Dua Lipa files a $15 million lawsuit against Samsung

• Pop star Dua Lipa is seeking $15 million in damages, alleging Samsung used her likeness on retail packaging without a valid endorsement deal.
• Samsung denies intentional wrongdoing, claiming a third-party partner provided the image with assurances that all rights were secured.

British pop singer Dua Lipa (30), filed a lawsuit against Samsung Electronics in California federal court on Friday, seeking at least $15 million in damages.

The "Levitating" singer accused the South Korean tech giant of copyright and trademark infringement, as well as breaching her right of publicity.

The core of the dispute centered on a copyrighted photograph titled "Dua Lipa - Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024."

According to the filing, Samsung featured this image prominently on the front of cardboard retail boxes for its television sets, allegedly misleading consumers into believing the artist endorsed the product.

Evidence of "implied endorsement"

Lipa’s legal team provided several exhibits to support the claim that her image drove commercial sales.

The filing includes screenshots of social media comments from fans, with one potential customer stating they would purchase the TV "just because Dua is on it."

Lawyers for the singer stated that Lipa first became aware of the alleged infringement in June 2025.

Despite formal demands for Samsung to cease using the image, the lawsuit claims the manufacturer repeatedly refused to comply.

The legal team argues that the unauthorized use has caused "dilution" of Lipa’s brand identity and commercial goodwill by falsely conveying her approval of the electronics line.

Samsung shifts blame to third-party partner

In a statement addressing the litigation, Samsung Electronics denied any intentional misuse of the artist’s likeness.

The company explained that the image was part of a content package provided by a third-party partner for Samsung’s free streaming service.

"The image was used only after receiving explicit assurance from the content partner that permission had been secured, including for the retail boxes," Samsung stated.

The tech giant added that it has sought a "constructive resolution" with Lipa’s representatives but has yet to reach an out-of-court settlement.

The high cost of celebrity likeness

The $15 million demand reflects the high market value of Lipa’s global brand.

In the current advertising landscape, major tech endorsements for A-list stars often reach eight-figure sums.

Legal analysts suggest that if the case proceeds, the discovery process will likely focus on the contract between Samsung and its unnamed content partner to determine where the breakdown in rights clearance occurred.