Dua Lipa sued Samsung in May, claiming her image appeared on TV packaging without her permission. She’s asking for $15 million plus a share of the company’s TV profits. Now Samsung has filed a motion asking a judge to dismiss the entire case.
Samsung’s arguments come in three parts. First, the company says a content partner told them the image was cleared for use. Second, it points out her likeness showed up alongside logos like MLB and Fox Sports, so shoppers wouldn’t assume she personally endorsed the product. Third, and maybe the biggest swing, Samsung argues that because Dua lives in England, English law applies, and England doesn’t recognize a right of publicity. Dua’s team says the company ignored her cease-and-desist letters.
Why should you care? This case is a real test of how much control celebrities have over their own faces in advertising and packaging. With AI and deepfakes making likeness use easier every day, whatever a judge decides here could shape the rules for years. So, whose side are you on?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.