Demon Hunter Takes Legal Wrath on Netflix Over ‘Kpop Demon Hunters’

Sun Sep 06 2026 04:02:53 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Christian metal group Demon Hunter files a trademark lawsuit against Netflix, claiming its Kpop Demon Hunters brand creates substantial consumer confusion.

The Seattle‑based metal band Demon Hunter alleges that Netflix’s blockbuster animated film Kpop Demon Hunters, which is set to launch a global tour, uses a name and brand that overlaps their own. The complaint, lodged by Demon Hunter’s corporate arm Hyde Lane, cites email evidence and social media blunders that could mislead fans into purchasing concert tickets or merchandise. Demon Hunter has registered the name “Demon Hunter” for music and live shows, while Netflix holds “Kpop Demon Hunters” trademarks for merchandise. The lawsuit seeks an injunction against the use of the Kpop brand and unspecified damages. Both parties await court action amid the film’s record‑breaking popularity.

Demon Hunter, a Seattle‑based Christian metal band that has toured for 25 years, has filed a trademark lawsuit against Netflix alleging that the streaming platform’s wildly popular animated film, Kpop Demon Hunters, infringes on the band’s name and brand.

The complaint, brought forward by Demon Hunter’s company Hyde Lane on Tuesday, argues that Netflix’s planned global concert tour, the film and its merchandise create "almost complete overlap" with the band’s own offerings, leading to "substantial confusion" among consumers. The band cites a user email that claimed they had spent $500 on tickets for a Demon Hunter concert in New York, mistakenly believing it was a child‑friendly Kpop show.

Demon Hunter has trademarked "Demon Hunter" for recorded music and merchandise in 2022 and is now seeking an injunction to stop Netflix from using the Kpop brand for recorded music, live shows and merchandise while also requesting damages. Netflix, in turn, holds the trademark for "Kpop Demon Hunters" for various merchandise uses and has pending applications for other categories.

Kpop Demon Hunters, first released as a 2025 animated film, has become Netflix’s most‑watched original title, winning praise at the 2026 Golden Globes and Oscars. It has spawned a new fan‑base of 27 million monthly listeners on streaming services and a planned live tour slated to begin in 2027. Netflix is also developing a sequel, a television series and even a stage musical.

The BBC has reached out to all parties—Demon Hunter, Netflix and AEG Presents—for comment ahead of any legal resolution. The lawsuit is being watched closely by both the music and film industries as it raises questions about brand ownership in the age of cross‑media franchise expansion.