Dua Lipa News: Singer Sues Samsung for $15M over Unauthorized TV Box Image

Dua Lipa news: The pop star sued Samsung for $15M, alleging her photo was used on TV boxes without permission. The Silicon Review reports on the copyright and publicity rights lawsuit filed in California federal court.

Global pop superstar Dua Lipa has filed a $15 million lawsuit against Samsung Electronics, accusing the South Korean tech giant of using her image on television packaging without authorization. The suit, filed last week in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleges that Samsung featured a copyrighted photograph of the singer on the front of cardboard boxes containing TVs sold across the United States.

The image in question is titled "Dua Lipa - Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024," captured during the singer's performance at the Austin City Limits Festival. According to the complaint, Dua Lipa owns all rights, title, and interest in the photograph, and Samsung never obtained a license or permission to use it.

Samsung controversy stems from the company's alleged refusal to stop using the image after the singer demanded its removal. According to court documents, Dua Lipa first became aware of the unauthorized use in June 2025, but Samsung "repeatedly refused" to comply with cease-and-desist demands. The lawsuit describes Samsung's response as "dismissive and callous," with the infringing products remaining on the market.

Beyond copyright and trademark infringement, Dua Lipa also accuses Samsung of violating her right of publicity under California law. Her lawyers argue that the unauthorized use created a false impression that she endorsed the televisions, misleading consumers and diluting her carefully curated brand identity.

The complaint includes screenshots of social media comments as evidence. One fan wrote, "I'd get that TV just because Dua is on it," while another claimed, "I wasn't even planning on buying a TV but I saw the box so I decided to get it" . These posts, Lipa's attorneys argue, demonstrate that Samsung profited directly from her likeness without compensation.

Lipa has cultivated partnerships with premium brands including Puma, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Apple, Porsche, Chanel, and Nespresso. Her legal team contends that Samsung's unauthorized use has caused "dilution" of her brand identity and commercial goodwill.

A Samsung spokesperson declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. The "Levitating" singer is seeking at least $15 million in damages.

As Dua Lipa takes Samsung to court over her image appearing on TV boxes without permission, The Silicon Review examines how the pop star known for being 'highly selective' with brand partnerships fought back against what her lawyers call a 'dismissive and callous' use of her face to sell televisions.