Christian metal band Demon Hunter sues Netflix over KPop Demon Hunters
The band says Netflix’s film, music releases, merchandise and planned global concert tour closely overlap with its own activities.
Christian metal band Demon Hunter has sued Netflix over the name of the streaming giant's hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters, saying the title is causing confusion among fans and threatening the band's brand.
The US-based band, which has been making music and touring for about 25 years, filed the trademark lawsuit through its company, Hyde Lane, on Tuesday (18 August). The complaint also names Netflix Studios and live entertainment promoter AEG Presents.
The band says Netflix's film, music releases, merchandise and planned global concert tour closely overlap with its own activities.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The lawsuit claims the companies have created "substantial confusion" among consumers. As an example, it cites 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 event for their young children.
The complaint also mentions a television producer who allegedly contacted the band's management believing Demon Hunter was connected to KPop Demon Hunters. Social media users have also mistakenly tagged the metal band in posts about the Netflix film.
Demon Hunter, a five-member band from Seattle, released its 12th album in September 2025. It has around 350,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, while the cast of KPop Demon Hunters has about 27 million.
"The brand that Hyde Lane has carefully built over the course of the past quarter century now faces an existential crisis," the lawsuit said.
The band is asking the court to prevent Netflix from using the KPop Demon Hunters name for recorded music, live performances and merchandise. It is also seeking unspecified financial damages.
Hyde Lane registered Demon Hunter as a trademark for recorded music and merchandise in 2022 and has applied for protection covering live music.
Netflix has registered KPop Demon Hunters as a trademark for several types of merchandise, while other trademark applications remain pending.
Released in 2025, KPop Demon Hunters follows a fictional K-pop girl group called Huntr/X. The animated film has since become a global hit, spawning popular music releases, merchandise and plans for a worldwide live tour expected to begin in 2027.
The film is Netflix's most-watched original title. It also won awards for best animated film and best original song for "Golden" at the 2026 Golden Globes and Oscars.
A sequel is already in development, while Netflix is reportedly considering other projects based on the franchise, including a television series and stage musical.
