Pop star, Dua Lipa, has filed a claim against Samsung in California following its use of her face on the packaging of TVs sold in the US allegedly without her permission.
The claim, filed in the US District Court of the Central District of California, states that Samsung used the pop star’s face on the box to improperly capitalise on her success, alleging copyright infringement, trademark infringement and misappropriation of Dua’s likeness.
Samsung has denied the allegations, claiming that the image was obtained through a third party who told the company that permission to use the photo had been granted. The photograph used is from 2024 and was taken backstage during her Austin City Limits Festival performance, with Dua owning the copyright in the photo.
Fans started talking about the TV box on social media, calling it the ‘Dua Lipa TV Box’. Additionally, the claim cites specific Instagram comments which linked the sale of the TV to Samsung’s use of the image of Dua Lipa. For example, one user said that they would purchase the TV just because Dua Lipa’s face was on it. Another comment said ‘if you need anything selling just put a picture of Dua Lipa’s face on it’. Dua’s team are using this as evidence to suggest that the goodwill attached to her face has influenced members of the public in their decision as to whether to purchase the TV in question, on the mistaken belief that the product has been endorsed by the pop singer.
The claim reportedly seeks at least 15 million USD in damages, a permanent injunction against Samsung as well as punitive damages and legal costs.
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