Demon Hunter Sues Netflix Over KPop Demon Hunters Trademark Infringement

Christian metal band Demon Hunter, through its corporate entity Hyde Lane, has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, Netflix Studios, and AEG Presents, alleging trademark infringement. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, claims that the defendants have created a substantial likelihood of confusion among consumers due to the success of the 2025 urban fantasy film KPop Demon Hunters. The band, formed in 2000 in Seattle by brothers Ryan and Don Clark, argues that the film has eclipsed their established identity and commercial fate, especially after a global concert tour for KPop Demon Hunters was announced in May in partnership with AEG Presents. Hyde Lane trademarked 'Demon Hunter' in 2014 for live performances, and the band has released 12 studio albums, amassing over 348,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. The lawsuit cites a specific incident where a fan mistakenly bought US$500 tickets to a Demon Hunter concert, thinking they were for the KPop Demon Hunters tour. The film centers on Huntrix, a music trio that hunts demons. In 2022, Hyde Lane also submitted trademark protections for recorded music and merchandise. The case highlights the potential for confusion between a long-standing musical act and a popular film franchise.