Metal band Demon Hunter sues Netflix, saying KPop hit threatens its 25-year-old name

Christian metal band Demon Hunter has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, claiming the streaming service's expansion into recorded music, merchandise, and a planned concert tour infringes on their trademarks. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California, names Netflix, Netflix Studios, and concert promoter AEG Presents as defendants.

The band, formed in Seattle in 2000 and known for 12 studio albums, argues that Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters film, branded merchandise, and global tour have created significant confusion with the band's own products and services. A consumer who thought a concert featured the KPop Demon Hunters instead of Demon Hunter purchased $500 worth of tickets and later requested a refund.

A television producer also approached Demon Hunter's management, believing it was affiliated with the film. The lawsuit asserts that Netflix's larger commercial presence could lead audiences to assume the band is affiliated with KPop Demon Hunters. Demon Hunter seeks a jury trial, an order preventing defendants from using the title for music, live performances, and merchandise, as well as restitution and unspecified damages.

Netflix Studios has trademark registrations for KPop Demon Hunters, with further applications pending. Netflix and AEG had not publicly responded to the claims at the time of writing.