ENTERTAINMENT

Christian metal band Demon Hunter sues Netflix over KPop Demon Hunters name

PUBLISHED Aug 19, 2026, 4:40 PM ET

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Christian metal band Demon Hunter has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Netflix and concert promoter AEG Presents over the streamer's hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters . The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in California federal court by the band's corporation Hyde Lane, alleges the KPop Demon Hunters name creates "substantial likelihood of confusion" with Demon Hunter's trademark established over 25 years . As evidence, the complaint includes an email from a parent who spent $500 on Demon Hunter concert tickets in Albany, New York, mistakenly believing it was a child-friendly KPop Demon Hunters show for their young daughters . The band, which has 350,000 monthly Spotify listeners compared to the film cast's 27 million, seeks an injunction, damages, and a jury trial . Netflix and AEG had not publicly responded to the allegations

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

· On 2000, Demon Hunter formed in Seattle as a Christian metal band.
· On 2001, Demon Hunter's first commercial use of its trademark began.
· On 2014, Hyde Lane obtained US trademark registration for Demon Hunter live performances.
· On 2022, Demon Hunter registered its mark for recorded music and merchandise.
· On June 2025, Netflix released KPop Demon Hunters as an animated film.
· On May 2026, Netflix and AEG announced a planned global concert tour.
Present:
· On August 18, 2026, Demon Hunter filed a trademark lawsuit in California.
· On August 18, 2026, the complaint cited a parent's $500 ticket mix-up.
Future:
· Netflix and AEG will likely file legal responses in coming weeks.
· The court will decide whether to grant injunctive relief against Netflix.
· A sequel and possible stage musical reportedly remain in development.
· The case will likely focus on likelihood of consumer confusion test.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Potential precedent for small brands suing entertainment giants over names.
Long-term US impact: Could reshape trademark enforcement for franchise expansions into music.
Affected groups: Small musicians, concert promoters, trademark attorneys, and confused consumers.
Reader priority: Follow court filings and responses from Netflix and AEG.