"Usage Rights Confirmed Through Partner" - Samsung Electronics Refutes Unauthorized Use Allegations Over Dua Lipa Photo

Dua Lipa's Team: "Photo Used on Packaging Without Consent"


Samsung: "Usage Rights Confirmed Through Content Partner"

Samsung Electronics has refuted claims that it used the image of global pop star Dua Lipa without permission, in response to a lawsuit filed by Dua Lipa's representatives over alleged unauthorized use of her photo. The company stated, "The allegation that we used the artist's image without authorization is not true."

On May 12, Samsung Electronics issued a statement saying, "We confirmed the right to use the image through a content provider partner before using it," adding, "We received confirmation from the partner that the image could be used on TV packaging boxes."

Previously, on May 8, Dua Lipa's side filed a damages lawsuit against Samsung Electronics in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, seeking approximately 22 billion won in compensation. According to Dua Lipa's representatives, Samsung Electronics used her photo on TV product packaging boxes sold in the United States in 2025 without her consent, making it appear to consumers as if she endorsed or participated in advertising the product.

The image in question is a photo titled "Dua Lipa - Backstage at Austin City Limits, 2024," taken backstage at the 2024 Austin City Limits Festival in the United States. Dua Lipa's representatives claim that they hold the copyright and image rights to the photo and that Samsung Electronics infringed on copyright, trademark rights, and publicity rights by using this photo prominently on TV packaging.

Furthermore, Dua Lipa's side argues that the image was used not merely as an example of content display but as part of commercial promotion to sell the product. The lawsuit also reportedly mentions that some social media users responded by saying they wanted to buy the TV because Dua Lipa was featured on the box.

In response, Samsung Electronics explained that the image was used solely to reflect third-party content available on Samsung TVs, and that it was provided by a content partner associated with Samsung TV Plus, a free streaming service. The company stated, "We used the image only after receiving explicit confirmation that all necessary rights, including use on retail packaging boxes, had been secured."

The key issue in this lawsuit is expected to be whether the usage rights that Samsung Electronics claims to have secured through its content partner actually included commercial product packaging such as TV boxes. Dua Lipa's side maintains that the use of the photo goes beyond simple content display and constitutes product promotion, while Samsung Electronics asserts that it went through the proper rights verification procedures before using the image and took immediate action following the complaint.