Dua Lipa Sues Samsung For $15M Over TV Packaging Campaign Image Use
Dua Lipa has initiated a $15 million lawsuit against Samsung, alleging unauthorized use of her image in a television packaging campaign.
Dua Lipa, the singer, has initiated a $15 million lawsuit against the electronics giant Samsung, alleging that the company utilized her likeness without authorization to market and sell television sets.
Legal documents filed in the Central District of California on Friday reveal that the pop star claims Samsung utilized her image on television packaging as part of a marketing campaign initiated last year.
The complaint indicates that Lipa became aware of the alleged use only after the campaign had commenced. She allegedly requested that the company cease using her image, but the lawsuit asserts that Samsung reacted in a “dismissive and callous” way and declined to comply.
“Ms. Lipa’s image was prominently featured in a widespread marketing campaign for a consumer product without her knowledge, without consideration, and over which she had no say, control, or input whatsoever,” the filing states. Ms. Lipa prohibited this use.
The lawsuit contends that Samsung gained commercially from the suggestion that the singer had endorsed its products, even though no agreement or partnership existed between the two parties.
Lipa claims ownership of the copyright for the photograph taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Festival in 2024.
The complaint additionally mentions social media posts purportedly referenced as evidence that consumers were swayed by the perceived endorsement. A user on X, formerly known as Twitter, reported purchasing a television after viewing the image, with others allegedly expressing similar sentiments.
Lipa, recognized for her meticulous approach to commercial endorsements, is characterized in the filing as upholding a “premium brand” and exercising outstanding selectivity in her partnerships.
The lawsuit encompasses allegations related to copyright law, California’s right of publicity statute, the federal Lanham Act, and trademark protections.
Samsung has yet to provide a public response regarding the allegations.
