Netflix’s global hit KPop Demon Hunters is facing a trademark lawsuit from the long-running American metal band Demon Hunter over claims that the project’s name is causing confusion among consumers.
On August 18 local time, Demon Hunter, through its company Hide Lane, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Netflix, Netflix Studios, and concert promoter AEG Presents.
The Christian metal band, which was formed in 2000 and has been active for about 25 years, claims that Netflix’s use of the KPop Demon Hunters name across its film, upcoming global concert tour, and related merchandise overlaps closely with areas where Demon Hunter already operates.
According to the lawsuit, the band argues that the similarity between the two names has already led to real cases of confusion.
One example cited in the filing involved a customer who allegedly purchased around 500 USD worth of tickets to Demon Hunter’s concert in Albany, New York, believing it was a children’s K-pop event. The customer reportedly later requested a refund after realizing the tickets were not for KPop Demon Hunters.
The filing also claims that a television producer mistakenly contacted the band’s representatives while trying to reach people connected to the Netflix film, while social media users have reportedly tagged Demon Hunter’s account in posts intended for KPop Demon Hunters.
The band stated in its complaint, “The brand identity we have built over 25 years is now facing an existential threat.” It also accused large companies of strongly protecting their own intellectual property while allegedly failing to respect the rights of others.
Demon Hunter is asking the court to restrict the use of the KPop Demon Hunters name in areas including music, live performances, and merchandise. The band is also seeking a jury trial and financial damages, according to the filing.
Netflix has rejected the allegations. In a statement reported by international media, the company described the claims as “without merit” and said it plans to actively defend itself against the lawsuit.
AEG Presents has not publicly commented on the case.
Demon Hunter has released several albums that entered the Billboard 200 and has also achieved No. 1 rankings on the Independent Albums chart. However, the legal dispute comes as KPop Demon Hunters has grown into one of Netflix’s biggest global entertainment franchises, with additional projects and live activities reportedly in development.
The case will now determine whether the similarity between the established Demon Hunter trademark and Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters brand creates legally actionable consumer confusion.
