Christian metal band Demon Hunter sues Netflix over KPop Demon Hunters

Christian metalcore band Demon Hunter has filed a lawsuit against streaming giant Netflix and AEG Presents, alleging trademark infringement due to the streaming platform's hit film KPop Demon Hunters. The corporate entity Hyde Lane, representing Demon Hunter, filed the lawsuit on Tuesday, claiming that Netflix and its divisions have created a substantial likelihood of consumer confusion.

The metalcore group, formed in Seattle in 2000 by brothers Ryan and Don Clark, argues that the success of the 2025 urban fantasy film has eclipsed their established identity and commercial fate, particularly with the announcement of a KPop Demon Hunters global concert tour in partnership with AEG Presents. Demon Hunter has been trademarking "Demon Hunter" since 2014 for live performances, releasing 12 studio albums and amassing over 348,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

The lawsuit alleges that Netflix applied for trademark protections for "KPop Demon Hunters" for merchandise in August 2025. Hyde Lane states that the defendants have greater resources and a larger marketplace footprint, forcing the band to surrender control over its commercial identity. Instances of consumer confusion have occurred, such as a refund request for US$500 tickets to a Demon Hunter show in Albany, New York, purchased under the belief it was for a KPop Demon Hunters concert.

The lawsuit also cites incorrect tagging of the Christian band with KPop Demon Hunters content. Demon Hunter seeks liability for infringement from Netflix and Netflix Studios, though no specific amount was listed in the complaint. The lawsuit comes a year after KPop Demon Hunters, an animated musical film centered on a music trio hunting demons, became Netflix's most-watched animated original movie and had its focus track "Golden" win an Oscar.