Dua Lipa Takes Legal Action Against Samsung Over Unauthorized Use of Her Image on TV Boxes

Dua Lipa has launched a $15 million legal battle against Samsung, filing suit in California's Central District on Friday, May 8, over the unauthorized use of her image on the company's TV packaging.

The 30-year-old artist claims Samsung used a photograph of her performing at Austin City Limits Festival on their television boxes beginning last year. When Lipa became aware of the campaign, she requested the company cease the practice. According to the filing, Samsung responded in what she characterizes as a dismissive manner, disregarding her objections.

"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 complaint states. "Ms. Lipa did not allow and would not have allowed this use."

The lawsuit contends that Samsung profited substantially from Lipa's image—which she holds the copyright to—on packaging she never endorsed. Court documents include several social media posts demonstrating the apparent effectiveness of her likeness in driving purchases. One user wrote, "I wasn't even planning on buying a tv but I saw the box so I decided to get it," while another stated, "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." A third commenter suggested, "if you need to sell something, Just put a picture of Dua Lipa on it."

The filing notes that Lipa has deliberately maintained a "premium brand" identity and exercises careful discretion when selecting commercial partnerships.

The complaint alleges multiple violations including copyright infringement, breach of California's right of publicity statute, a federal Lanham Act claim, and trademark violations.