Dua Lipa Sues Samsung for at Least $15 Million Over Use of 2024 Festival Photo on TV Packaging
The pop singer filed a copyright and trademark lawsuit in California federal court, alleging Samsung used a 2024 festival photograph on television boxes without permission. She first learned of the packaging in June 2025 and made repeated demands for its removal. Samsung has declined to comment on the pending litigation.
Dua Lipa filed a lawsuit against Samsung Electronics in California federal court, seeking at least $15 million in damages after the company used a copyrighted image of her on the front of cardboard television boxes sold at retail stores across the United States.
The complaint was filed on Thursday, May 8, 2026 or Friday, May 9, 2026. The image in question was taken during the 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival, and Dua Lipa owns the copyright to the photograph.
Dua Lipa first became aware that Samsung was using her image in June 2025. She made repeated demands that Samsung cease and desist from using the image, but the company has refused to comply. The lawsuit alleges copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and violation of Dua Lipa's right of publicity.
"Recognizing Ms. Lipa's notoriety and goodwill, Samsung used a copyrighted image of Ms. without authority or license and prominently featured it on the front of cardboard boxes containing Samsung manufactured televisions for retail sale," the complaint states.
The filing adds that Samsung's use was designed to improperly capitalize on Dua Lipa's success to promote and sell its products. Lipa's repeated demands that it cease and desist from infringing on her rights by the continued exploitation of the Infringing Products," the complaint states.
Samsung's response has been "dismissive and callous" and the infringing products remain on the market, according to the complaint. One consumer wrote they purchased a TV after seeing Dua Lipa featured on the packaging. " Dua Lipa is highly selective about the brands and partnerships she aligns herself with.
She has commercial partnerships with Puma, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Apple, Porsche, Chanel, and is a global ambassador for Nespresso. Her album Radical Optimism was released in 2024. The complaint states the unauthorized use deceives customers into thinking Dua Lipa has endorsed the product and dilutes her brand identity.
ABC News reached out to representatives for Dua Lipa and Samsung Electronics but did not immediately hear back.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2024
Photograph of Dua Lipa taken backstage at Austin City Limits Music Festival; image later used by Samsung.
4 sourcesDua Lipa's legal complaint · ABC News · CBS News · BBC News - June 2025
Dua Lipa first became aware Samsung was using her copyrighted image on TV boxes and began making repeated demands to cease.
3 sourcesDua Lipa's legal complaint · CBS News · BBC News - May 8-9, 2026
Dua Lipa filed lawsuit in California federal court seeking at least $15 million.
5 sourcesDua Lipa's legal complaint · ABC News · CBS News · BBC News - May 10, 2026
ABC News reports on the filing; Samsung states it cannot comment on pending litigation.
2 sourcesABC News · CBS News
Potential Impact
- 01
May affect Samsung's U.S. television retail packaging and marketing practices during ongoing litigation.
- 02
Potential financial liability of at least $15 million for Samsung if claims succeed.
- 03
Could prompt other celebrities to scrutinize unauthorized use of their images in consumer electronics packaging.
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