Dua Lipa Sues Samsung for $15M, Accusing Tech Giant of Using Her Image to Promote Television Sales Without Consent

British pop star Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit against Samsung Electronics, seeking at least $15 million in damages over allegations that the company used her image without permission to market its television sets.

The lawsuit claims that Samsung featured a copyrighted image of the singer on cardboard boxes containing televisions sold at retail outlets, allegedly allowing the company to benefit from what appeared to be her endorsement of the products.

According to the complaint, the image in question is titled “Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024”, and the singer holds all rights, title and interest in the photograph. The suit was filed on Friday in a federal court in California.

In addition to allegations of copyright and trademark infringement, Dua Lipa has accused Samsung of violating her publicity rights.

Samsung denied intentionally misusing the image, stating that it had been supplied by a third-party partner responsible for creating content featuring the singer for Samsung’s free streaming service.

“The image was used only after receiving explicit assurance from the content partner that all necessary permissions had been secured, including for use on retail packaging,” Samsung said in a statement.

The company added that it remained open to resolving the matter with the singer’s legal team.

Dua Lipa’s lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The legal filing includes screenshots of social media posts and comments allegedly showing that the singer’s image on the television boxes influenced purchasing decisions. One comment cited in the complaint reportedly stated that a fan would buy the television “just because Dua is on it.”

According to the lawsuit, the singer became aware of the alleged infringement in June last year and demanded that Samsung stop using her image. However, her lawyers claim the company repeatedly refused to comply.

Her legal team further argued that Samsung’s alleged unauthorised use of the image has “caused and continues to cause dilution” of the singer’s brand identity and commercial goodwill by falsely suggesting that she endorsed the products.

For any enquiries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels.