Demon Hunter band sues Netflix over KPop Demon Hunters trademark

Demon Hunter band sues Netflix over KPop Demon Hunters trademark

The Christian metal band Demon Hunter has filed a trademark infringement and unfair competition lawsuit against Netflix, Netflix Studios, and concert promoter AEG Presents. The legal action, filed Tuesday, August 19, 2026, centers on the name of the streaming giant's blockbuster animated movie KPop Demon Hunters.

The lawsuit was brought by Hyde Lane, the company representing the Seattle-based musicians. According to the filing, the similarity between the band's name and the movie title has created substantial confusion among consumers. The band, which formed in 2000, claims its musical identity, built over more than 25 years, now faces an existential crisis due to the global popularity of the film's fictional trio, Huntrix.

The complaint highlights several instances of real-world confusion. In one case, a consumer spent $500 on top-tier tickets for a Demon Hunter concert in Albany, New York, believing the event was a show for the KPop Demon Hunters that they intended to attend with their six-year-old and five-year-old daughters.

"Is their [sic] anyway to refund me or get me a credit or something[?] If I dont get it refunded I will not be able to purchase tickets to the actual ‘K pop demon hunters show’."Consumer, via Complex

Further evidence of confusion cited in the suit includes a television producer who contacted the band's management under the mistaken belief that the group was connected to the Netflix property, as well as social media users who have incorrectly tagged the metal band in posts regarding the film.

The dispute arrives as the animated adventure has reached unprecedented levels of success. Originally produced by Sony Pictures before being released through a first-look deal with Netflix in summer 2025, the movie is now the most-watched original film in the history of the streaming service, surpassing titles such as Stranger Things, Wednesday, and Squid Game. The film also won the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

The conflict extends beyond the screen into the music and live event industries. While the metal band has released between 12 and 13 albums featuring songs like My Throat Is an Open Grave and Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck, the movie has spawned a successful soundtrack with hits including Soda Pop, Takedown, and Golden.

Demon Hunter is specifically targeting the movie's merchandise, the soundtrack, and an upcoming worldwide arena concert tour. The lawsuit describes Netflix and AEG Presents as massive companies that jealously guard and enforce their own intellectual property rights willfully disregarding the rights of others in pursuit of profits.

Both parties have sought legal protections for their brands. Hyde Lane registered Demon Hunter as a trademark for merchandise and recorded music in 2022 and has applied for protections regarding live music. Netflix has registered KPop Demon Hunters for various merchandise uses, with more applications pending.

The band is now asking a court to block Netflix from using the KPop Demon Hunters name in relation to live performances, recorded music, and merchandise. In addition to these restrictions, the band is seeking unspecified monetary damages and has requested a jury trial to restore its rightful interests in the trademark.

Netflix continues to expand the franchise. A sequel has been confirmed, though it is unlikely to be released before 2029. The company is also considering a stage musical and a television series based on the property.

Demon Hunter is scheduled to begin a US tour on October 7.