Singer Dua Lipa sues Samsung over unauthorised use of her image on television packaging
Legal action filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California claims copyright and right of publicity violations regarding televisions sold by retailers including Walmart.
British singer Dua Lipa has initiated legal proceedings against South Korean electronics giant Samsung in the US District Court for the Central District of California. The lawsuit, filed in May 2026, alleges that the company infringed upon her copyright, trademark, and right of publicity by using an unauthorised photograph of her on television packaging sold in the United States.
The complaint asserts that Lipa owns all rights, title, and interest in the specific photograph titled 'Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024'. Samsung is accused of mass-manufacturing and distributing televisions in cardboard boxes containing this image without obtaining permission or paying consideration. The filing argues that this unauthorised use of her likeness has deprived her of the ability to control and monetise her assets.
Lipa states she discovered the unauthorised use around June 2025 and immediately demanded that Samsung cease and desist. According to the complaint, the company was dismissive and callous, allowing the infringing products to remain on the market. The lawsuit claims that a significant portion of televisions sold by Samsung in the United States in 2025 and to date bear the image, which has contributed in no insignificant way to the enormous revenue generated from these sales.
To support the claim that the image drove consumer demand, the complaint cites social media posts as evidence. Screenshots from X reportedly show consumers purchasing televisions specifically because of the feature on the box, with one user stating they bought a TV just because Dua Lipa was featured. The legal action seeks a permanent injunction to stop the practice and a jury trial.
As of the report's publication, retailers including Walmart are still selling Samsung TVs featuring the disputed image. Lipa is seeking at least $15 million in damages for copyright and trademark infringement and the misappropriation of her likeness. She also requests punitive damages and attorneys' fees in addition to the financial compensation and injunction.
Samsung has declined to comment on the matter, stating via Reuters that it cannot discuss pending litigation. The British singer has established a successful global brand, and the lawsuit asserts that the unauthorised use constitutes a mockery of her hard work. The final outcome of the lawsuit, including whether the court will grant the injunction or award damages, remains unknown.
