Legal fallout from Netflix's biggest hit: Christian metal band sues 'KPop Demon Hunters'
Demon Hunter is suing Netflix over its animated smash, saying the title is too close for comfort.
The Christian metal band Demon Hunter has sued Netflix over the title of its animated smash KPop: Demon Hunters, saying the name and a planned live tour step on the band’s longtime trademark. Filed through the band’s corporate entity Hyde Lane, the complaint names Netflix, Netflix Studios and AEG Presents and accuses them of trademark infringement and unfair competition tied to the use of “Demon Hunters.”
The suit says the band’s “Demon Hunter” mark is registered across multiple categories and argues the movie ’s branding — along with an upcoming concert tour built around the film — is causing confusion in the marketplace. The filing seeks a jury trial, an injunction to curb the use of the name, and a cut of profits from Netflix and Netflix Studios.
What the band claims
According to the complaint, real-world mix-ups have already happened. The band cites fan and media incidents it says show confusion between the movie’s fictional pop group and the actual metal act:
- A man allegedly asked the band for a refund after spending $500 on concert tickets for his young daughters, believing he’d bought seats to see the animated group.
- The filing says CBS’ Inside Edition mistakenly contacted the band seeking an interview with Yu-Han Lee, a songwriter for the film, about the movie’s Oscar win.
AEG Presents is included in the case because of its role in the franchise ’s planned arena outing, which the suit says is expected to span a 150-city tour.
How big the movie is
The legal fight hits as the film’s numbers keep climbing. Per What’s on Netflix, KPop: Demon Hunters has spent 52 consecutive weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10 — a full year — racking up more than 1 billion hours viewed and over 639 million completed views.
Netflix has pushed back on the claims.
Netflix called the lawsuit “without merit” and said it “looks forward to defending the case.”
Beyond the courtroom, the franchise isn’t slowing: a sequel is in development, and the live show tied to the movie is being planned as a 150-city run under AEG’s banner.