The singer says Samsung used a copyrighted backstage photo to imply she endorsed its televisions, without her knowledge or consent
Dua Lipa has sued Samsung for at least $15 million, claiming the company used her photo on TV packaging in the U.S. without her permission.
The case centers on a photo titled "Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024," which Lipa says she owns the copyright to. Her lawyers say Samsung put this image on TV boxes in stores across the country, making people think she had officially partnered with the brand.
Legally, the lawsuit includes claims under copyright and trademark law, the California right of publicity statute, and the federal Lanham Act. Lipa's lawyers argue that since there was no official agreement, Samsung unfairly profited by using her name and image.
According to the complaint, Samsung continued to use the image on its packaging even after Lipa found out and asked them to stop. Her lawyers describe the company's response as "dismissive and callous."
To show how the packaging influenced buyers, the complaint includes fan comments from social media. One person said, "I wasn't even planning on buying a tv but I saw the box so I decided to get it." Another said they wanted to buy the TV "just because Dua Lipa is on it," according to Variety.
Lipa's attorneys describe her as having carefully cultivated a "premium brand," exercising strict control over the commercial deals she takes on. Tying her image to Samsung's televisions without authorization, the filing argues, inflicted real harm on that brand.
Samsung responded by saying it did not act in bad faith. The company explained that it got the photo from a content partner and was told all rights were cleared before using the image on its boxes. "Given this assurance, we deny any allegations of intentional misuse," the company said.
The company expressed willingness to reach a settlement, saying it has "actively sought and remains open to a constructive resolution" with Lipa's representatives. Asked to identify the third-party partner it blamed for supplying the image, Samsung declined to provide a name.
