Singer Dua Lipa has filed a $15 million lawsuit against electronics giant Samsung, accusing the company of using her likeness without permission to promote and sell television sets.
According to legal documents filed in the Central District of California on Friday, the pop star alleges that Samsung used her image on television packaging as part of a marketing campaign launched last year.
The complaint states that Lipa only became aware of the alleged use after the campaign had already begun. She reportedly demanded that the company stop using her image, but the suit claims Samsung responded in a “dismissive and callous” manner and refused to comply.
“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,” the filing states. “Ms. Lipa did not allow and would not have allowed this use.”
The lawsuit argues that Samsung benefited commercially from the implication that the singer had endorsed its products, despite no agreement or partnership existing between both parties.
It further claims that Lipa owns the copyright to the photograph in question, which was taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Festival in 2024.
The complaint also references social media posts allegedly cited as evidence that consumers were influenced by the perceived endorsement. One user on X, formerly Twitter, was quoted as saying they purchased a television after seeing the image, while others reportedly expressed similar sentiments.
Lipa, known for carefully managing her commercial endorsements, is described in the filing as maintaining a “premium brand” and being highly selective about partnerships.
The legal action includes claims under copyright law, California’s right of publicity statute, the federal Lanham Act, and trademark protections.
Samsung has not yet issued a public response to the allegations.
Erizia Rubyjeana
