Demon Hunter vs Demon Hunters: Metal band sues Netflix over blockbuster K-pop franchise

In a legal showdown that has spilled from the animated screen to a California courtroom, Christian metal band Demon Hunter has filed a lawsuit against streaming giant Netflix and concert company AEG Presents. The Seattle-based band claims that Netflix's expansion of the KPop Demon Hunters franchise into live music and merchandise is infringing on Demon Hunter's trademark and risking audience confusion.

The Seattle-formed band, formed in 2000, argues that Netflix's use of the KPop Demon Hunters mark for music, merchandise, and live concerts is no different than launching a recording artist or tour under the names KPOP METALLICA, KPOP U2, or KPOP BLACK SABBATH. The lawsuit, filed on August 18 in California federal court, alleges that Netflix's actions have already led to customer confusion, with one parent mistakenly purchasing tickets for a Demon Hunter concert instead of the KPop Demon Hunters live show.

Another example cited by the band is an Inside Edition producer seeking an interview with someone believed to be one of the movie's songwriters. Netflix has strongly rejected the lawsuit, stating that the allegations are without merit and expressing its intention to vigorously defend the matter. The band formed in Seattle in 2000 and has continued recording and touring since, with the most recent album released last year.

Demon Hunter is scheduled to embark on a US tour in October, and AEG Presents has partnered with Netflix to turn the KPop Demon Hunters film into a live touring production. The band is seeking a court injunction to prevent Netflix and AEG from using the KPop Demon Hunters mark for music, merchandise, or promoting live concerts, as well as unspecified monetary damages.