Samsung Electronics has issued a strong denial against claims of unauthorized use of British pop superstar Dua Lipa’s image. The electronics giant stated on Tuesday that the photograph, which appeared on its US television packaging, was cleared for use through a trusted content partner, refuting allegations that it lacked permission for commercial deployment.
This statement follows a significant lawsuit filed by Dua Lipa’s representatives on Friday. The complaint, lodged in the US District Court for the Central District of California, accuses Samsung of severe copyright, trademark, and publicity rights infringement, seeking a substantial $15 million in damages for the alleged unauthorized use of her likeness.
At the heart of this legal dispute is a specific photograph of Lipa featured prominently on the exterior of Samsung TV packaging. According to the court filing, the image was captured backstage at the 2024 Austin City Limits Music Festival. Lipa’s legal team asserts that the artist holds the exclusive copyright to this particular photograph, making any use without her direct consent a violation.
The lawsuit explicitly alleges that Samsung incorporated this celebrity image into a large-scale commercial marketing campaign without any approval from the singer or her management.
“Ms. Lipa’s face was prominently used for a mass marketing campaign for a consumer product without her knowledge, without consideration, and as to which she had no say, control, or input whatsoever,” the complaint details. “Ms. Lipa did not allow and would not have allowed this use,” emphasizing the unconsented nature of the photo’s deployment.
However, Samsung firmly rejects these allegations.
“The claim that the artist’s image was used without authorization is not true,” the company declared in an official statement. “We confirmed the right to use the image through a content-providing partner before using it,” indicating a legitimate acquisition process for the photo.
Samsung further clarified that the image was only utilized on its television packaging in the US during 2025, and only after thorough verification through their partner that the image was fully cleared for such commercial application.
The tech firm also challenged Lipa’s assertion that it refused to cease using the image after being formally requested. Samsung contends that it immediately initiated the process of halting box production and replacing the packaging last July, subsequent to Lipa’s representatives raising concerns about her lack of consent for the photograph’s use.
Samsung concluded by stating that it has maintained ongoing communication with Dua Lipa’s representatives until very recently.
“We have continued discussions with Dua Lipa’s representatives and will do our best to resolve the matter amicably,” the company added, signaling an intention to reach an out-of-court settlement in this high-profile intellectual property dispute.
