International pop star Dua Lipa has taken legal action against South Korean tech giant Samsung after accusing the company of using her image without consent to promote television sales in the United States.
According to reports by the BBC, the singer filed a $15 million (about R245 million) lawsuit in California on Friday. She claims Samsung used a photograph of her face on the packaging of its television products without obtaining permission first.
The lawsuit alleges that Samsung intentionally used her image to attract buyers and increase sales. Legal documents reportedly state that the company’s packaging was “designed to improperly capitalize on Ms. Lipa’s hard-earned success to promote and sell Samsung’s products”.
@bbcnews The lawsuit mentions two specific Instagram comments, one where a user said they would “get that TV just because Dua is on it”. #DuaLipa #Samsung #NewRules #US #BBCNews ♬ original sound – BBC News
DUA LIPA CLAIMS SAMSUNG USED HER IMAGE WITHOUT CONSENT
Court papers include a picture of a high-definition television box featuring multiple images on the screen display. One of the most noticeable images reportedly shows part of Dua Lipa’s face.
The photograph in question is titled “Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024”. According to the lawsuit, the image is officially registered with the US Copyright Office and belongs to the singer.
Samsung responded to the allegations in a public statement. The company said a third-party content partner supplied the image for its free streaming platform, Samsung TV Plus.
“The image was used only after receiving explicit assurance from the content partner that permission had been secured, including for the retail boxes,” Samsung said.
The company also stated that it remains open to resolving the matter with the singer’s legal team.
DUA LIPA BUILT A PREMIUM GLOBAL BRAND
The lawsuit also highlights Dua Lipa’s long list of global commercial partnerships and endorsements. The singer has worked with brands such as Puma, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Porsche, Apple, Chanel, Nespresso, Bvlgari and Tiffany & Co..
Legal papers state that the singer carefully chooses the companies she works with in order to protect her image and brand value.
“Ms Lipa is highly selective in her commercial partnerships and has cultivated a premium brand through carefully curated, high-end sponsorships and endorsements,” the lawsuit states.
The filing also claims that the singer would never have agreed to connect her name and image with the sale of the allegedly infringing products.
Earlier this year, Dua Lipa visited South Africa with her actor fiancé, Callum Turner. The couple enjoyed a safari getaway at Kruger National Park, with the singer describing the trip as one of the most “incredible” experiences of her life.
DUA LIPA SEEKS MILLIONS IN DAMAGES
The lawsuit lists eight civil offences against Samsung, including copyright infringement, false endorsement and violation of publicity rights.
Dua Lipa is now seeking a permanent court injunction against Samsung. She also wants the company to pay no less than $15 million in damages, including punitive damages linked to the alleged infringement.
