Samsung denies 'intentionally misusing' Dua Lipa's photo to sell TVs without her permission
The electronics giant said the image was provided by a content partner, which said permission had been granted to use it
Samsung has denied "intentionally misusing" a picture of Dua Lipa to sell TVs without obtaining the singer's permission.
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Dua Lipa is suing the electronics giant for £11 million after it allegedly used her photograph on the packaging of some of its TVs without her consent.
Ms Lipa, who is known for hits including Levitating and One Kiss, accused Samsung of "exploiting" her "carefully curated and extremely valuable brand identity to sell televisions".
The South Korean-based tech company "ignored" the singer's repeated demands to “cease and desist from infringing on her rights” to the picture, which was taken backstage at a 2024 festival in Texas.
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In a statement released on Wednesday, Samsung said the image was provided by a content partner, which said permission had been granted to use it.
“Ms Lipa’s image was used in 2025 to reflect the content of our third-party partners that are available on Samsung TVs and was originally provided by a content partner for our free streaming service Samsung TV Plus,” the statement said.
“The image was used only after receiving explicit assurance from the content partner that permission had been secured, including for the retail boxes. Given this assurance, we deny any allegations of intentional misuse."
Documents filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California show the singer is suing the South Korean company for 15 million US dollars (£11 million).
The lawsuit includes allegations of copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and violation of her right of publicity.
The court document reads: “Samsung exploited Ms Lipa’s carefully curated and extremely valuable brand identity to sell televisions, by using, without authorisation, Ms Lipa’s copyrighted image on the front of cardboard boxes offering Samsung televisions for sale.
“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. Ms Lipa did not allow and would not have allowed this use."
“Ms Lipa brings this action against Samsung for copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and violation of her right of publicity in order to obtain redress for the massive, continuing, unauthorised commercial exploitation of her valuable image and likeness by Samsung on cardboard television boxes.”
Samsung said it has "great respect for Ms Lipa and the intellectual property of all artists.
“We have actively sought and remain open to a constructive resolution with Ms Lipa’s team.”