Full Breakdown
Samsung Seeks Dismissal of Dua Lipa $15 Million Image Lawsuit
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Dispute: Motion to Dismiss
Samsung has filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California asking a federal judge to throw out Dua Lipa’s lawsuit that seeks at least $15 million in damages. The suit alleges Samsung used a backstage photograph of the pop star on the exterior of its television boxes without permission, creating an unauthorised commercial association. Samsung contends the image was shown only as an example of content available through Samsung TV Plus and that shoppers would not reasonably interpret the packaging as an endorsement.
Background & Context
Lipa’s team says she owns the copyright to the photograph taken backstage at the Austin City Limits festival in 2024 and that Samsung placed the image on a “significant portion” of its TV boxes sold in the United States. The complaint cites social-media comments from consumers who said the photo influenced their purchase decisions. Samsung’s defense rests on two points: the photograph was supplied by a third-party content partner, and the partner gave “explicit assurance” that all necessary permissions—including for retail packaging—had been secured. Samsung also argues that English law, which does not recognise a standalone right of publicity comparable to California law, should apply because Lipa resides in England.
Timeline
- September 10 – Samsung submits its motion to dismiss, asserting that the packaging depicts an on-screen interface rather than an endorsement.
- September 14, 2026 – Media outlets report on Samsung’s filing and the unresolved status of the case.
Data & Statistics
- Damages sought: at least $15 million in actual damages, plus claims for profits attributable to the image, punitive damages, legal fees, costs, interest and a permanent injunction.
- Photograph details: backstage shot from the 2024 Austin City Limits festival.
- Packaging claim: Lipa’s lawyers describe the image as appearing on a “significant portion” of Samsung televisions sold in the U.S.; the exact percentage is not disclosed.
Official Statements & Responses
- Samsung: The image was used solely to illustrate the Samsung TV Plus interface, alongside unrelated icons such as MLB and Fox Sports. Samsung relied on the content partner’s assurances of cleared rights and denies intentional misuse of Lipa’s likeness.
- Lipa: Samsung employed the photograph without consent, the packaging created the impression of a commercial endorsement, and Samsung continued to sell boxes bearing the image despite her demands to cease the practice.
Conflicting Legal Issues & Gaps
The case pivots on two unsettled questions. First, whether Lipa possesses a trademark right in her likeness that can be enforced under California law; Samsung argues she lacks such a trademark. Second, the applicability of English versus California right-of-publicity law. Samsung contends English law should govern, while Lipa’s claim is grounded in California’s statutory framework. No court ruling on either issue has been issued, leaving the legal sufficiency of the complaint unresolved.
Why It Matters
The lawsuit highlights the challenges of enforcing celebrity image rights across jurisdictions when content is sourced from third-party partners. A dismissal could set a precedent for how manufacturers display streamed content on product packaging without implying endorsement, while a ruling in Lipa’s favour could reinforce the reach of U.S. publicity rights for internationally based artists.