Dua Lipa Sues Samsung for $15M Over Unauthorized TV Box Photo
Key Takeaways
- Dua Lipa is suing Samsung for at least $15 million over unauthorized use of her image on TV packaging
- Samsung allegedly ignored a cease-and-desist letter sent in June 2025 and continued selling the boxes
- The lawsuit cites social media posts from consumers who said they bought Samsung TVs because of Lipa's image
Dua Lipa has sued Samsung Electronics for at least $15 million, accusing the company of slapping her image on TV boxes without her consent. The lawsuit, filed Friday in the US District Court for the Central District of California, claims Samsung committed copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and violated the singer's right of publicity.
The image in question is titled "Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024." According to the complaint, Lipa owns all rights to the photo, which Samsung printed on cardboard packaging for its televisions and distributed across the United States.
Samsung Allegedly Ignored Cease-and-Desist
Lipa discovered her image on the boxes around June 2025 and "immediately demanded that Samsung cease and desist," according to the filing. But Samsung's response was "dismissive and callous," the complaint states. The TVs with her image remain on shelves today, nearly a year later.
“Samsung's infringing conduct—using Ms. Lipa's assets for zero consideration—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.”
— Dua Lipa's legal complaint
The lawsuit claims that "a significant portion" of Samsung TVs sold in the US during 2025 featured Lipa's image on their packaging. Her legal team argues this contributed "in no insignificant way" to Samsung's TV revenue.
Social Media Posts Used as Evidence
The complaint cites social media posts as proof that Lipa's image helped Samsung move inventory. One X user allegedly wrote: "I wasn't even planning on buying a tv but I saw the box so I decided to get it." Another reportedly said: "get that tv just because Dua is on it."
These posts, included as apparent screenshots in the legal filing, form part of Lipa's argument that her likeness created commercial value for Samsung without any payment to her.
What Lipa Wants
The British singer is asking for a jury trial and a permanent injunction that would block Samsung and its affiliates from using or displaying the image. Beyond the $15 million in damages, she also wants Samsung's profits from using her likeness, punitive damages, and attorneys' fees.
Samsung has declined to comment on the case. A company spokesperson told Reuters it cannot comment on pending litigation.
As of this writing, some retailers including Walmart continue to sell Samsung TVs in packaging that appears to feature Lipa's image.
Why This Case Matters
Right of publicity cases involving major corporations and celebrities are not uncommon, but the facts here are unusually stark. If Lipa's account is accurate, Samsung used a copyrighted image of a global pop star on mass-market consumer electronics, got caught, received a cease-and-desist, and kept selling the products anyway.
The case could set a precedent for how aggressively companies must respond when they discover unauthorized celebrity images in their supply chain. It also highlights the commercial power of celebrity association. Even incidental packaging decisions can create the impression of endorsement.
Logicity's Take
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Dua Lipa suing Samsung?
Lipa claims Samsung used a copyrighted photo of her on TV packaging without permission, ignored her cease-and-desist letter, and continued selling the products for nearly a year.
How much is Dua Lipa seeking in damages?
At least $15 million, plus Samsung's profits from using her image, punitive damages, and attorneys' fees.
What image did Samsung allegedly use?
A backstage photo titled "Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024," which Lipa says she owns the rights to.
Has Samsung responded to the lawsuit?
Samsung told Reuters it cannot comment on pending litigation.
Are the Samsung TV boxes still being sold?
According to the lawsuit and current retail listings, some boxes with Lipa's image remain on sale at retailers like Walmart.
Another case where a hardware company's oversight created significant legal and consumer trust issues
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Source: Ars Technica
Huma Shazia
Senior AI & Tech Writer
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