Christian band Demon Hunter sues Netflix over 'KPop Demon Hunters' trademark

Christian metal band Demon Hunter has sued Netflix and AEG Presents over the use of the "KPop Demon Hunters" name, alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition.

The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday by Hyde Lane, the corporation associated with Demon Hunter. The band alleges that Netflix and Netflix Studios used a name confusingly similar to its established Demon Hunter mark for the 2025 animated film KPop Demon Hunters.

The filing states that Demon Hunter was formed at the turn of the century and has released albums, toured and sold merchandise to its audience for decades.

According to the lawsuit, the defendants' use of the KPop Demon Hunters name has expanded across the film, soundtrack and merchandise.

The complaint also addresses Netflix's partnership with AEG Presents to launch a global KPop Demon Hunters concert tour planned for 150 cities.

"In short, in just a year's time, Defendants have taken step after step to move into almost complete overlap with the goods and services offered by Hyde Lane under the Demon Hunter mark," the suit claimed.

It further alleged that the similarity between the names has created "a substantial likelihood of confusion" and that "actual confusion has already resulted", with consumers allegedly believing the businesses are affiliated or connected.

The band said it had "established the mark first and invested in the goodwill associated with it for decades," describing itself as the "senior user".

The lawsuit also claimed that Demon Hunter has suffered reputational and commercial consequences and that Netflix and AEG's greater resources have affected the band's control over its commercial identity.

The filing stated that the group had been "forced to surrender control over its commercial identity simply because Defendants have greater resources and a larger marketplace footprint."

In addition to trademark infringement and unfair competition, the lawsuit alleges false design origin. Hyde Lane is seeking treble and exemplary damages, injunctive relief, Netflix's profits and attorneys' fees. The band is also requesting a jury trial.