One notice is all it takes: Dua Lipa sues Samsung for A$23m

Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit against Samsung, alleging the electronics company used her image on TV packaging without permission or payment.

The claim, filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California, seeks at least A$23 million in damages.

As per Variety, the complaint alleges that the Korean-based company used Lipa’s image on the cardboard packaging for its TVs last year, creating the impression that she had endorsed the brand.

Lipa alleges unauthorised use

According to the complaint, Lipa became aware of the use and demanded that Samsung stop using her image.

The lawsuit alleges Samsung was “dismissive and callous” and refused the request.

“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 complaint alleges Samsung profited from the appearance of an endorsement that Lipa had not given.

Copyright and publicity claims

The lawsuit claims Lipa owns the copyright to the photograph, which was taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Festival in 2024.

Source: Dua Lipa's complaint

The complaint includes claims for copyright violation, breach of California’s right of publicity statute, a federal Lanham Act claim and trademark claims.

It also cites social media posts on X (formerly Twitter) to argue that some customers interpreted the packaging as an endorsement.

One post quoted in the complaint said: “I wasn’t even planning on buying a tv but I saw the box so I decided to get it.”

Another said: “I’d get that TV just because Dua Lipa is on it.”

A question of brand value

The suit states that Lipa has built a “premium brand” and is “highly selective” about product endorsements.

The claim alleges that Samsung’s alleged use of her image interfered with that control by placing her likeness on a consumer product campaign without her approval.

According to reports, Samsung has not publicly responded to the lawsuit.

Top image: Dua Lipa

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