Pop star Dua Lipa is suing Samsung for at least $15 million (about Sh1.9 billion), alleging the company used her photo on TV packaging without permission or compensation.
According to a lawsuit filed Friday in a California court, Samsung allegedly printed Lipa’s image on TV screen packaging for a significant number of TVs sold in the US last year.
The singer says she demanded the company stop using the image after discovering it in June 2025, but claims Samsung repeatedly refused.
“Ms. Lipa’s face was prominently used for a mass marketing campaign for a consumer product without her knowledge, without consideration, and as to which she had no say, control, or input whatsoever,” the lawsuit states. “Ms. Lipa did not allow and would not have allowed this use.”
The suit states that Lipa owns the copyright to the photograph, which was taken backstage before a performance at the Austin City Limits festival in 2024.
Lipa is alleging copyright violation, a violation of the California right of publicity statute, a federal Lanham Act claim, and trademark claims.
The lawsuit claims that Samsung had financially benefited from giving the appearance of her endorsement, with the lawsuit quoting alleged comments shared on social media from her fans.
“I’d get that TV just because Dua Lipa is on it,” one wrote one. “That’s how obsessed I am. That’s how much I love her.”
“I wasn’t even planning on buying a tv but I saw the box so I decided to get it,” another fan stated.
“If you need anything selling just put a picture of Dua Lipa on it.”
The suit states that Lipa was “highly selective” in making product endorsements and had brand deals with Apple, Porsche, Versace, Bulgari and Nespresso, among others.
Samsung’s conduct “makes a mockery of her hard work in establishing a successful brand and has deprived her of the ability to control and monetize her assets”, the lawsuit reads.
Lipa is seeking a permanent injunction against Samsung and “no less than $15m” in actual damages, plus punitive damages and legal costs.
