Demon Hunter sues Netflix over 'KPop Demon Hunters'

Christian metal band Demon Hunter has sued Netflix over the name of the streaming giant’s hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters, alleging that the franchise has created substantial confusion with the band’s established name and brand.

Hyde Lane Inc., the company behind Demon Hunter, filed the lawsuit in a California district court with Netflix, Netflix Studios and live entertainment company AEG Presents as defendants.

Demon Hunter, which has used the name since forming in 2000, is accusing the defendants of trademark infringement, false designation of origin and unfair competition. The band claims the success of KPop Demon Hunters and its expansion into music, merchandise and live entertainment have brought the two brands into increasingly overlapping territory.

According to Forbes, the lawsuit points to what it describes as “substantial confusion” among consumers. One example cited in the complaint involved a person who reportedly spent $500 on tickets to a Demon Hunter concert in Albany, New York, believing they were purchasing tickets to a child-friendly KPop Demon Hunters event for their young daughters.

The complaint also alleges that a television producer mistakenly contacted the band’s management believing it was connected to the Netflix franchise, while social media users have incorrectly tagged Demon Hunter in posts about the film.

The dispute comes as Netflix continues expanding KPop Demon Hunters beyond the animated film. In May, the streaming giant announced it was partnering with AEG Presents on an official global concert tour inspired by the movie, taking the fictional K-pop group’s music and characters from the screen to live performances.

Released in 2025, KPop Demon Hunters follows a fictional K-pop girl group that secretly protects fans from supernatural threats. The movie became Netflix’s most-watched film, helping turn its soundtrack and characters into a major pop culture phenomenon.

Demon Hunter's lawsuit asks the court to prevent Netflix and the other defendants from continuing to use the KPop Demon Hunters name in connection with music, merchandise, and live entertainment. The band is also seeking monetary damages and has requested a jury trial.

Netflix has not publicly responded to the lawsuit, as of writing.