Dua Lipa files $15M lawsuit against Samsung over TV boxes

Grammy-winning pop star Dua Lipa is suing Samsung Electronics for at least $15 million, alleging the company used her image without permission on television packaging sold across the United States.

The lawsuit, filed May 8 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, accuses Samsung of copyright infringement, trademark infringement and violating Lipa’s right to publicity.

According to the complaint, Samsung used a copyrighted backstage image of Lipa on cardboard boxes for televisions sold in 2025 and 2026 without authorization or compensation. The filing alleges the packaging falsely implied the singer endorsed Samsung products and influenced consumer purchases, citing social media posts from fans who said Lipa’s appearance on the box motivated them to buy the TVs.

Lawsuit says Samsung continued using image after warning

The complaint says Lipa learned about the alleged infringement in June 2025 and demanded Samsung stop using the image. Her attorneys claim the company refused and continued distributing televisions featuring the packaging.

“Samsung’s response has been dismissive and callous,” the lawsuit states.

Lipa is seeking a permanent injunction to block Samsung from further use of her image and likeness, as well as damages of no less than $15 million, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and profits allegedly connected to the campaign.

The lawsuit alleges Samsung used the image as part of a broad retail packaging campaign tied to televisions sold nationwide. According to the filing, the image appeared prominently on the front of television boxes, placing Lipa’s likeness directly in front of consumers at stores and during delivery and display. The complaint says the company sought to benefit from Lipa’s “notoriety and goodwill” to help market and sell its products.

Her attorneys argue the alleged infringement deprived her of control over how her likeness is presented to consumers and allowed Samsung to profit from an association she never approved.

In a statement to USA TODAY, a Samsung spokesperson said the company denies any intentional misuse and said the image was provided through a third-party content partner for Samsung TV Plus, its free streaming service.

“Ms. Lipa’s image was used in 2025 to reflect the content of our third-party partners that is available on Samsung TVs and was originally provided by a content partner for our free streaming service Samsung TV Plus. The image was used only after receiving explicit assurance from the content partner that permission had been secured, including for the retail boxes. Given this assurance, we deny any allegations of intentional misuse,” the spokesperson said.

“Samsung has great respect for Ms. Lipa and the intellectual property of all artists. We have actively sought and remain open to a constructive resolution with Ms. Lipa’s team,” the statement added.

USA TODAY reached out to attorneys representing Lipa for comment.

Photo tied to Austin City Limits

At the center of the lawsuit is a photograph titled “Dua Lipa - Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024,” which the complaint says is registered with the U.S. Copyright Office under Registration No. VA 2-479-685.

The filing argues the image is part of Lipa’s carefully managed commercial brand. Her attorneys point to partnerships with companies including Puma, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Porsche and Chanel as examples of the selective endorsement deals she has pursued.

The lawsuit claims Lipa would not have agreed to license her likeness for Samsung television packaging and argues the alleged unauthorized use diluted her brand identity and commercial value.

Who is Dua Lipa?

Lipa rose to international fame with songs including “New Rules,” “Don’t Start Now” and “Levitating.” Her 2020 album “Future Nostalgia” won the Grammy Award for best pop vocal album and spawned multiple chart-topping singles.

Beyond music, Lipa has expanded her profile through fashion campaigns, luxury brand partnerships and appearances on the covers of magazines including Vogue, Elle and Rolling Stone.

Her latest album, “Radical Optimism,” debuted at No. 1 in the United Kingdom and No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, according to the lawsuit.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected], or on Twitter @athompsonUSAT