Netflix sued by band Demon Hunter over 'KPop Demon Hunters'

Christian metal band Demon Hunter has filed a lawsuit against streaming giant Netflix and concert promoter AEG Presents over an upcoming tour named "KPop Demon Hunters." The band alleges that the tour, based on Netflix's popular animated film, infringes on their trademark and will cause consumer confusion, potentially overshadowing their own brand.

The lawsuit, filed in California federal court on Tuesday, states that Netflix's actions are akin to launching a recording artist or live touring show under other identical trademarks like KPOP METALLICA or KPOP BLACK SABBATH.

Demon Hunter, formed in Seattle in 2000, recently released their latest album and is set to embark on a U.S. tour in October. The band's lawyer, John Tehranian, declined to comment on the lawsuit. Demon Hunter's music video, "KPop Demon Hunters," was released in June 2025 and quickly became Netflix's most-watched film, winning Academy Awards for best animated feature and best song. Netflix announced a partnership with AEG in May to organize a tour inspired by the movie.

According to the lawsuit, the band has already received a refund request from a parent who inadvertently purchased tickets for one of their concerts instead of the "KPop Demon Hunters" tour. Additionally, an Inside Edition producer emailed one of the movie's songwriters seeking an interview. Demon Hunter claims that their "willful misconduct" has put them in an "existential crisis," necessitating the filing of the lawsuit.

They seek an injunction blocking the use of "KPop Demon Hunters" on music, merchandise, or promotional materials for live concerts, along with unspecified monetary damages. The case is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, under case number 2:26-cv-09191.