Christian metal band Demon Hunter has filed a federal Trademark infringement lawsuit against Netflix and concert promoter AEG Presents, alleging that an upcoming concert tour based on the streaming service’s animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” violates the band’s established brand.
The complaint, filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, argues that Netflix’s use of the “KPop Demon Hunters” mark for a live touring show and merchandise creates consumer confusion and threatens to eclipse the band’s identity. Demon Hunter, formed in Seattle in 2000, contends that the similarity between its name and the franchise title is likely to mislead the public. The lawsuit draws a sharp comparison, stating that Netflix is no more entitled to use the mark than it would be to launch acts under names such as “KPop Metallica” or “KPop Black Sabbath.”
Netflix released “KPop Demon Hunters” in June 2025. The animated feature, following a K-pop group that secretly battles demons, became the platform’s most-watched film and won Academy Awards for best animated feature and best song. In May 2026, Netflix announced a partnership with AEG Presents for a concert tour based on the property.
The band’s filing cites specific instances of confusion, including a refund request from a parent who mistakenly purchased tickets to a Demon Hunter concert instead of the “KPop Demon Hunters” tour, and a media inquiry from an Inside Edition producer seeking an interview with one of the film’s songwriters. Demon Hunter, which released its latest album in 2025 and is scheduled for a U.S. tour in October, claims the defendants’ actions have precipitated an “existential crisis.”
Spokespeople for Netflix and AEG did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The band’s attorney, John Tehranian of One LLP, also declined to comment. The case is Hyde Lane Inc d/b/a Demon Hunter v. Netflix Inc., No. 2:26-cv-09191.
The lawsuit highlights growing tensions between established musical acts and streaming platforms expanding into live entertainment and merchandising. As the case proceeds, the court will weigh whether the “KPop Demon Hunters” brand constitutes a protectable trademark distinct from the band’s long-standing identity, or if the similarity poses an actionable risk of marketplace confusion. A ruling could set a precedent for how entertainment giants navigate trademark boundaries when adapting screen properties for the stage.