The complaint alleges that the use of the ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ name has caused ‘substantial confusion’ among consumers.
Christian metal band Demon Hunter has sued Netflix over the trademark of the streaming giant’s hit animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” arguing that the film’s music, merchandise and planned global concert tour overlap extensively with the band’s existing brand.
The lawsuit, filed on Aug. 19 by the band’s company Hyde Lane, names Netflix Studios and live entertainment promoter AEG Presents as defendants. The complaint alleges that the use of the “KPop Demon Hunters” name has caused “substantial confusion” among consumers.
The Seattle-based five-member band cited several examples of alleged confusion, including an email from a person who reportedly spent $500 on tickets to a Demon Hunter concert in New York believing it was a child-friendly K-pop show for their young children.
The band also said a television producer contacted its management believing it was connected to “KPop Demon Hunters,” while social media users have mistakenly tagged the band in posts about the animated film.
Demon Hunter, which has been making music and touring for 25 years, released its 12th album in September 2025 and has about 350,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
By comparison, the performers behind the fictional K-pop group Huntr/X in “KPop Demon Hunters” have about 27 million monthly listeners on the platform.
The band’s company registered “Demon Hunter” as a trademark for recorded music and merchandise in 2022 and has also applied for trademark protection covering live music.
The lawsuit asks a U.S. court to prevent Netflix from using the “KPop Demon Hunters” name for recorded music, live performances and merchandise. The band is also seeking unspecified damages.
Released in 2025, “KPop Demon Hunters” follows Huntr/X, a fictional K-pop girl group that secretly fights demons. The film has become Netflix’s most-watched original title and expanded into a global franchise through music releases and merchandise.
A worldwide concert tour is expected to begin in 2027. A sequel is also in development, while Netflix is reportedly considering further projects including a television series and stage musical.
The film’s success has also earned major awards. “KPop Demon Hunters” won best animated film and best original song for “Golden” at the 2026 Golden Globes and Oscars.
