Pop superstar Dua Lipa has filed a federal lawsuit against Samsung, accusing the electronics giant of using her image on television packaging without permission in what her attorneys describe as a “massive, continuing, unauthorized commercial exploitation” of her likeness.
Filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, the complaint alleges that Samsung placed a copyrighted image of the singer on the front of cardboard TV boxes sold across the United States. The suit seeks “no less than $15 million” in damages, punitive damages, profits from the alleged infringement, attorneys’ fees, and a permanent injunction blocking further use of the image.
The lawsuit claims Samsung “mass-manufactured, distributed (or caused to be distributed), marketed, and sold in interstate commerce across the United States a vast number of its televisions” using the image on retail packaging.
At the center of the dispute is a photograph identified in the complaint as “Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024,” which the filing says is registered with the U.S. Copyright Office under Registration No. VA 2-479-685.
According to the complaint, Samsung used the image “without authority or license” and “prominently featured it on the front of cardboard boxes containing Samsung manufactured televisions for retail sale.”
The filing argues that Samsung deliberately leveraged the singer’s enormous commercial appeal. “Samsung exploited Ms. Lipa’s carefully curated and extremely valuable brand identity to sell televisions,” the complaint states. It continues: “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.”
Her lawyers also claim the company knew exactly what it was doing. “Samsung’s copying and distribution of the DL Image constitutes willful copyright and trademark infringement, and a violation of Ms. Lipa’s right of publicity, designed to improperly capitalize on Ms. Lipa’s hard-earned success to promote and sell Samsung’s products.”
The lawsuit repeatedly characterizes Samsung’s conduct as intentional and ongoing. One section accuses the company of acting with “conscious disregard” for the singer’s rights and “capitalizing on the implied (false) association with Ms. Lipa as a sponsor of Samsung’s mass-marketed television sets.”
Another passage says Samsung’s behavior “makes a mockery of her hard work in establishing a successful brand.”
To support its argument that the image influenced consumers, the complaint includes screenshots of social media posts from fans reacting to the TV boxes. One consumer allegedly wrote: “I wasn’t even planning on buying a tv but I saw the box so I decided to get it.”
Another fan commented they would “get that tv just because Dua is on it.” A separate post stated, “if you need anything selling just put a picture of Dua Lipa on it.”
The complaint argues those reactions prove Samsung benefitted commercially from the singer’s image and falsely suggested an endorsement relationship. “The substantial revenue that it has made on the sale of the Infringing Products is inextricably tied to the false message conveyed to consumers that Ms. Lipa has endorsed the Infringing Products when she has not.”
Lipa’s attorneys throughout the filing states that the singer is extremely selective about endorsement deals and luxury partnerships. The complaint lists collaborations with brands including Puma, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Porsche, Apple, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., Bvlgari, and Nespresso.
The filing argues that exclusivity is central to the value of her image. “Ms. Lipa is highly selective in her commercial partnerships and has cultivated a premium brand through carefully curated, high-end sponsorships and endorsements.”
Her legal team further claims she “would not have agreed to license her name, image or likeness in connection with the sale of the Infringing Products.”
The lawsuit also alleges Samsung ignored repeated demands to stop using the image. “Samsung has repeatedly refused to do so, and instead has continued to willfully, intentionally, and purposefully infringe on Ms. Lipa’s rights for its financial benefit.”
In particularly harsh language, the filing says Samsung’s response “has been dismissive and callous.”
The complaint brings multiple causes of action, including copyright infringement, trademark infringement, false endorsement under the Lanham Act, contributory and vicarious trademark infringement, and violations of California publicity-rights law.
One section argues that consumers “have believed and will continue to mistakenly believe that Plaintiff endorses, approves, recommends, or is affiliated or associated with the Infringing Products.”
Another alleges Samsung’s use of the image was “knowing, willful, and deliberate.”
The filing also claims Samsung’s actions caused “substantial, manifest, and irreparable harm” while “enriching Samsung at her expense.”
Samsung has not yet formally responded to the complaint in court.
The complaint, filed May 8, 2026, demands a jury trial.
