A lawsuit filed in the Central District of California accuses Samsung of using a backstage photo of Dua Lipa on television packaging without permission, seeking at least $15 million
The pop star Dua Lipa has launched legal action against Samsung, asking a federal court for at least $15 million in damages. The complaint, filed on May 8 in the Central District of California, asserts that Samsung displayed a photograph of Lipa on cardboard packaging for its televisions beginning in 2026. According to the filing, the singer owns the copyright to the image, which was taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in 2026, and she did not authorize its commercial use. The suit frames the dispute as involving copyright infringement, trademark infringement and violation of the right of publicity among other claims.
The complaint argues that Samsung used Lipa’s image as part of a broad retail campaign, placing the photo prominently on the front of TV boxes sold in stores. Counsel for the singer says she requested that Samsung stop using the photo, but the company refused. The filing characterizes the company’s reaction as “dismissive and callous” and alleges Samsung benefited from a false perception that Lipa endorsed the product. Included in the complaint are screenshots of social media posts suggesting some consumers were influenced by the packaging — examples include, “I wasn’t even planning on buying a tv but I saw the box so I decided to get it,” and “I’d get that TV just because Dua Lipa is on it.”
The lawsuit lists several specific legal theories. It alleges copyright infringement on the ground that Lipa owns the image and never licensed its use. It also asserts violations of the California right of publicity, which protects a person’s commercial control over their likeness, and federal claims under the Lanham Act for false endorsement. The filing further advances trademark theories tied to the idea that Samsung’s conduct created consumer confusion about a celebrity-sponsored product. Collectively, these counts are aimed at securing both monetary relief and an injunction to stop continued use of the photograph.
Central to the case is the assertion that the contested image was taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Festival in 2026 and that Lipa holds the copyright. The complaint stresses that she cultivates a “premium brand” and is selective about paid partnerships and endorsements, implying that an unlicensed appearance on mass-market packaging undermines her brand strategy. The suit contends Samsung had no license, permission or contractual relationship with Lipa for the image’s use and that any commercial exploitation of her likeness was unauthorized.
The filing emphasizes instances where shoppers apparently said the packaging influenced their purchase decisions, providing the court with social media examples to support a claim of consumer confusion. By displaying the singer’s face on product cartons, the complaint says, Samsung created a marketplace impression that Lipa approved or promoted the televisions. That perceived endorsement is a core element of the Lanham Act and right of publicity claims because it links commercial advantage to the celebrity’s reputation without compensation or consent.
At the time the complaint became public, outlets reported that Samsung had not provided a comment in response to requests. The suit seeks a legal remedy including damages and injunctive relief to halt ongoing use of the image. While Lipa herself has not addressed the litigation in public statements, the filing moves the dispute into federal court where discovery and motions will follow. How the company will defend against the combination of intellectual property and publicity claims remains to be seen, and the parties may explore settlement before prolonged litigation.
This case highlights the intersection of celebrity image rights and corporate marketing practices. For brands, the suit is a reminder that displaying a public figure’s likeness on product packaging can carry legal risks unless clear licenses are secured. For artists and photographers, the dispute underscores the value of copyright and the legal tools available to protect a likeness under the right of publicity. Observers will watch whether this matter prompts retailers and manufacturers to tighten clearance procedures to avoid similar claims.
Key milestones to monitor include Samsung’s formal response, any early motions to dismiss, and whether the parties negotiate a settlement. The strength of documentary evidence about licensing and the extent of consumer confusion shown in discovery could determine whether the case resolves quickly or proceeds to a contested trial. Regardless of outcome, the lawsuit is a notable example of how intellectual property and celebrity law intersect in modern marketing.