British pop star Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit against Samsung, claiming the tech giant used her image on television packaging without authorization, leading to significant unauthorized commercial gain.
- Dua Lipa alleges unauthorized use of her image on Samsung TV boxes
- Lawsuit claims copyright, trademark infringement, and right of publicity violations
- Samsung TVs with Lipa’s image continue to be sold despite cease-demand
What happened
About a year ago, Samsung began using a photograph of Dua Lipa—titled 'Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024'—on the cardboard packaging of its televisions distributed in the United States. Lipa found out about the use around June 2025 and promptly demanded Samsung cease this practice, but the company declined. As a result, Lipa filed a federal lawsuit in California accusing Samsung of multiple violations, including copyright and trademark infringement as well as unauthorized use of her likeness.
The complaint alleges that Samsung has sold a significant volume of televisions featuring her image on the boxes, contributing to the company’s revenues without compensating Lipa. Screenshots cited in the suit suggest that the image influenced some customers’ purchase decisions, highlighting its commercial value. Despite this, Samsung has refrained from commenting while the lawsuit proceeds.
Why it matters
This case underscores the growing importance of celebrity image rights and the complexities companies face when leveraging public figures’ likenesses in marketing materials. Unauthorized use can not only cause reputational damage but also leads to substantial legal and financial repercussions, particularly as public figures assert more control over their brands.
For Samsung, the lawsuit highlights a potential misstep in brand partnership protocols and the legal risks of using third-party images without clear permission. The significant damages sought—$15 million plus punitive fees—could be a costly precedent impacting how tech and consumer electronics companies approach packaging and advertising strategies.
What to watch next
The lawsuit’s progression and any legal rulings will be important to monitor for implications on intellectual property enforcement related to celebrity likeness rights. Results could influence how aggressively celebrities protect their images and how companies negotiate permissions in future marketing campaigns.
Another key aspect will be whether Samsung opts for a settlement or chooses to fight the allegations in court, which may affect other retailers currently selling the products. Additionally, updates on whether the offending TV packaging remains on store shelves or is pulled from distribution will be an indicator of how seriously the company is taking the matter.