Dua Lipa Sues Samsung Over Image Use, Seeks USD 15 Million
- tech360.tv
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
British pop star Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit against Samsung Electronics, seeking at least USD 15 million in damages. She accuses the South Korean technology giant of using her image without permission to market its television sets.
The lawsuit alleges Samsung featured a copyrighted image of Lipa on the front of cardboard boxes for televisions sold at retail. This allowed the company to benefit from what appeared to be her endorsement of the product.
The image in question is described as "Dua Lipa - Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024." The lawsuit states Lipa owns all rights, title, and interest in this image.
Filed on Friday in a California federal court, the suit also accuses Samsung Electronics of copyright and trademark infringement, along with breaching publicity rights.
Samsung Electronics denied the allegations, stating there was no intentional misuse of the image. The company claimed the image was provided by a third-party partner.
This partner created content featuring Lipa for Samsung's free streaming service. Samsung added that the image was used only after explicit assurance from the content partner that permission had been secured, including for the retail boxes.
Samsung also stated that it has actively sought and remains open to a constructive resolution with Lipa’s team.
Lipa’s lawyers attached screenshots of social media postings and comments to the filing. These claim the pop star's image on the boxes encouraged potential customers to purchase the product.
One screenshot shows a fan commenting they would acquire the television because Lipa was featured on it.
The "Levitating" singer became aware of Samsung's alleged infringement in June last year and demanded the company cease using her image. However, her lawyers stated the electronics manufacturer repeatedly refused.
Lipa's legal team also asserted that Samsung’s alleged unauthorised use of her image has caused and continues to cause dilution of her brand identity and commercial goodwill. This is by falsely conveying to the public that she approves of and endorses the products.
British pop star Dua Lipa is suing Samsung Electronics for at least USD 15 million.
The lawsuit alleges Samsung used Lipa's copyrighted image without permission to market televisions.
Accusations include copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and breaching publicity rights.
Source: REUTERS
