Christian metal band Demon Hunter has taken legal action against Netflix for alleged trademark infringement, claiming that the popular movie “KPop Demon Hunters” has caused confusion among viewers. Filed on August 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the lawsuit by Hyde Lane Inc., the parent company of Demon Hunter, argues that the film’s title bears too close a resemblance to the band’s trademarked name.
The complaint emphasizes the importance of protecting intellectual property rights, accusing large corporations of disregarding the rights of others for financial gain. Founded in Seattle in 2000 by brothers Ryan Clark and Don Clark, Demon Hunter has released 13 albums and achieved significant commercial success, with their latest album, “There Was a Light Here,” debuting in 2025.
Netflix’s release of “KPop Demon Hunters” in June 2025, a film depicting members of a K-pop girl group as demon hunters, has garnered immense popularity, becoming Netflix’s most-viewed movie with over 325.1 million streams by March. However, Demon Hunter claims to have received inquiries from individuals mistakenly associating the band with the movie since its release.
The band’s parent company cites instances of confusion, such as a ticket refund request for a concert, believing it was for a “KPop Demon Hunters” event. Similarly, a producer from “Inside Edition” contacted Demon Hunter’s management seeking an interview with an unrelated individual named Yu Han Lee, who won an Oscar for a song featured in the film.
Furthermore, social media users have misused the hashtag #DemonHunter when discussing “KPop Demon Hunters,” adding to the alleged confusion. The complaint asserts that Netflix’s use of the title infringes on Demon Hunter’s trademark rights, likening it to unauthorized commercial ventures under established band names.
Legal counsel for the band declined to provide a statement at this time, while Netflix responded to the allegations by stating that they intend to vigorously defend against the lawsuit, asserting that the claims lack merit. Netflix praised the global success of “KPop Demon Hunters,” highlighting its impact on fans worldwide through its music, narrative, and characters.