Demon Hunter Sues Netflix Over KPop Demon Hunters Trademark
Demon Hunter, a Christian metal band based in Seattle and active for 25 years, has initiated a trademark lawsuit against Netflix concerning its animated feature 'Kpop Demon Hunters.' The lawsuit, submitted on Tuesday by Hyde Lane, also includes AEG Presents as a defendant. The band asserts that the film creates consumer confusion, referencing an email from a fan who mistakenly purchased $500 tickets under the impression it was a K-pop event. Notably, the film became Netflix's most popular original title and garnered accolades at the 2026 Golden Globes and Oscars. Having registered its trademark in 2022, Demon Hunter aims to prevent Netflix from using the name and seeks unspecified damages.
Key facts
- Demon Hunter, a Christian metal band, filed a trademark lawsuit against Netflix over the film 'Kpop Demon Hunters'.
- The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday by the band's company Hyde Lane, also naming AEG Presents.
- Demon Hunter has been active for 25 years and released its 12th album in September 2025.
- The band has 350,000 monthly Spotify listeners, while the KPop Demon Hunters cast has 27 million.
- The film is Netflix's most-watched original title and won at the 2026 Golden Globes and Oscars.
- A fan mistakenly spent $500 on Demon Hunter concert tickets thinking it was a K-pop show.
- Demon Hunter registered its trademark in 2022 for recorded music and merchandise, and applied for live music.
- Netflix registered 'Kpop Demon Hunters' for merchandise uses, with other applications pending.
- The band seeks an injunction and unspecified damages.
Entities
Artists
- Ryan Clark
Institutions
- Demon Hunter
- Netflix
- AEG Presents
- Hyde Lane
- AllMusic
- Spotify
- Louder Than Life Music Festival
- Golden Globes
- Oscars
Locations
- Seattle
- New York
- United States