Dua Lipa Sues Samsung Electronics Over Unauthorized Use of Image

May 10, 2026, 21:47
GlobalEntertainment

Introduction

Dua Lipa has started a legal case against Samsung Electronics, demanding $15 million in damages after the company allegedly used her image in a global marketing campaign without permission.

Main Body

The lawsuit was filed in a California court and focuses on a photo taken backstage at the 2024 Austin City Limits Festival. The singer claims that she owns the copyright to the image and asserts that Samsung used her likeness on TV packaging and advertisements starting in early 2025. She emphasizes that the company did this without notifying her, getting her consent, or paying her. Her legal team argues that the singer carefully manages her 'premium brand' and is very selective about the products she promotes. Consequently, they claim that using the image without permission created a false impression that she endorsed the brand. To support this, the lawsuit includes social media comments from customers who said the perceived connection with the artist influenced their decision to buy the product. Furthermore, the legal action cites several violations, including copyright and trademark infringement and breaches of publicity laws. The singer also alleges that Samsung ignored her requests to stop using the images. This case follows a previous legal battle regarding her song 'Levitating,' where a court decided that certain parts of the song were not original enough to be protected by copyright.

Conclusion

The case is now waiting for a court decision. The singer is seeking $15 million and all profits that Samsung made from the unauthorized use of her image.

Learning

The 'Professional' Pivot: Moving from Say to Assert

At the A2 level, you probably use the word "say" for everything. To reach B2, you need to express how and why someone is saying something. Look at the article: the author doesn't just say "Dua Lipa says"; they use asserts, claims, and argues.

⚡ The Logic of the Shift

A2 WordB2 UpgradeThe "Vibe" (Context)
SayClaimYou believe it is true, but you haven't proven it in court yet.
SayAssertYou are stating something with strong confidence and authority.
SayArgueYou are giving reasons to persuade someone that your opinion is right.

🛠️ Putting it into Practice

If you are describing a conflict or a formal situation, stop using "say." Instead, think about the intention:

  • Scenario: You think your boss is wrong about a deadline.

    • A2: "I say the deadline is too short."
    • B2: "I argue that the deadline is unrealistic given the workload."

  • Scenario: Someone says they saw a UFO.

    • A2: "He says he saw a UFO."
    • B2: "He claims to have seen a UFO."

🧩 Bonus: The 'Result' Connector

Notice the word "Consequently" in the text. A2 students use "so" (e.g., "So, they claim..."). B2 students use Consequently or Therefore to sound more academic and structured. It turns a simple sentence into a logical conclusion.

Vocabulary Learning

lawsuit (n.)
a legal action taken by one party against another in court
Example:The company filed a lawsuit against the competitor for patent infringement.
copyright (n.)
the legal right that gives the creator of original work exclusive rights to use and distribute it
Example:The artist registered the copyright for her new song.
infringement (n.)
the violation of a law or right, especially a copyright or trademark
Example:The company faced penalties for trademark infringement.
breach (n.)
a violation of a law, rule, or agreement
Example:The breach of contract led to a costly lawsuit.
unauthorized (adj.)
not having permission or approval
Example:The company used the image in an unauthorized way.
damages (n.)
compensation for loss or injury
Example:The court awarded $10 million in damages.
claim (v.)
to state that something is true, often without proof
Example:She claimed that the product was defective.
alleged (adj.)
supposed or claimed, but not proven
Example:The alleged theft was investigated by police.
demand (n.)
a strong request for something, often legally
Example:The union made a demand for higher wages.
campaign (n.)
a series of actions or events to achieve a goal
Example:The charity launched a fundraising campaign.
packaging (n.)
the material or container used to hold a product
Example:The packaging was designed to be eco-friendly.
endorsement (n.)
public approval or support of something
Example:His endorsement helped boost sales.
selective (adj.)
choosing only certain options
Example:The brand is selective about its partners.
premium (adj.)
of higher quality or value
Example:The premium edition includes extra features.
brand (n.)
a name, term, design, or symbol that identifies a product
Example:The brand is known for its quality.
impression (n.)
an idea or feeling about something
Example:The advertisement left a strong impression.
influence (v.)
to affect or change someone or something
Example:Her advice influenced my decision.
decision (n.)
a choice made after considering options
Example:The final decision was announced yesterday.
profits (n.)
money earned after expenses
Example:The company reported record profits.
legal (adj.)
relating to the law
Example:They hired a legal team.
team (n.)
a group of people working together
Example:The team celebrated their victory.
argue (v.)
to present reasons for or against something
Example:They argue that the policy is unfair.
support (v.)
to give help or encouragement
Example:She will support the new initiative.
cited (v.)
to quote or refer to evidence
Example:The report cited several studies.
violations (n.)
breaks of rules or laws
Example:The violations were recorded in the report.
trademark (n.)
a symbol or word that identifies a product
Example:The trademark protects the brand name.
publicity (n.)
the attention given to something by the media
Example:The event received great publicity.
ignore (v.)
to pay no attention to
Example:He ignored the warnings.
request (n.)
a polite or formal ask for something
Example:She made a request for more time.
stop (v.)
to cease or end an action
Example:They asked the company to stop the use.
image (n.)
a picture or representation of someone
Example:The image was used in the ad.
perceived (adj.)
seen or understood in a particular way
Example:The perceived quality was high.
influenced (v.)
affected by someone or something
Example:The decision was influenced by market trends.