Pop superstar Dua Lipa is currently embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle with electronics giant Samsung, seeking at least $15 million in damages over the alleged unauthorised use of her photograph on television product packaging. The singer’s legal representatives formally filed a response on October 16, 2026, opposing a motion by Samsung to have the lawsuit dismissed in a US federal court.
The central dispute concerns a photograph of Lipa captured during her performance at the 2024 Austin City Limits music festival. According to the court filings, the image was featured on television boxes sold across the United States throughout 2025 and 2026. Lipa’s legal team contends that the prominent placement of her image, integrated into a mock television screen showcasing the company’s streaming service, could lead consumers to believe she serves as an official brand ambassador for the products.
The lawsuit encompasses several claims, including copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and violation of publicity rights. Lipa reportedly became aware of the packaging in June 2025, when fans began sharing images of the boxes on social media platforms, with some users referring to them as the “Dua Lipa TV Box.” Lawyers for the singer argue that she maintains strict control over her commercial identity, highlighting her existing partnerships with major international brands such as Versace, Puma, and Yves Saint Laurent.
Samsung has firmly rejected allegations of intentional misconduct. In its defence, the company stated that the photograph was provided by a third-party content partner for its Samsung TV Plus service. Samsung asserts that it received explicit assurances from this partner that all necessary permissions, including rights for retail packaging, had been secured. Consequently, the electronics firm maintains that it did not intend to misappropriate the singer’s likeness, but rather aimed to highlight the entertainment content available on its platforms.
The motion to dismiss, filed by Samsung on September 10, 2026, rests on the argument that the use of a celebrity’s image to display available streaming content does not constitute an automatic endorsement or trademark infringement. Furthermore, the company has challenged the legal jurisdiction of the claim. Samsung argues that as an English citizen, Lipa’s publicity-rights claims should be governed by English law rather than the California statutes cited by her legal team.
Lipa’s attorneys have countered that California law is applicable, given that the products in question were actively marketed and sold within the state. As the case proceeds, it has drawn attention to the complex intersection of intellectual property rights and the commercial value of a celebrity’s likeness in the age of global marketing. The court has not yet issued a ruling on Samsung’s request to dismiss the litigation, leaving the claims contested for the time being.
While the legal arguments regarding jurisdiction and endorsement continue, Samsung has expressed a desire for a constructive resolution. A company spokesperson noted that they maintain respect for the singer and other artists’ intellectual property, indicating a willingness to engage with her team to find a way forward. For now, the case remains a significant point of discussion regarding how brands utilise celebrity imagery to influence consumer purchasing decisions.
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