Christian metal band Demon Hunter has taken legal action against Netflix for allegedly infringing on their trademark with the popular movie “KPop Demon Hunters.” In a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on August 18, 2026, lawyers representing Hyde Lane Inc., the parent company of Demon Hunter, claimed that the film’s title bears too close a resemblance to the band’s trademarked name.
According to the complaint, Demon Hunter, founded by brothers Ryan Clark and Don Clark in Seattle in 2000, has released 13 albums and achieved significant sales, including through streaming platforms. Netflix’s release of “KPop Demon Hunters” in June 2025, which centers around members of a K-pop girl group who double as demon hunters, has garnered immense popularity, becoming the streaming service’s most-watched movie with over 325.1 million views by March.
The lawsuit alleges that since the movie’s release, Demon Hunter has faced confusion from individuals mistaking the band for the characters in “KPop Demon Hunters.” For instance, in February, the band’s management received an email requesting a refund for a concert ticket, mistakenly bought under the assumption it was for a “KPop Demon Hunters” show.
Furthermore, social media users have incorrectly used the hashtag #DemonHunter when discussing “KPop Demon Hunters,” adding to the band’s grievances. The complaint emphasizes that Netflix’s utilization of the “KPop Demon Hunters” title is akin to appropriating established music brands like Metallica, U2, or Black Sabbath for unrelated ventures.
While the band’s lawyer, John Tehranian, declined to comment on the matter, Netflix responded through a statement to CBC News, asserting that the allegations lack merit. The streaming service expressed its commitment to defending the lawsuit, highlighting the global success and impact of “KPop Demon Hunters” as an Academy Award-winning production that has resonated with audiences worldwide.
