Samsung Responds to Dua Lipa’s $15 Million Lawsuit Here’s What Both Sides Said

Dua Lipa filed a $15 million lawsuit against Samsung on May 8, 2026, accusing the electronics giant of using her face on TV packaging across the U.S. without her permission and without paying her a cent. Samsung has now broken its silence — and it’s pointing the finger at someone else.

What Dua Lipa Alleges

The complaint, filed in the Central District of California, accuses Samsung of copyright infringement, violation of California’s right of publicity statute, a federal Lanham Act claim, and trademark infringement.

Lipa’s lawyers say she is the sole owner of all rights to the image — officially titled “Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024” — and that Samsung used it without any authorization to sell televisions.

According to the complaint, Samsung allegedly began putting Lipa’s image on TV boxes across the U.S. at the start of 2025. Lipa discovered this in June 2025.

Her attorneys argue the unauthorized use of her likeness directly boosted Samsung’s TV sales, citing a consumer who wrote they purchased a television specifically after seeing Lipa featured on the packaging.

Why Lipa Says the Damage Goes Beyond the Photo

Lipa is highly selective about brand partnerships and has built a premium image through carefully curated, high-end sponsorships and endorsements. Her legal team argues she would never have agreed to license her name or likeness for Samsung TV boxes.

She has signed commercial deals with brands including Puma, Yves Saint Laurent, and Versace — none of which include Samsung. Appearing on mass-market product packaging without consent directly contradicts the brand identity she has spent years building.

Despite sending cease-and-desist letters starting in June 2025, Lipa’s team says the infringing products stayed on the market for nearly a full year. Her attorneys are seeking the $15 million in damages plus a share of Samsung’s profits from the affected sales.

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Samsung’s Response: A Content Partner Is to Blame

Samsung issued its full statement on May 11, 2026. The company said Lipa’s image was used in 2025 to reflect content from a third-party partner available on Samsung TV Plus — its free streaming service — and that the image was originally provided by that content partner, not sourced by Samsung itself.

Samsung said the image was used only after the content partner gave explicit assurance that permission had been secured, including for use on retail boxes. On that basis, Samsung denied any allegations of intentional misuse.

Samsung also said it was unable to identify the content partner by name when asked, citing the pending litigation. The company stated it has great respect for Lipa and the intellectual property of all artists, and that it remains open to a constructive resolution.

Why This Defense Is Legally Complicated

Blaming a vendor does not automatically protect a company under U.S. copyright law. Copyright infringement is largely a strict liability offense — meaning intent does not need to be proven. If Samsung distributed the boxes, Samsung can still be held liable, regardless of who supplied the image.

The California right of publicity claim adds another layer. That statute protects celebrities from having their public identities used for unauthorized commercial purposes. The law does not require Lipa to prove Samsung acted maliciously — only that her likeness was used commercially without her consent.

Samsung’s best legal move is to redirect liability toward the unnamed content partner — or reach a private settlement before this goes further.

What the Fans Actually Did

One of the most compelling parts of Lipa’s complaint is the social proof Samsung accidentally created.

The lawsuit quotes fans on X saying things like “I wasn’t even planning on buying a TV but I saw the box so I decided to get it,” and “I’d get that TV just because Dua Lipa is on it.” Another user wrote, “If you need anything selling, just put a picture of Dua Lipa on it.”

Those comments are now in the court record. They directly support Lipa’s argument that Samsung profited from a false endorsement — which strengthens the Lanham Act claim.

Where the Case Stands Now

The lawsuit is active in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Samsung has not filed a formal legal response yet — the May 11 statement was a PR response, not a court filing. Lipa’s attorneys have not publicly commented on Samsung’s statement.

Neither side has confirmed settlement talks, though Samsung’s language — “we remain open to a constructive resolution” — signals the company likely wants to avoid a public trial.

What This Case Means for Celebrity Image Rights

This case is a reminder that companies cannot assume a photo is cleared for commercial use just because a vendor says it is. Copyright law and right of publicity protections exist independently — and a celebrity who owns the copyright to their own photo holds especially strong legal standing.

For a deeper look at how right of publicity law works and what it protects, read our guide: Dua Lipa vs. Samsung: Right of Publicity Lawsuit Explained.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and jurisdiction. For advice about your specific situation, consult a qualified attorney.

Prepared by the AllAboutLawyer.com Editorial Team and reviewed for factual accuracy against court filings, Billboard, Variety, CNN, Rolling Stone, and ABC News reporting. Last Updated: May 12, 2026.