Dua Lipa Sues Samsung for $15 Million Over Unauthorized Image Use

Global pop star Dua Lipa has filed a $15 million lawsuit against Samsung Electronics in a California federal court, alleging the tech giant used a copyrighted image of her on television packaging without permission. The lawsuit, filed on May 8, 2026, claims Samsung violated her copyright, trademark, and publicity rights by creating the false impression that she endorsed their products. While Samsung denies intentional misuse, stating they received assurances from a third-party content partner that permissions were secured, Lipa’s legal team argues the company failed to verify these claims. The plaintiff highlights social media comments from fans who purchased TVs specifically because of Lipa’s image as evidence of consumer confusion and trademark infringement. Additionally, the suit notes that Lipa’s team attempted to resolve the issue with Samsung starting in June 2025, but the company lacked an effective process to address the complaints. This case is viewed as a significant example of modern trademark litigation involving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, potentially setting a precedent for how celebrities protect their intellectual property against unauthorized commercial use by major corporations.