Demon Hunter band sues Netflix, AEG over ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ trademark
by The Washington Times AI News Desk · The Washington TimesChristian metal band Demon Hunter has sued Netflix, Netflix Studios and concert promoter AEG Presents, alleging the streamer’s blockbuster animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” infringes on the band’s trademark and has already caused real-world confusion among fans.
The band filed the lawsuit Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California through its corporate entity, Hyde Lane, alleging trademark infringement, false designation of origin and unfair competition. The band is seeking a jury trial, restitution, treble damages and an order barring Netflix from using the “KPop Demon Hunters” name.
Demon Hunter, formed in Seattle in 2000 by brothers Ryan Clark and Don Clark, has released twelve studio albums and toured extensively over the past quarter-century, according to a report from music outlet TheProp. Hyde Lane holds a federal trademark registration covering live musical performances that was filed and registered in 2014, though the filing claims the band first used the “Demon Hunter” name in commerce in 2001; additional registrations covering recordings, printed matter and clothing were registered in 2022, with some likewise claiming use dating to 2001 or 2002.
Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters,” released in June 2025, has become Netflix’s most popular film of all time, according to the company, surpassing 500 million total views and spawning a soundtrack album, branded merchandise and a greenlit sequel. Netflix and AEG announced a companion concert tour earlier this year that plans to span 150 cities — a move the lawsuit says pushed the two brands into “almost complete overlap” in the marketplace.
The filing cites specific examples of consumer confusion, including a fan who spent $500 on tickets to a Demon Hunter concert in Albany, New York, believing he was buying tickets for his two young daughters to see the fictional girl group instead. The suit says the same person later sought a refund, telling the band “if I dont get it refunded I will not be able to purchase tickets to the actual ’K pop demon hunters show.’”
The complaint accuses Netflix and AEG of being massive companies that disregard smaller trademark holders’ rights while pursuing profits, arguing that Demon Hunter — as the “senior user” of the mark — has been overshadowed by the far larger footprint of the Netflix property.
A Netflix spokesperson pushed back on the claims, telling TheWrap, “These allegations are without merit.” The company added that it built an award-winning global phenomenon around the film’s music, storytelling and characters and intends to fight the suit.
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