Global pop icon Dua Lipa has launched a massive legal battle against Samsung, accusing the electronics giant of using her likeness without permission to sell televisions. In a complaint filed on Thursday, May 8, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the “Levitating” singer is seeking at least $15 million in damages.
The lawsuit claims that Samsung featured a copyrighted photograph of the artist on product packaging sold across the United States, falsely implying a high-profile celebrity endorsement.
The Core of the Dispute Backstage at Austin City Limits
At the heart of the legal filing is a specific image titled Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024.
Copyright Infringement: The photo is officially registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. Lipa’s legal team argues that Samsung used this image for a “mass marketing campaign” without her knowledge, input, or any form of compensation.
False Endorsement: The lawsuit argues that the use of her face on TV boxes led consumers to believe Lipa was an official partner of the brand.
Consumer Influence: The filing cites social media posts from fans who admitted the packaging influenced their purchase, with one buyer reportedly stating, “I wasn’t even planning on buying a TV but I saw the box so I decided to get it.”
Alleged Callous Response from Samsung
According to the court documents, this isn’t a new conflict. Lipa’s representatives reportedly discovered the infringement around June 2025 and issued multiple cease-and-desist demands.
The Claim: The lawsuit states that Samsung’s response to these demands was “dismissive and callous.”
Current Status: Despite the legal warnings, the products allegedly remain on the market, prompting the escalation to a federal lawsuit
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Financial Demands
Lipa is seeking a significant financial settlement that includes:
$15 Million in direct damages for the unauthorized use of her likeness.
Additional Profits generated from the sales of televisions linked to the marketing campaign.
Legal Costs and a permanent injunction to remove the products from shelves.
Expert Perspective The Right of Publicity
Legal experts suggest this case hinges on the “Right of Publicity,” which protects individuals from having their name or likeness used for commercial purposes without a license. For an artist of Lipa’s stature, an official endorsement deal with a tech giant would typically command an eight-figure fee.
Samsung has yet to issue a formal public statement regarding the litigation.