Dua Lipa Sued by Samsung for $220 Million

Global pop star Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit against Samsung Electronics for approximately $15 million (about 22 billion won). The reason for the lawsuit is that Samsung Electronics unauthorizedly used Dua Lipa's photo on its TV packaging boxes.

Through a complaint filed with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Dua Lipa's legal team claimed copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and violation of publicity rights, stating that Samsung Electronics commercially exploited Dua Lipa's image and likeness on a large scale and continuously without permission.

According to the complaint, Samsung Electronics has been using Dua Lipa's photo on its TV packaging boxes since last year. Dua Lipa's side claims that they demanded the cessation of photo use, but Samsung refused. The photo in question was taken backstage at the 2024 Austin City Limits Festival, and Dua Lipa's side stated that they own the copyright to this photo.

Dua Lipa's side emphasized in the complaint, "His face has been extensively used in a large-scale consumer goods marketing campaign without his consent or prior consultation, and without any say or control," asserting that Samsung Electronics did not permit this. They added that Samsung gained unfair profits by making it appear as though Dua Lipa endorsed the products, even though she did not.

The complaint also includes claims citing social media comments, suggesting that some customers were influenced by the photo and purchased Samsung TVs. Dua Lipa's side mentioned that they have built a "premium brand" and are very cautious about product endorsement activities.