Dua Lipa has filed a $15 million lawsuit against Samsung, alleging that the electronics manufacturer used her likeness to sell TVs without paying her and without permission.
According to the complaint, filed on Friday, Samsung used Lipa’s image on the cardboard packaging of its TVs beginning last year. When Lipa became aware of it, she demanded that the company stop using her image. The suit alleges that the company was “dismissive and callous” and refused the request.
“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 lawsuit states. “Ms. Lipa did not allow and would not have allowed this use.”
The suit alleges that Samsung has profited from the appearance that Lipa has endorsed the product, which she has not.
Source: Dua Lipa’s complaint
According to the complaint, Lipa owns the copyright to the photograph, which was taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Festival in 2024.
The lawsuit quotes comments on X, formerly known as Twitter, suggesting that at least some customers were moved to purchase Samsung TVs by the apparent endorsement.
“I wasn’t even planning on buying a tv but I saw the box so I decided to get it,” wrote one commenter, quoted in the complaint.
“I’d get that TV just because Dua Lipa is on it,” wrote another. “That’s how obsessed I am. That’s how much I love her.”
Another wrote that if you need to sell something, “Just put a picture of Dua Lipa on it.”
The suit states that Lipa has cultivated a “premium brand” and is “highly selective” in making product endorsements.
The complaint alleges a copyright violation, a violation of the California right of publicity statute, a federal Lanham Act claim, and trademark claims. The suit was filed in the Central District of California.
Samsung did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
