Dua Lipa sues Samsung: The $15 million TV box lawsuit explained

Singer Dua Lipa sued Samsung for allegedly using her image on television packaging without permission. She is seeking at least $15 million in damages and claimed the company continued using the photo despite legal objections.

In Short

• Dua Lipa sued Samsung for using her image on TV packaging without permission
• She is seeking at least $15 million in damages and profits from sales
• Samsung allegedly ignored cease-and-desist demands from her team

Singer Dua Lipa has sued Samsung for allegedly using her image without permission on packaging for televisions sold across the United States. The lawsuit said a backstage photograph of the singer appeared on cardboard TV boxes and created a false impression that she endorsed or was affiliated with the product.

Lipa is seeking at least $15 million in damages, along with profits linked to sales of the televisions that carried the image. The complaint also alleged that Samsung kept using the photograph even after her representatives objected and sent cease-and-desist demands.

What the lawsuit says

The complaint was obtained by PEOPLE and filed on May 8 in the US District Court for the Central District of California. The filing said her face was used prominently for the consumer product without her knowledge, consideration or input. It added that she did not allow and would not have allowed the use.

The suit claimed the image suggested that Lipa endorsed the product and “induced potential consumers to buy (the product) because it featured Lipa”. To support that argument, the complaint cited social media posts from fans.

One post quoted in the filing says, “I wasn't even planning on buying a TV, but I saw the box, so I decided to get it.” Another said, “I've always said if you need anything selling, just put a picture of Dua Lipa on it.”

The complaint further alleged that Samsung continued using the image after receiving cease-and-desist demands from Lipa’s representatives. Those demands were sent after the singer became aware of Samsung’s alleged “infringement and violation of her right of publicity” around June 2025, according to the filing.

The complaint described Samsung’s response as “dismissive and callous” and said the products “remain on the market to this day”.

Image at the centre

According to the lawsuit, the image at the centre of the dispute is titled “Dua Lipa - Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024” and is registered with the US Copyright Office.

Lipa’s lawyers alleged that Samsung intentionally capitalised on her celebrity and brand recognition to market its televisions. The complaint added, “Samsung’s infringing conduct - using Lipa’s assets for zero consideration - makes a mockery of her hard work in establishing a successful brand.”

More about Dua Lipa

Lipa, 30, is known for songs including Levitating, New Rules and Don’t Start Now. She also performed in India at Mumbai’s MMRDA Grounds in November 2024.

She announced her engagement to actor Callum Turner in 2025.

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