Dua Lipa Sues Samsung for $15M Over Unauthorized Image on TV Boxes
BBC Business reported Sunday that pop star Dua Lipa has filed a $15M lawsuit against electronics giant Samsung. The claim centres on the alleged unauthorized use of her photograph on television packaging sold across the United States.
A Photograph From the Stage to the Store Shelf
The complaint, lodged Friday in the US District Court for the Central District of California, alleges Samsung placed a prominent image of Lipa’s face on boxes for multiple television models. Her legal team argues the packaging was deliberately designed to exploit her celebrity status and commercial appeal to drive product sales. The photograph in question was reportedly taken during Lipa’s 2024 Austin City Limits Festival performance, and she is said to hold the copyright to the image.
The suit raises three distinct legal claims against Samsung, covering copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and misappropriation of her likeness. Samsung had not publicly commented as of the time of reporting.
How the Story Came to Light
Lipa’s team says she first discovered her image on Samsung packaging in June 2025. The moment quickly spread across social media, with fans dubbing the product the “Dua Lipa TV Box.” Court filings even cited specific Instagram comments, including one user who said they would purchase the television solely because of her image on the box. Despite what her legal team described as repeated cease-and-desist demands, Samsung allegedly failed to act.
Background: A Star With Commercial Weight
The lawsuit carries particular weight given Lipa’s established position in the brand-partnership market. She maintains active commercial relationships with Puma, Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent, among others. Past collaborations have included Apple, Porsche, and Chanel. She most recently became a global ambassador for Nespresso. The breadth of those deals underscores her argument that her image commands significant market value and cannot be appropriated without negotiation and compensation.
What Comes Next
The $15M figure reflects the commercial damages Lipa’s team believes Samsung’s alleged infringement caused. Courts have increasingly taken a firm line on celebrity image rights in recent years, and a case of this profile is likely to attract close scrutiny from entertainment lawyers and brand marketers alike. Samsung will need to mount a formal response before the California court moves toward any hearing date.
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