Dua Lipa is suing Samsung for at least $15m (£11m, A$20.6m), alleging that the electronics company used a photo of her to sell its TVs without financially compensating her or seeking her permission.
According to the legal complaint, filed in a US district court in California on Friday, Samsung began using an image of Lipa on an image of a TV screen printed on its cardboard packaging for “a significant portion” of its TVs sold in the US last year.
When the 30-year-old British singer became aware of the image in June 2025, she says she immediately demanded that the company stop using it but claims Samsung was “dismissive and callous” and “repeatedly refused”.
“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 states that Lipa owns the copyright to the photograph, which was taken backstage before a performance at the Austin City Limits festival in 2024.
In a statement to the Guardian, a spokesperson for Samsung said Lipa’s image had been used to “reflect the content of our third-party partners that are available on Samsung TVs and was originally provided by a content partner for our free streaming service Samsung TV Plus.
“The image was used only after receiving explicit assurance from the content partner that permission had been secured, including for the retail boxes. Given this assurance, we deny any allegations of intentional misuse. Samsung has great respect for Ms. Lipa and the intellectual property of all artists. We have actively sought and remain open to a constructive resolution with Ms. Lipa’s team.”
Lipa is alleging copyright violation, a violation of the California right of publicity statute, a federal Lanham Act claim, and trademark claims.
The lawsuit claims that Samsung had financially benefited from giving the appearance of her endorsement, with the lawsuit quoting alleged comments shared on social media from her fans.
“I’d get that TV just because Dua Lipa is on it,” wrote one. “That’s how obsessed I am. That’s how much I love her.”
“I wasn’t even planning on buying a tv but I saw the box so I decided to get it,” wrote another.
Another wrote: “If you need anything selling just put a picture of Dua Lipa on it.”
The suit states that Lipa was “highly selective” in making product endorsements and had brand deals with Apple, Porsche, Versace, Bulgari and Nespresso, among others. Samsung’s conduct “makes a mockery of her hard work in establishing a successful brand and has deprived her of the ability to control and monetize her assets”, the lawsuit reads.
Lipa is seeking a permanent injunction against Samsung and “no less than $15m” in actual damages, plus punitive damages and legal costs.
This article was updated on 13 May 2026 to add in Samsung’s statement, which was sent after publication.
