Christian metal band Demon Hunter sue Netflix over KPop Demon Hunters

What the report says

Christian metal band Demon Hunter have filed a trademark lawsuit against Netflix over the streamer’s hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters, according to BBC World News. The complaint, brought by the band’s company Hyde Lane and filed on Tuesday, argues that Netflix and live promoter AEG Presents have created consumer confusion through the movie, merchandise and plans for a global concert tour.

BBC reported that the band says the overlap between their existing music-and-merchandise business and Netflix’s expanding use of the KPop Demon Hunters name is substantial. As evidence, the filing cites cases such as a person who allegedly bought a Demon Hunter concert ticket thinking it was linked to a child-friendly K-pop show, plus other examples involving misdirected industry inquiries and mistaken social media tags.

The Seattle-based five-piece, which has been releasing music and touring for about 25 years, says its brand now faces an “existential crisis.” The lawsuit asks a court to block Netflix from using the KPop Demon Hunters name for recorded music, live performances and merchandise, and to award damages. BBC notes that the band registered Demon Hunter as a trademark for recorded music and merchandise in 2022, while Netflix has registered KPop Demon Hunters for various merchandise uses.

The dispute comes as KPop Demon Hunters has become Netflix’s most-watched original title and is growing into a wider franchise, with more music, merchandise and a planned live tour. A sequel is also in development, underscoring why the trademark fight may matter beyond the film itself.