In a major legal battle for celebrity likeness rights, British pop sensation Dua Lipa has filed a $15 million lawsuit against Samsung Electronics. The singer alleges the tech giant used a copyrighted photo of her to sell televisions across the United States without her consent or compensation.
The lawsuit, filed on Friday in a California federal court, claims that Samsung prominently featured an image of the “Levitating” singer on its retail television packaging, creating a false impression of a brand endorsement.
Core Allegations of the Lawsuit
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Unauthorized Endorsement: The suit alleges that by placing Lipa’s face on the front of TV boxes, Samsung “improperly capitalized” on her global fame to drive sales.
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Copyright Infringement: The image in question—titled “Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024”—is owned by Lipa herself. Her legal team states she holds the exclusive rights and never licensed it to Samsung.
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“Dismissive” Response: Lipa’s lawyers claim she first discovered the infringement in June 2025. Despite multiple cease-and-desist demands, Samsung reportedly refused to remove the packaging, with the lawsuit describing the company’s response as “dismissive and callous.”
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Brand Dilution: The filing argues that the unauthorized use dilutes her brand identity, especially since she is “highly selective” with commercial partners (previously working with luxury brands like YSL, Versace, and Porsche).
Evidence from the “Dua Lipa TV Box”
A key component of the filing includes social media screenshots showing how the packaging influenced consumer behavior. Fans on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) dubbed the product the “Dua Lipa TV Box,” with several comments cited in the suit:
“I wasn’t even planning on buying a TV, but I saw the box so I decided to get it.”
“I’ll buy this TV just because Dua is on it.”
Lipa’s legal team argues these interactions prove that Samsung profited immensely from her image, contributing significantly to their 2025 television revenue.
What’s Next?
Lipa is seeking at least $15 million in actual damages, plus punitive damages and a permanent injunction to stop Samsung from using her likeness.
A spokesperson for Samsung Electronics has declined to comment on the specifics, stating they do not comment on pending litigation. Given the high stakes and the clear evidence of social media impact, this case is expected to set a significant precedent for how tech companies handle celebrity intellectual property in their marketing materials.
