Dua Lipa’s lawsuit says Samsung put a photograph of her on retail boxes for televisions sold in the United States, making the products appear to carry her endorsement. Samsung is asking a federal court to dismiss the case, arguing that the image was interface content supplied through a third-party partner—not an advertisement—and that the partner had secured the necessary permission.
The complaint was filed May 8, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Lipa seeks at least $15 million. Samsung’s dismissal motion was reported as filed September 10, 2026; no ruling had been reported by October 16, 2026.
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What image is at the center of the lawsuit?
The disputed photograph is identified in Lipa’s complaint as “Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024.” The complaint says Samsung placed the image on cardboard packaging for Samsung televisions sold through U.S. retailers.
Lipa’s lawyers characterize the packaging as commercial use of her image. Their theory is that putting a recognizable performer on a product box can lead shoppers to believe she approved, sponsored or endorsed the television, even if the box does not contain a conventional endorsement slogan.
What Dua Lipa alleges
Copyright infringement
The complaint alleges Samsung reproduced and used the photograph without authorization. A copyright claim generally focuses on rights in the photograph itself, including who controlled reproduction and distribution of the image.
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Trademark infringement
Lipa also alleges trademark infringement. In this setting, the claim concerns whether Samsung’s use of her identity or associated branding could create confusion about a commercial connection, sponsorship or approval.
Right of publicity
The complaint further alleges a violation of Lipa’s right of publicity, the legal protection that can restrict commercial exploitation of a person’s name, likeness or other identifying features without consent. The pleading seeks at least $15 million in damages across its claims.
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How Lipa says she discovered the boxes
According to the complaint, Lipa learned about the packaging in June 2025 after social-media users referred to a “Dua Lipa TV Box.” The filing reproduces consumer comments, including one saying the commenter would buy the television “just because Dua is on it.” Those comments are allegations contained in the pleading, not independently verified sales data. No published sales figure has established that the image caused purchases.
Why Samsung wants the case dismissed
Samsung’s interface-content argument
Samsung’s September motion to dismiss argues that the photograph represented content available through the television’s on-screen interface. Its lawyers told Rolling Stone that there was “nothing suggesting plaintiff endorses the televisions.” On that view, the box image was meant to show consumers an example of programming or imagery available on the product, rather than to present Lipa as a paid spokesperson.
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The third-party permission explanation
Samsung said the image was used in 2025 to reflect content from third-party partners available on Samsung TV Plus. In a public explanation reported by Yonhap, Samsung said Lipa’s image “was originally provided by a content partner for our free streaming service Samsung TV Plus.” Samsung also said that partner gave “explicit assurance” that permission had been secured, including permission covering retail boxes.
That creates a central factual dispute: whether the content partner actually held authority to license the photograph and Lipa’s likeness for packaging, and whether Samsung could rely on that assurance.
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- MOTION XCELERATOR: Experience clear picture and smooth motion in games and sports. Enjoy smooth motion and clear visuals with technology that estimates and adjusts frame transitions in real time. Whether gaming or watching sports, enjoy up to 4K 60Hz performance that brings every play, move and scene to life with realistic clarity and motion.
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The parties’ positions side by side
| Issue | Lipa’s complaint | Samsung’s position | Current status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose of the image | Commercial packaging that could make the television appear endorsed by Lipa | Interface or programming content shown to illustrate what the television offers | The court has not resolved the competing descriptions |
| Permission | The complaint alleges unauthorized use of the photograph and likeness | A content partner assured Samsung that the required permission had been obtained, including for boxes | Authorization has not been adjudicated |
| Legal theories | Copyright infringement, trademark infringement and violation of the right of publicity | Dismissal of the lawsuit in its entirety | The claims remain pending unless the judge grants the motion |
| Endorsement implication | The packaging allegedly suggested Lipa approved or sponsored the televisions | There was “nothing suggesting plaintiff endorses the televisions” | No court finding has determined whether consumers would be misled |
Key dates in the dispute
- 2025: Samsung says the image was used to reflect third-party content available through Samsung TV Plus.
- June 2025: The complaint says Lipa became aware of the boxes after social-media references to a “Dua Lipa TV Box.”
- May 8, 2026: Lipa filed her complaint against Samsung Electronics America and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. in the Central District of California.
- September 10, 2026: Samsung filed the motion to dismiss, as reported by Rolling Stone.
- October 16, 2026: Available reporting had not established a ruling on the motion.
What the lawsuit establishes—and what it does not
- The complaint establishes that Lipa is pursuing the three listed legal theories and is seeking at least $15 million.
- It records Lipa’s allegation that Samsung’s packaging used her image in a way that implied endorsement.
- Samsung’s filings establish its explanation that the image came through a third-party content relationship and that a partner represented that permission existed.
- Neither side’s account has been tested in a final court ruling.
- The available reporting does not establish that Lipa endorsed Samsung televisions, that the partner’s license was valid for retail packaging, or that the image produced measurable sales.
What a dismissal motion means for the case
Samsung’s filing asks the judge to end the lawsuit at the pleading stage. A ruling granting the motion could dispose of some or all claims, potentially with an opportunity for Lipa to amend them depending on the judge’s order. A denial would allow the case to continue into further litigation, where questions about the photograph’s ownership, the partner’s authority, Samsung’s packaging decisions and consumer understanding could be examined in more detail. The motion itself is not a finding that Samsung won, and no dismissal had been reported by October 16, 2026.
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