Demon Hunter Sues Netflix Over KPop Demon Hunters Trademark Clash

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:56:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Christian metal band Demon Hunter files a lawsuit against Netflix, alleging trademark infringement with its KPop Demon Hunters franchise and consumer confusion.

Seattle‑based metal band Demon Hunter has taken legal action against Netflix, claiming that the streaming service’s animated hit KPop Demon Hunters is infringing on their trademark. The band argues that the name and merchandising of the KPop series overlap almost completely with Demon Hunter’s own brand, leading to “substantial confusion” among fans. Evidence cited includes a ticket purchaser who mistakenly paid $500 for the film’s concert, thinking it was a family‑friendly event. Demon Hunter has sought an injunction to stop Netflix from using the name for music, live shows, and merchandise, while requesting unspecified damages. The lawsuit underscores the growing tensions between established music acts and the expanding world of streaming‑produced pop culture content.

Seattle‑based Christian metal outfit Demon Hunter has filed a trademark lawsuit against Netflix, claiming that the streaming platform’s animated hit KPop Demon Hunters is infringing on their own brand. The band says the name “Demon Hunter” is a carefully built trademark that has been in use for over 25 years, and that Netflix’s global concert tour, film and merchandise deals create an “almost complete overlap” with Demon Hunter’s offerings.

In the complaint, filed by the band’s company Hyde Lane, Demon Hunter alleges that Netflix Studios and live promoter AEG Presents have caused “substantial confusion” among consumers. An e‑mail thread included in the filing shows a ticket buyer who spent $500 on a “Demon Hunter” concert in New York, only to discover it was actually a child‑friendly KPop show.

The band, known for aggressive but emotionally stirring metal, released its twelfth studio album in September 2025 and boasts 350,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. By comparison, the KPop Demon Hunters cast has 27 million monthly listeners. Demon Hunter requests that the court stop Netflix from using the KPop Demon Hunters name for recorded music, live shows and merchandise, and seeks unspecified damages.

Both parties have registered trademarks: Hyde Lane for “Demon Hunter” and Netflix for “KPop Demon Hunters.” The animation film, which follows the K‑pop group Huntr/X, has become a worldwide phenomenon with a global live tour slated to start in 2027. It has also won the Golden Globe for best animated film and a Best Original Song Oscar.

The BBC has reached out to Demon Hunter, Netflix and AEG Presents for comment on the lawsuit. The outcome of this case may shape how music brands protect their identities in the age of streaming‑produced pop culture.