Los Angeles, en.SERU.co.id — Christian metal band Demon Hunter has filed a trademark lawsuit against Netflix, Netflix Studios and concert promoter AEG Presents over the name of the 2025 animated film KPop Demon Hunters.
The complaint was filed Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in the Central District of California by the band’s company, Hyde Lane. Demon Hunter alleges trademark infringement, false designation of origin and unfair competition.
The Seattle-based band, which has been active since 2000, says it has spent 25 years building the Demon Hunter name through albums, tours and merchandise.
According to the lawsuit, Netflix was likely aware of the band before releasing KPop Demon Hunters. The film later expanded into a successful soundtrack, merchandise and a planned global concert tour with AEG Presents expected to begin in 2027.
The band argues that these activities have created significant overlap with the goods and services offered under the Demon Hunter trademark. It describes the alleged conflict as an “existential crisis” for a brand built over a quarter century.
Consumer Confusion Cited in Lawsuit
The complaint cites an example of alleged consumer confusion.
According to the filing, a person spent about $500 on tickets to a Demon Hunter concert in Albany, New York, for themselves and two young children after mistakenly believing the event was a family-friendly KPop Demon Hunters performance.
The buyer later sought a refund after realizing the mistake. The incident was also reported by BBC News and ThePRP.
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Demon Hunter Seeks Damages
Demon Hunter is asking the court to prevent Netflix from using the KPop Demon Hunters name for recorded music, live performances and merchandise.
The band is also seeking damages, including treble damages, as well as attorney fees.
Netflix and AEG Presents have not publicly commented on the lawsuit.
KPop Demon Hunters has become one of Netflix’s most successful animated films, expanding its reach beyond the movie into music, merchandise and live entertainment.
