Entertainment

Dua Lipa Sues Samsung for Allegedly Using Her Image to Sell TVs

Did the brand wrongly profit from her likeness or is this a cynical attempt at financial gain?

Published MAY 11

Dua Lipa Sues Samsung for Allegedly Using Her Image to Sell TVs

Story

Above: Dua Lipa attends the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on March 15. Image credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images

The Facts

Lawyers for the British pop star Dua Lipa have filed a lawsuit against Samsung, accusing the South Korean electronics giant and its U.S. subsidiary of using her image to sell TVs without her permission.
BBC News
RTE.ie
According to the suit, filed in a U.S. district court in California, Samsung began using a copyrighted image of Dua Lipa on the packaging of its TVs in 2025 and she became aware of the alleged infringement in June of that year. A photograph of one such box was provided with the claim.
Court Listener
Guardian
It goes on to allege that the firm has since refused to comply with repeated cease and desist letters and continued to profit from the use of Dua Lipa's image on its merchandizing.
Court Listener
Guardian
The lawsuit accuses Samsung of copyright and trademark violations, a violation of the federal Lanham Act and a violation of the right to publicity under California law. It seeks at least $15 million in damages.
Court Listener
Guardian
A spokesperson for Samsung declined to comment, stating that the firm could not do so in light of the pending litigation.
RTE.ie
Reuters

Sources Split

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RIGHT

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ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Dua Lipa has carefully curated her image by being selective about which brands she sponsors and endorses. By using her image without her consent, Samsung has given consumers the false impression she had endorsed their brand when she has not, illicitly profiting from her likeness without paying compensation while devaluing her brand.

Court Listener

Narrative B

No one ever buys a TV because of the packaging. They only ever see the box after the product has been shipped or bought. This is a cynical attempt at financial gain.