Demon Hunter sues Netflix over ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ trademark

The Christian metal band Demon Hunter, through its corporate entity Hyde Lane, has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Netflix, Netflix Studios, and AEG Presents. The band alleges that the success of the Netflix animated franchise ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ has created substantial consumer confusion and an “almost complete overlap” with the band’s established brand.

The lawsuit follows Netflix's announcement of a global concert tour for the ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ franchise scheduled for 2027. Demon Hunter, which has operated for 25 years, argues that the expansion into live music, merchandise, and recorded music infringes upon their long-standing identity. The complaint cites instances of actual confusion, including a parent who mistakenly spent nearly $500 on tickets for a Demon Hunter concert in Albany, New York, believing they were for the animated franchise.

Netflix has responded to the legal action, stating that the allegations are “without merit” and expressing its intent to vigorously defend the Academy Award-winning franchise. The band is seeking an injunction to prevent the use of the name in relation to music and live shows, as well as financial damages and restitution.