Dua Lipa sues Samsung for $15 million over unauthorized use of images
Dua Lipa is suing Samsung for $15 million after her image was allegedly used fraudulently in the South Korean company’s television marketing.
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Grammy Award-winning pop star Dua Lipa is suing Samsung Electronics for at least $15 million, alleging that the company used her image on the packaging of televisions sold in the United States without her permission.
The lawsuit, filed May 8 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, accuses Samsung of copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and violation of Lipa’s image rights.
According to the complaint, Samsung used Lipa’s copyrighted behind-the-scenes images without permission or for free on cardboard boxes for TVs sold in 2025 and 2026. The lawsuit alleges that the packaging falsely suggests the singer endorses Samsung products and influences consumer purchases, citing social media posts from fans who say Lipa’s appearance on the packaging was a motivator for purchasing a TV.
USA TODAY has reached out to attorneys representing Samsung and Lipa for comment.
Lawsuit claims Samsung continued to use images even after warning
According to the complaint, Lipa learned of the alleged infringement in June 2025 and demanded that Samsung stop using the images. Her lawyers claim the company refused and continued distributing televisions using the packaging.
“Samsung’s response was callous and callous,” the complaint states.
Lipa is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent Samsung from using her image and likeness in the future, as well as more than $15 million in damages, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and profits allegedly related to the campaign.
The complaint alleges that Samsung used the image as part of a broader retail packaging campaign related to televisions sold nationwide. The image was displayed prominently on the front of the TV box, placing Ripa’s likeness directly in front of consumers in stores, during deliveries and on display, according to the filing. The company sought to profit from Lipa’s “notoriety and goodwill” to help market and sell its products, according to the complaint.
Her lawyers argue that the alleged infringement took away her control over how her likeness was presented to consumers and allowed Samsung to profit from an entity she never endorsed.
Photos associated with Austin city limits
At the center of the complaint is a photo titled “Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024,” which the complaint says is registered with the U.S. Copyright Office under registration number VA 2-479-685.
The filing claims the image is part of Lipa’s carefully managed commercial brand. Her lawyers cite partnerships with companies such as Puma, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Porsche and Chanel as examples of selective endorsement deals she has pursued.
The lawsuit alleges that Lipa did not consent to licensing her likeness on Samsung’s TV packaging, and that the alleged unauthorized use diluted her brand identity and commercial value.
Who is Dua Lipa?
Lipa achieved international fame with songs such as “New Rules,” “Don’t Start Now,” and “Levitating.” Her 2020 album “Future Nostalgia” won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album and spawned multiple chart-topping singles.
Beyond music, Lipa has expanded her profile through fashion campaigns, partnerships with luxury brands, and appearances on the covers of magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Rolling Stone.
Her latest album, “Radical Optimism,” debuted at No. 1 in the U.K. and No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, according to the complaint.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on Twitter @athompsonUSAT.
