Samsung denies unauthorised use of Dua Lipa's image on TV packaging
Synopsis
Samsung claims it obtained proper clearance for Dua Lipa's image through a content partner, but the pop star's legal team says the photograph — taken backstage in Austin in 2024 — was used without consent on US TV packaging. With damages exceeding $15 million at stake, the dispute hinges on who bears responsibility for verifying rights in third-party content licensing chains.
Key Takeaways
Samsung Electronics denied allegations of unauthorised use of Dua Lipa's photograph on television packaging.
Lipa's legal team filed suit in the U.S.
District Court for Central California seeking damages exceeding $15 million .
The disputed image was a backstage photograph taken at a music festival in Austin in 2024 , used on Samsung TV packaging in 2025 .
Samsung claims it received explicit assurance from a content partner that permission had been secured.
After Lipa raised concerns in July 2025 , Samsung suspended the original packaging and entered mediation, but litigation proceeded.
The complaint includes copyright infringement, California right of publicity violations, and Lanham Act trademark claims.
Samsung Electronics on Tuesday rejected allegations that it used British pop singer Dua Lipa's photograph on television packaging without permission, asserting that the image was deployed with authorisation secured through a third-party content partner. The denial comes after Lipa's legal team filed suit in the U.S. District Court for Central California, seeking damages exceeding $15 million for alleged violations of copyright, trademark, and publicity rights.
Samsung's Defence
In a statement, Samsung said the image was used in 2025 to showcase content available on Samsung TV Plus, the company's free streaming service. "The image was used only after receiving explicit assurance from the content partner that permission had been secured, including for the retail boxes," the company stated. Samsung emphasised it obtained clearance before deploying the photograph and placed responsibility on the content partner for verifying rights.
The Dispute's Timeline
According to the lawsuit, Lipa's legal team contends that Samsung used a backstage photograph taken at a music festival in Austin in 2024 without consent on US television packaging in 2025. After Lipa raised concerns in July 2025, Samsung suspended production of the original packaging, introduced a replacement design, and entered mediation talks. Despite these steps, Lipa's team proceeded with litigation.
The Legal Claims
The complaint encompasses multiple allegations: copyright infringement under federal law, violation of California's right of publicity statute, a federal Lanham Act claim relating to trademark, and separate trademark violations. The breadth of claims underscores Lipa's legal team's assertion that the use was not merely negligent but constituted deliberate misappropriation.
Samsung's Path Forward
Samsung stated it holds "great respect" for Lipa and the intellectual property rights of artists broadly, pledging to remain open to settlement discussions. "We have actively sought and remain open to a constructive resolution with Ms. Lipa's team," the company said, signalling willingness to negotiate despite the formal legal challenge.
Point of View
Accountability becomes murky. Samsung's defence — that it relied on a partner's assurance — is standard corporate risk-shifting, but it does not absolve the company of due diligence obligations. For artists like Lipa, the real cost is not just damages but the erosion of control over their own image in the digital supply chain. This case will likely set precedent on how much liability platforms bear when they accept representations about rights clearance without independent verification.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dispute between Samsung and Dua Lipa?
Samsung used a photograph of British pop singer Dua Lipa on television packaging without her permission, according to her lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for Central California. The image, taken backstage at a music festival in Austin in 2024, appeared on Samsung TV packaging sold in the United States in 2025. Lipa's legal team is seeking damages exceeding $15 million.
What is Samsung's defence?
Samsung claims the image was used with proper authorisation obtained through a third-party content partner. The company stated it received explicit assurance that permission had been secured before deploying the photograph on retail boxes for its Samsung TV Plus streaming service.
When did Dua Lipa first raise the issue?
Lipa raised the concern in July 2025, after which Samsung suspended production of the original packaging, replaced it with a different version, and entered mediation proceedings with her legal team.
What legal claims does Lipa's lawsuit include?
The complaint encompasses copyright infringement, violation of California's right of publicity statute, a federal Lanham Act claim, and separate trademark violations — all alleging unauthorised use of her image and likeness.
Is Samsung open to settling the dispute?
Yes, Samsung stated it has actively sought and remains open to a constructive resolution with Lipa's team, despite the ongoing litigation. The company emphasised its respect for artists' intellectual property rights.
