Dua Lipa files $15 million lawsuit against Samsung over likeness rights on TV packaging
The complaint, lodged in May 2026, cites copyright and trademark infringement alongside claims of unauthorised commercial exploitation, noting the company's dismissive response to prior demands for cessation.
Pop star Dua Lipa has initiated legal proceedings against Samsung Electronics, seeking damages of $15 million over the alleged unauthorised use of her likeness on television packaging. The lawsuit, filed in May 2026, asserts that the technology giant infringed upon her copyright and trademark rights by featuring an image of her on cardboard boxes for its televisions without permission or compensation.
The photograph in question was captured backstage at the 2024 Austin City Limits Festival. Lipa's legal team maintains that she owns the copyright to the image and argues that Samsung profited by creating a false impression that she endorsed the products. The complaint suggests that customer posts indicated some buyers were influenced by seeing her image on the packaging, thereby allowing the company to capitalise on her brand equity without her consent.
According to the filing, Lipa's team discovered the unauthorised usage around June 2025 and repeatedly demanded that Samsung cease the practice. The lawsuit describes the electronics giant's response to these demands as dismissive and callous. Despite these objections, the products featuring her image were reportedly still being sold at the time the complaint was lodged.
Lipa's lawyers contend that Samsung's conduct has deprived her of the ability to control and monetise her assets. The suit further alleges that the company's actions amount to unauthorised commercial exploitation, effectively mocking the hard work Lipa has put into establishing her successful brand.
This legal action occurs alongside separate scrutiny facing Samsung regarding its television products. In December, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Samsung and four other manufacturers over alleged ad-targeting spyware found in their TVs. While the Lipa case focuses on likeness rights, it highlights a period of increased legal challenges for the South Korean firm concerning its consumer electronics.
The final outcome of the lawsuit remains unknown, and it is unconfirmed whether the specific products featuring Lipa's image are currently still on sale. Samsung has been contacted for comment regarding the claims and will be updated on the situation once a response is received.
