Dua Lipa’s latest headline isn’t about a new chart‑topper — it’s about a major lawsuit claiming Samsung used her photo as free advertising. The British pop star is suing Samsung Electronics for using her picture on TV boxes without her permission.
The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California, accuses the tech giant of copyright and trademark infringement, and of violations of publicity rights. She is seeking $15 million in damages, as well as punitive damages and a permanent injunction.
Dua Lipa is no stranger to seeing her face on billboards. But it’s apparent she draws the line at seeing her face on TV boxes at big‑box stores.
A Backstage Photo Is at the Center of Lipa’s Lawsuit
The complaint states, “Recognizing Ms. Lipa’s notoriety and goodwill, Samsung used a copyrighted image of Ms. Lipa …without authority or license and prominently featured it on the front of cardboard boxes containing Samsung-manufactured televisions.” The image, which was taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Festival in 2024, is indeed registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
Lipa argues that this misuse of her photo equates to a false endorsement. The photo’s placement on retail packaging created the kind of instant, eye‑level endorsement most brands pay celebrities (very well) for. The lawsuit also cites copyright infringement, trademark claims, and right of publicity, which allows celebrities to decide who gets to profit from their image and likeness.
Samsung Responds “IDGAF” to Lipa’s Cease and Desist
Well, not literally. But Samsung’s refusal to stop selling TVs with Lipa’s face echoes the sentiment of her 2017 hit single. Lipa claims she discovered the unauthorized use in June 2025 after fans called out the Samsung televisions on social media. One Instagram comment reads, “I'd get that TV just because Dua is on it.” Another says, “I wasn’t even planning on buying a TV but I saw the box so I decided to get it.”
Lipa’s legal team immediately issued Samsung a cease-and-desist order, which they repeatedly refused to comply with, according to the court filing. Samsung continued to sell the televisions for over a year.
Lipa argues that the misappropriation harms her brand and dilutes her commercial value. The singer argues she is known for her carefully curated partnerships with luxury brands like Versace, Porsche, Chanel, Bvlgari, and Tiffany & Co., and stated in the complaint she would not have agreed to license her name, image, or likeness in connection with Samsung televisions. Her image being used to sell Samsung TVs without her consent undermines her control over both the use and commercial value of her likeness.
Right of Publicity Protections Are for Everyone
You don’t have to be famous to be protected by right of publicity laws. Under these laws, you get to control how your image is used commercially. This is true whether you’re an international pop star or just someone who posted a cute festival photo on your Instagram. These protections go both ways. If you can’t use your cousin’s wedding photos without asking, you definitely can’t use Dua Lipa’s.
But publicity violations happen more often than you’d think. Businesses sometimes repost customer photos in ads without permission. Or influencers may find their pics or videos on product pages they’ve never heard of. Even a local small business can get into hot water for using someone’s picture to promote a sale.
Intellectual property attorneys can step in when things go too far—whether it’s misused photos, false endorsements, or unauthorized ads. They can explain your rights, send a cease-and-desist letter, and help you decide whether pursuing a claim is worth it.
But We Thought We Had Permission
Samsung pointed towards a third-party content creator they work with, stating that it received “explicit assurance” that it had the proper legal rights to use Lipa’s image.
This isn’t the first time confusion has been used in an intellectual property dispute. “We thought we had permission” is actually a common defense in these types of claims. But even if Samsung genuinely believed it had the green light, the law expects companies to practice reasonable diligence before using someone’s likeness.
Samsung noted that they’re open to resolving the issue with Lipa. This suggests the company may be hoping to negotiate a settlement rather than get into a prolonged, expensive court battle.
What Happens Next?
While $15 million seems like a headline-grabbing number, lawsuits like Lipa’s hold individuals and businesses, both big and small, accountable for violating IP laws. After all, the “may we use this?” step isn’t just a common courtesy — it’s the law.
Related Resources
- What Is a Copyright? (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
- What the Legal Battle of the Katy Perrys Teaches Us About Trademark Rights (FindLaw’s Legally Weird)
- Top Intellectual Property Tips for New Business Owners (FindLaw’s Law and Daily Life)
