The Seattle-based heavy metal band Demon Hunter has initiated legal action against Netflix, alleging that the streaming giant’s hit film Kpop Demon Hunters infringes on their trademark. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday by the band’s company, Hyde Lane, argues that the massive popularity of the Netflix franchise has caused significant consumer confusion and threatens the band’s long-standing identity.
Demon Hunter, a five-piece group known for their emotionally charged heavy metal, has been active for 25 years and released their 12th studio album in September 2025. They currently maintain approximately 350,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. In contrast, the Kpop Demon Hunters project—which began as a 2025 animated film about a girl group called Huntr/X—has become a global phenomenon, boasting 27 million monthly listeners on the same platform.
The legal complaint highlights an “almost complete overlap” between the two entities, particularly as Netflix prepares for a global concert tour scheduled for 2027. The band contends that the streamer’s expansion into live music, merchandise, and recorded music mirrors their own professional offerings. The filing states that the brand the band has carefully cultivated over a quarter-century is now facing an existential crisis.
Evidence submitted in the lawsuit includes reports of consumer confusion, such as a customer who mistakenly spent $500 on tickets for a Demon Hunter concert, believing they were purchasing seats for a child-friendly K-pop show. Other instances cited include a television producer who contacted the band’s management under the impression they were affiliated with the film, as well as frequent social media tagging errors.
The band’s company secured a trademark for “Demon Hunter” regarding recorded music and merchandise in 2022 and has since applied for protection covering live music performances. Netflix has successfully registered “Kpop Demon Hunters” for various merchandise categories and has additional applications pending.
Kpop Demon Hunters currently holds the title of the most-watched original production in Netflix history. The film achieved significant critical acclaim, securing awards for best animated film and best original song at both the 2026 Golden Globes and the Oscars. Beyond the initial movie, Netflix is reportedly developing a sequel, a television series, and a potential stage musical.
Through this litigation, the band is seeking unspecified damages and a court order to prevent Netflix from utilizing the “Kpop Demon Hunters” name for future music releases, merchandise, and live events. Representatives for Demon Hunter, Netflix, and the live promoter AEG Presents have been contacted for comment regarding the dispute. The report also notes that ryan Clark of Demon Hunter on stage at the Louder Than Life Music Festival in 2019.
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