Dua Lipa Sues Samsung

May 10, 2026, 21:47
GlobalEntertainment
A2

Dua Lipa Sues Samsung

Introduction

Dua Lipa is suing Samsung. She wants 15 million dollars because Samsung used her photo without permission.

Main Body

Samsung used a photo of Dua Lipa from a 2024 music festival. They put this photo on TV boxes and ads in 2025. Samsung did not ask her and did not pay her. Dua Lipa is very careful with her brand. She only works with some companies. Now, people think she likes Samsung. Some people bought TVs because they saw her photo. Samsung did not stop using the photo when she asked. This is a big problem for her. She has had other legal fights about her music before.

Conclusion

A judge will decide the case soon. Dua Lipa wants the money and all the profit from the TVs.

Learning

⚡ The 'Action' Word Pattern

In this story, we see how to describe things that happened in the past. Look at these changes:

  • Use →\rightarrow Used
  • Ask →\rightarrow Asked
  • Stop →\rightarrow Stopped

The Rule: To talk about yesterday or last year, we usually just add -ed to the end of the word.

Example from the text:

"Samsung used a photo..."

💰 Talking about 'The Why'

When we want to explain a reason, we use the word because. It connects two ideas like a bridge.

  • Idea 1: She wants money.
  • Bridge: because
  • Idea 2: Samsung used her photo.

Result: "She wants 15 million dollars because Samsung used her photo."

📦 Useful Object Words

Learn these simple things mentioned in the news:

  • Photo (a picture)
  • Ads (short for advertisements/commercials)
  • Profit (the money a company makes)

Vocabulary Learning

suing (v.)
to take legal action against someone
Example:She is suing the company for using her photo.
permission (n.)
the act of allowing something
Example:She did not give permission for the photo to be used.
festival (n.)
an event with music and dancing
Example:The music festival was held in 2024.
brand (n.)
a name or logo that represents a product
Example:She protects her brand by working with selected companies.
legal (adj.)
related to the law
Example:She has had other legal fights about her music.
judge (n.)
a person who decides cases in court
Example:A judge will decide the case soon.
profit (n.)
money earned from selling something
Example:She wants the profit from the TVs.
B2

Dua Lipa Sues Samsung Electronics Over Unauthorized Use of Image

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.
C2

Litigation Initiated by Dua Lipa Against Samsung Electronics Regarding Unauthorized Image Utilization

Introduction

Dua Lipa has filed a legal action against Samsung Electronics seeking $15 million in damages following the alleged unauthorized use of her likeness in a global marketing campaign.

Main Body

The legal proceedings, initiated in the US District Court for the Central District of California, center on the utilization of a photograph captured backstage at the 2024 Austin City Limits Festival. The plaintiff asserts sole copyright ownership of the image and contends that Samsung incorporated her likeness onto television packaging and marketing materials commencing in early 2025 without prior notification, consent, or financial remuneration. From a strategic positioning perspective, the plaintiff's legal counsel emphasizes the meticulous curation of her 'premium brand' and the high degree of selectivity applied to commercial endorsements. The complaint alleges that the unauthorized deployment of the image created a false impression of institutional endorsement. To substantiate this claim, the filing incorporates social media testimonials from consumers who indicated that the perceived association with the artist influenced their purchasing decisions. Furthermore, the litigation cites multiple statutory violations, including copyright and trademark infringement, breaches of California's right of publicity laws, and violations of the federal Lanham Act. The plaintiff further alleges that Samsung maintained a dismissive posture when requested to cease the use of the imagery. This action follows a prior legal victory for the artist regarding copyright disputes over the composition of the track 'Levitating,' wherein a judicial determination found that the contested elements lacked sufficient originality for protection.

Conclusion

The matter currently awaits a judicial response, with the plaintiff seeking $15 million and the disgorgement of profits derived from the alleged infringement.

Learning

The Architecture of Nominalization: Elevating B2 Verbs to C2 Legalism

To bridge the gap from B2 to C2, a student must transition from process-oriented language (verbs) to concept-oriented language (nouns). The provided text is a masterclass in Nominalization, where actions are transformed into abstract entities to create an air of objectivity and institutional authority.

◤ The Morphological Shift ◢

Observe how the text avoids the 'storytelling' mode of B2 English in favor of 'statutory' precision:

B2 approach (Action/Verb)C2 Mastery (Nominalization)Linguistic Effect
Samsung used the image without permission.The unauthorized utilization of her likeness.Shifts focus from the agent (Samsung) to the transgression itself.
They did not pay her.Without financial remuneration.Replaces a common transaction with a formal economic concept.
Samsung didn't care when she asked them to stop.Samsung maintained a dismissive posture.Converts an emotion into a strategic state of being.
The judge decided that...A judicial determination found...

◤ Dissecting 'The Disgorgement of Profits' ◢

At the C2 level, vocabulary is not just about 'rare words' but about domain-specific precision. The term disgorgement is an exemplary C2 pivot. While a B2 student might say "forcing the company to give back the money they made," the professional educator identifies disgorgement as the precise legal mechanism of stripping a party of ill-gotten gains.

◤ Syntactic Sophistication: The 'Noun Phrase' Stack ◢

C2 proficiency is marked by the ability to sustain long, complex noun phrases without losing grammatical coherence. Analyze this structure:

"...the meticulous curation of her 'premium brand' and the high degree of selectivity applied to commercial endorsements."

Analysis: This is not a sentence about what she does (verb), but a description of what exists (noun). By stacking adjectives (meticulous, high degree) against complex nouns (curation, selectivity), the writer establishes a tone of clinical detachment. This is the hallmark of academic and legal English: the erasure of the subject to emphasize the phenomenon.

Vocabulary Learning

litigation (n.)
A legal dispute or lawsuit.
Example:The litigation between the two corporations dragged on for years.
initiated (v.)
To start or set in motion.
Example:The court initiated the proceedings after the complaint was filed.
unauthorized (adj.)
Not having official permission.
Example:The company used the image in an unauthorized advertising campaign.
utilization (n.)
The act of using something.
Example:The study highlighted the utilization of social media for marketing.
proceedings (n.)
A series of formal legal actions.
Example:The proceedings were delayed due to procedural errors.
asserts (v.)
To state a fact or belief confidently.
Example:The plaintiff asserts that she owns the copyright.
sole (adj.)
Only; exclusive.
Example:He has the sole authority to make decisions.
contends (v.)
To argue or maintain a position.
Example:She contends that the evidence is insufficient.
incorporated (v.)
Included or merged into something.
Example:The new policy incorporated several best practices.
meticulous (adj.)
Showing great attention to detail.
Example:Her meticulous research left no gaps.
curation (n.)
The careful selection and organization of items.
Example:The museum's curation of artifacts attracted many visitors.
premium (adj.)
Of higher quality or value.
Example:The premium brand commands a higher price.
selectivity (n.)
The quality of being selective.
Example:The company's selectivity in hiring ensures top talent.
deployment (n.)
The act of putting into use.
Example:The deployment of new software improved efficiency.
institutional (adj.)
Relating to an institution.
Example:Institutional investors often hold large portfolios.
substantiate (v.)
To provide evidence that supports a claim.
Example:He attempted to substantiate his allegations with documents.
testimonials (n.)
Statements endorsing a product or service.
Example:The website featured glowing testimonials from users.
perceived (adj.)
Recognized or understood by someone.
Example:The perceived quality of the product increased after the redesign.
association (n.)
A connection or relationship between two things.
Example:The association between smoking and cancer is well documented.
purchasing (n.)
The act of buying goods or services.
Example:Her purchasing decisions were influenced by the review.
statutory (adj.)
Relating to statutes or laws.
Example:Statutory guidelines govern the company's operations.
breaches (n.)
Violations or infringements of a rule.
Example:The company faced multiple breaches of contract.
posture (n.)
A stance or attitude towards something.
Example:His posture during the meeting was defensive.
dismissive (adj.)
Showing disregard or contempt.
Example:Her dismissive comments offended many colleagues.
victory (n.)
A success or triumph over an opponent.
Example:The team's victory was celebrated across the city.
judicial (adj.)
Relating to courts or judges.
Example:The judicial process can be lengthy and complex.
disgorgement (n.)
The act of returning profits to the rightful owner.
Example:The court ordered disgorgement of the illegal earnings.
originality (n.)
The quality of being novel or unique.
Example:The originality of the design set it apart from competitors.
infringement (n.)
The violation of a legal right.
Example:The lawsuit alleged copyright infringement.
composition (n.)
The arrangement or structure of elements.
Example:The song's composition was praised by critics.
alleged (adj.)
Claimed or asserted but not proven.
Example:The alleged misconduct was investigated thoroughly.
remuneration (n.)
Payment or compensation for work.
Example:The contract specified remuneration for services rendered.
notification (n.)
A notice or announcement.
Example:The notification informed employees of the policy change.
consent (n.)
Permission or approval.
Example:Her consent was required before the data could be shared.
copyright (n.)
A legal right protecting original works.
Example:The artist's copyright was infringed by the company.
trademark (n.)
A distinctive sign or symbol used to identify a brand.
Example:The trademark was registered to prevent imitation.