Christian metal band Demon Hunter has sued Netflix over the name of its hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters, alleging that the title is confusing fans and threatening the band’s brand.
According to the BBC, the US-based band filed the trademark lawsuit through its company, Hyde Lane, on Tuesday. The complaint also names Netflix Studios and live entertainment promoter AEG Presents.
Demon Hunter, which has toured and released music for about 25 years, claims Netflix’s film, music, merchandise and planned global concert tour overlap with the band’s activities. The lawsuit alleges the companies have created “substantial confusion” among consumers.
The complaint cites an email from a person who reportedly spent $500 on tickets to a Demon Hunter concert in New York, believing it was a child-friendly K-pop event for their children. It also mentions a television producer who allegedly contacted the band’s management believing the group was connected to KPop Demon Hunters. Social media users have also mistakenly tagged the band in posts about the film.
The five-member Seattle band released its 12th album in September 2025 and has around 350,000 monthly Spotify listeners. The cast of KPop Demon Hunters has about 27 million.
“The brand that Hyde Lane has carefully built over the course of the past quarter century now faces an existential crisis,” the lawsuit said.
Demon Hunter is asking the court to stop Netflix from using the KPop Demon Hunters name for recorded music, live performances and merchandise. It is also seeking unspecified financial damages.
Hyde Lane registered Demon Hunter as a trademark for recorded music and merchandise in 2022 and has applied for protection covering live music. Netflix has registered KPop Demon Hunters as a trademark for several types of merchandise, while other applications remain pending.
Released in 2025, KPop Demon Hunters follows the fictional K-pop girl group Huntr/X. The film became a global hit, spawning music releases, merchandise and plans for a worldwide live tour expected to begin in 2027.
The film is Netflix’s most-watched original title. It also won awards for best animated film and best original song for “Golden” at the 2026 Golden Globes and Oscars.
A sequel is in development, while Netflix is reportedly considering other franchise projects, including a television series and stage musical.
The BBC has contacted Demon Hunter, Netflix and AEG Presents for comment.
