Christian metal band Demon Hunter has sued Netflix and concert promoter AEG Presents in California federal court. The band alleges that an upcoming concert tour based on Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” infringes its trademarks.
Demon Hunter filed the lawsuit on Tuesday, arguing that the planned tour could create confusion among consumers. The band also claims that Netflix’s use of the name could threaten and potentially “eclipse” its established brand.
The dispute centers on the similarities between the entertainment ventures and Demon Hunter’s existing music identity.
Band Claims Netflix Tour Could Create Consumer Confusion
Demon Hunter argues that Netflix’s planned concert tour could interfere with its established trademark rights.
The band says the use of “KPop Demon Hunters” in connection with music activities could confuse consumers.
It also claims the venture could make it harder for the band to maintain its identity in the marketplace.
The lawsuit specifically compares Netflix’s use of the name with hypothetical collaborations involving major music acts.
“Simply put, Netflix is no more entitled to use the mark KPOP DEMON HUNTERS than it would be to launch a recording artist, live touring show and merchandise under the marks KPOP METALLICA, KPOP U2 or KPOP BLACK SABBATH,” the lawsuit said.
Demon Hunter argues that Netflix’s planned activities could therefore create an overlap between the movie franchise and its music brand.
Netflix and AEG Face Trademark Lawsuit
The lawsuit names Netflix and AEG Presents as defendants in the federal case. Representatives for both companies had not immediately responded to requests for comment on the complaint.
Demon Hunter attorney John Tehranian of One LLP also declined to comment. The case was filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California.
It is listed as Hyde Lane Inc d/b/a Demon Hunter v. Netflix Inc., No. 2:26-cv-09191.
Demon Hunter Has Been Active Since 2000
Demon Hunter was formed in Seattle in 2000 and has maintained a presence in the Christian metal scene.
The band released its most recent album last year. It is also scheduled to begin a US tour in October.
The group says Netflix’s new entertainment venture could now create confusion around its existing music activities.
According to the lawsuit, the band has already experienced situations that it believes demonstrate potential consumer confusion.
Band Cites Ticket Refund as Evidence
Demon Hunter said a parent had already requested a refund after mistakenly purchasing tickets. According to the complaint, the parent had intended to buy tickets for the “KPop Demon Hunters” tour.
The band also said an Inside Edition producer contacted it seeking an interview with one of the movie’s songwriters.
Demon Hunter cited these incidents as examples of confusion created by the similarly named entertainment ventures.
The band argues that such incidents could increase as Netflix expands the movie into live entertainment.
It also claims the planned tour could drown out its identity within the broader marketplace.
Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters Became a Major Hit
Netflix released “KPop Demon Hunters” in June 2025. The animated movie follows a Korean K-pop group that secretly fights demons.
According to Netflix, the film became the streaming platform’s most-watched movie ever. The movie also won Academy Awards for best animated feature and best song.
Following the film’s success, Netflix announced a partnership with AEG in May for a concert tour based on the movie.
The planned live shows have now become the focus of Demon Hunter’s trademark dispute.
What Does Demon Hunter Want From the Court?
Demon Hunter has asked the court to block Netflix and related parties from using “KPop Demon Hunters” for certain music-related activities.
The requested restrictions would cover music and merchandise connected with the name. The band also wants the court to prevent the name from being used to promote live concerts.
In addition, Demon Hunter is seeking an unspecified amount in monetary damages. The lawsuit argues that Netflix’s activities could create lasting damage to the band’s established identity.
“As a result of Defendants’ willful misconduct,” the band “now faces an existential crisis, thereby necessitating the filing of this action,” it said in the complaint.
Trademark Dispute Now Heads to Federal Court
The lawsuit places Netflix’s expanding “KPop Demon Hunters” franchise against Demon Hunter’s established music brand.
Demon Hunter argues that the similarities could confuse audiences as the movie moves into live entertainment. Netflix, meanwhile, has not publicly responded to the allegations in the complaint.
The court will now consider the claims raised by the band and the relief it has requested.
For Demon Hunter, the lawsuit seeks to protect its trademark from what it describes as potentially damaging marketplace confusion.
For Netflix and AEG, the case could determine whether the “KPop Demon Hunters” name can continue being used for the planned music-related events.
