Dua Lipa is taking legal action against tech giant Samsung, accusing the company of using her image to sell televisions without her permission. The 30-year-old pop star is seeking $15 million (£11 million) in damages, claiming that her photograph was used on cardboard TV boxes as part of a mass marketing campaign without her consent.
Details of the Lawsuit
Court filings state that the Houdini singer had no say, control, or input over the use of her photo in the campaign for Samsung's Crystal 43-inch ultra-high-definition televisions to promote their XITE Hits music channel. The complaint emphasizes that Ms. Lipa did not allow and would not have allowed this use. The photo in question was taken backstage during her appearance at the Austin City Limits Festival in 2024, and the star claims she owns the copyright to the picture. She reportedly only discovered the use of the image after the products were already on sale.
Response from Legal Team
Dua Lipa's legal team has criticized Samsung for being dismissive and callous when asked to stop using the photograph. They argue that social media comments from fans indicate that Samsung benefited from the belief that the pop star had endorsed the product. The complaint includes social media comments from fans who intended to buy the TV because of her apparent involvement. One fan wrote on X: I wasn't even planning on buying a TV but I saw the box so I decided to get it. Another said: I'd get that TV just because Dua Lipa is on it. That's how obsessed I am. That's how much I love her. A third added: Just put a picture of Dua Lipa on it.
Expert Opinion
Peter Vaughan, Associate Professor at Nottingham Law School, commented on the case, stating that it is not surprising that Dua Lipa has decided to take action in California, where the protection of image rights and the ability to commercialize your image are given stronger protection than in the UK, where protection is much more fragmented and arguably a little behind the times. He noted that Samsung may argue that the image of Dua Lipa was simply what was on the home screen of a TV at the time, rather than an endorsement. However, he added that companies carefully consider every element of packaging, and a decision seems to have been made to use this particular image; Samsung would likely have to explain why this was not because it featured Dua Lipa.
Broader Implications
Vaughan highlighted that celebrity endorsements are a key part of any marketing strategy, and attaching a product to a celebrity sells, a trend that influencers have exploited to their advantage. He noted that celebrities and other influencers are much more aware of the value of their image. It hits the news when someone of Dua Lipa's status takes action, but hopefully this will highlight to others who find their image being used that it does have a value and that taking steps to protect that image is worth it.
Personal Life
In happier news, the singer is due to marry actor Callum Turner this summer, with celebrations rumored to take place in Palermo, Sicily. The pair, who got engaged in June 2025, will reportedly say I do in a star-studded ceremony between September 5-7.
