Dua Lipa’s Samsung Lawsuit, Explained

The core claim is not just that her image appeared somewhere. Lipa’s side is reportedly arguing that the use was commercial, unauthorized, and could falsely suggest that she endorsed Samsung’s products or had a business relationship with the company ^[3][8][15].

How much compensation is she seeking?

The headline number is $15 million in damages ^[2][3]. Korean outlets have described the same demand as approximately ₩20 billion or about ₩22 billion, reflecting differences in reporting and currency conversion ^[1][6][11].

Some reports also say the lawsuit seeks to stop further use of the disputed material, in addition to monetary damages ^[13].

Where the lawsuit was reportedly filed

The case was reportedly filed in the U.S. Central District Court of California against Samsung Electronics and Samsung Electronics America ^[2][6]. Reports cite a filing date of May 8 local time, though some coverage describes the filing as occurring on Friday or May 9 depending on publication timing ^[4][6].

What legal claims are involved?

The reported claims include unauthorized commercial use of Lipa’s image, violation of publicity or portrait rights, copyright-related claims, false endorsement, and unfair competition ^[3][6]. One report also describes the action as including copyright infringement, trademark infringement, and violation of publicity rights ^[11].

In plain terms, the dispute centers on whether Samsung had the legal right to use Lipa’s likeness in a sales context and whether that use implied an endorsement she did not authorize ^[3][8][15].

What image is at issue?

Reports identify the disputed image as a photo connected to Austin City Limits in 2024. Malay Mail, citing Chosun Biz, describes the image as titled “Dua Lipa – Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024” and says it was registered with the U.S. Copyright Office ^[9]. The Express Tribune similarly reports that Lipa owns the copyright to the image in question, described as taken backstage at the Austin City Limits Festival in 2024 ^[2].

The bottom line

Dua Lipa is reportedly suing Samsung because she says the company used her image on TV packaging and in related marketing without permission. The compensation demand being reported is $15 million, with Korean reports translating that to roughly ₩20 billion–₩22 billion ^[1][2][6].