Pop superstar Dua Lipa has launched a $15 million (£11.8 million approx. / BDT 183 crore+) legal action against technology giant Samsung, alleging unauthorised commercial use of her image in a marketing campaign for its television products.
According to reports from US media outlet Variety, the lawsuit was filed on Friday at the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The complaint centres on claims that Samsung used the singer’s photograph on the cardboard packaging of its televisions without consent or prior notification.
The legal filing states that the image in question has been in use since 2024, and was taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Festival in the United States. Dua Lipa asserts that she retains copyright over the photograph and that its commercial deployment was neither licensed nor approved.
Her legal team argues that the use of her likeness formed part of a broader marketing strategy designed to enhance product appeal by leveraging her global popularity and commercial influence. They contend that the campaign effectively implied endorsement, despite no such agreement existing between the artist and the company.
Key Details of the Case
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Claimant | Dua Lipa |
| Defendant | Samsung |
| Compensation Sought | $15 million (approx. £11.8m / BDT 183 crore+) |
| Court | US District Court, Central District of California |
| Allegation | Unauthorised use of image in TV packaging |
| Image Origin | Backstage photo at Austin City Limits Festival (2024) |
| Core Issue | Copyright and false endorsement |
The court documents also reference several social media reactions, which the legal team has included to demonstrate alleged consumer confusion. Some users reportedly believed the singer was officially associated with Samsung due to her appearance on the packaging.
One comment cited in the filing stated that a consumer purchased a television after noticing Dua Lipa’s image on the box, while another suggested that her presence alone was sufficient motivation for purchase. Lawyers for the singer argue that such reactions illustrate the direct commercial impact of the unauthorised use.
Dua Lipa’s representatives further emphasise that the artist maintains strict control over her brand partnerships. They note that she positions herself as a premium global brand and typically undertakes detailed review processes before associating with any commercial product, spanning sectors such as fashion, cosmetics, and technology.
The lawsuit claims that the unauthorised use of her image not only violates copyright protections but also risks diluting her carefully managed public image and misleading consumers into assuming an endorsement arrangement where none exists.
Samsung has not yet issued a public response to the allegations. The case is expected to proceed in the coming months, with potential implications for how celebrity likenesses are used in product marketing and packaging across the technology sector.