Dua Lipa is suing Samsung for $15 million, claiming the company used her picture on TV packaging without her permission. She filed the suit back in May, and says her team sent cease-and-desist letters that went nowhere. Now Samsung has fired back with a September 10 filing asking a judge to dismiss the entire case.
Samsung’s defense comes in three parts. First, they blame a content partner who allegedly told them the image was cleared for use. Second, they argue that because her likeness appeared alongside logos like MLB and Fox Sports, shoppers wouldn’t assume she personally endorsed the TVs. Third, they claim that since Lipa lives in England, English law applies, and England doesn’t recognize a right of publicity.
That last point could have ripple effects well beyond this one courtroom. As AI and deepfakes make it easier than ever to put somebody’s face where it doesn’t belong, the question of who controls a person’s likeness is only getting bigger. So what do you think? Should companies have to get permission before using anyone’s face on their packaging?
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
