Pop star Dua Lipa has filed a $15 million lawsuit against Samsung in the US, alleging that the electronics company used her likeness without permission to promote its television products.
According to court documents filed on Friday in the Central District of California, Samsung is accused of placing Lipa’s image on TV packaging from last year as part of a mass marketing campaign. The complaint claims the singer was neither informed nor compensated for the use.
The lawsuit states that when Lipa became aware of the alleged use of her image, she requested that it be stopped, but the company was “dismissive and callous” in its response.
“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 filing states. “Ms. Lipa did not allow and would not have allowed this use.”
The complaint further alleges that Samsung profited from the impression that the singer was endorsing the product, which she did not approve.
It also claims that Lipa owns the copyright to the photograph in question, which was taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Festival in 2024. The filing includes references to social media posts on X, formerly Twitter, suggesting some consumers were influenced by the apparent association with the singer.
One user is quoted as saying: “I wasn’t even planning on buying a tv but I saw the box so I decided to get it.” Another reportedly wrote: “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 argues that Lipa maintains a “premium brand” image and is selective about endorsements. It includes claims of copyright infringement, violation of California right of publicity laws, and breaches of the federal Lanham Act and trademark protections.
Samsung has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
