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Dua Lipa Sues Samsung for $15 Million Copyright Violation

5/12/2026

Summary

Dua Lipa Sues Samsung

Dua Lipa sued Samsung in U.S. District Court on May 8, seeking at least $15 million for unauthorized image use.
She holds copyright to the photo “Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024,” VA 2-479-685.
After finding the image on Samsung boxes in June 2025, she issued a cease-and-desist, which Samsung ignored.
The complaint cites copyright, trademark and false endorsement violations and requests damages, while Samsung says a partner gave permission.

Summary

Lipa Sues Samsung

Samsung displayed a screenshot of its Samsung TV Plus streaming interface with Dua Lipa’s photo prominently across the top on TV packaging.
The complaint includes social-media screenshots where users state they purchased the television because the box featured Dua Lipa.
Lipa’s legal team submits those posts as evidence of misappropriation and false endorsement claims.

Summary

Samsung Sued

A complaint filed on May 8 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California alleges Samsung TV Plus, which aggregates partner content, used a disputed photo to represent its programming.
Samsung said a content partner supplied the image and assured all rights were cleared.
The spokesperson emphasized respect for artists’ intellectual property and a willingness to pursue a constructive resolution.

History

Historical Context

In 1985 Ford introduced the Mercury Sable and hired sound-alike Ula Hedwig for a TV spot after Bette Midler refused; Midler sued and the Ninth Circuit ruled in her favor, forcing Ford to pull the ad. Decades later, singer Dua Lipa claims Samsung used her backstage photo without permission, echoing the Midler precedent.

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Dua Lipa Sues Samsung

Dua Lipa sued Samsung in U.S. District Court on May 8, seeking at least $15 million for unauthorized image use.
She holds copyright to the photo “Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024,” VA 2-479-685.
After finding the image on Samsung boxes in June 2025, she issued a cease-and-desist, which Samsung ignored.
The complaint cites copyright, trademark and false endorsement violations and requests damages, while Samsung says a partner gave permission.

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