Washington: Global pop sensation and Grammy winner Dua Lipa has initiated a high-stakes legal battle against electronics giant Samsung, filing a $15 million lawsuit. The singer alleges that the company utilized her likeness on television packaging without prior authorization, licensing, or compensation.
The Core of the Dispute
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the lawsuit was filed in the Central District of California on Friday. The complaint centers on a backstage photograph of Dua Lipa taken during the 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival.
The singer claims that starting in early 2025, Samsung began featuring this image prominently on the front of cardboard boxes for several television models. Dua Lipa asserts that she holds the copyright to the specific image in question and never granted Samsung permission to use it for retail promotion.
Legal Allegations: Infringement and Misleading Marketing
Dua Lipa’s legal team has accused the tech giant of:
- Copyright & Trademark Infringement: Unauthorized use of protected assets.
- Violation of Right of Publicity: Exploiting a celebrity’s persona for commercial gain without consent.
The lawsuit further argues that the prominent placement of her image led consumers to falsely believe that Dua Lipa had officially endorsed Samsung televisions. The filing includes social media citations from fans who assumed there was a formal partnership between the artist and the brand.
A “Dismissive” Response
The singer stated that she attempted to resolve the issue privately by demanding the company cease using her image. However, the complaint describes Samsung’s reaction as “dismissive and callous,” prompting the formal legal escalation. Her representatives maintain that she would never have allowed this specific use and had zero creative control or involvement in the promotional strategy.
Dua Lipa, known for global hits like ‘Levitating’ and ‘Dance The Night’, remains one of the music industry’s most powerful brands. This $15 million claim highlights the increasing importance of personality rights in the digital and retail age.

