Global pop star Dua Lipa has initiated a major legal battle against Samsung Electronics, seeking $15 million in damages over the alleged unauthorized use of her photograph and likeness. The lawsuit, filed in the Central District of California, claims that the company used her image on television packaging without obtaining her approval or providing any compensation.
Alleged Use of Dua Lipa's Picture on Television Packaging
According to the complaint, as reported by Variety, Samsung began displaying a photograph of Dua Lipa on the cardboard boxes of its televisions last year. The image was reportedly part of a broad marketing campaign for consumer electronics products. After discovering the use of her likeness, the singer asked the company to stop immediately. However, the complaint alleges that Samsung responded in a manner described as "dismissive and callous" and refused to remove the image.
What Does Dua Lipa's Complaint Say?
The lawsuit states: "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. Ms. Lipa did not allow and would not have allowed this use." The filing argues that Samsung benefited from creating the impression that Dua Lipa had endorsed the televisions, but no such endorsement existed, and the singer had no involvement in the campaign.
Copyright Ownership and Online Reactions
The legal filing asserts that Dua Lipa owns the copyright to the photograph used in the campaign. The picture was taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in 2024. The controversy has generated extensive discussion online. One user wrote: "Damages of 15M is ridiculous. Would love to see the maths on how they arrive at that figure." Another commented: "That's literally a Google TV screenshot. Samsung is not going to pay a cent. She should sue Google TV perhaps." A third remarked: "I visited many homes that have TV sets, and not once saw anyone showing the box that their TV came in. And yet, the claim is that the decision to purchase TV sets is based on Ms. Lipa being depicted on the box, causing her damages. Strange."
The complaint highlights that Dua Lipa has built a "premium brand" and is "highly selective" when choosing endorsement partnerships. The lawsuit includes claims of copyright infringement, violation of California's right of publicity law, federal claims under the Lanham Act, and trademark-related violations. The case has been filed in the Central District of California, and more updates are awaited.
