefiting from her international recognition and fan base. The complaint alleges that the company’s actions deprived the singer of the ability to control and monetize her own image.
The singer is now seeking not only monetary damages but also a permanent injunction that would prevent Samsung from continuing to use the image in question. In addition to the requested $15 million in damages, the lawsuit also seeks punitive damages, legal costs, and other relief that the court may consider appropriate.
The legal dispute adds to a growing number of cases involving celebrities protecting their intellectual property and publicity rights in the digital and commercial marketplace. Over recent years, musicians, actors, athletes, and influencers have increasingly pursued legal action against companies accused of using their likeness without authorization across advertising campaigns, social media promotions, and retail products.
Dua Lipa remains one of the most commercially successful pop artists in the world, with multiple chart-topping hits and a strong global fan following. Beyond music, she has expanded her presence in fashion, luxury branding, and entertainment partnerships, making control over her public image a central part of her business strategy.
At this stage, Samsung has not filed a detailed public legal response to the claims. The case is expected to move through the federal court system in California, where both sides will likely present evidence regarding the ownership of the photograph, the extent of its commercial use, and whether consumers were misled into believing the singer endorsed Samsung products.