Demon Hunter have filed a trademark lawsuit against Netflix and AEG Presents over the use of the name KPop Demon Hunters, according to a new report from Complex.
The Christian metal band, through their corporation Hyde Lane, filed the lawsuit in California federal court on August 18, naming Netflix, Netflix Studios and AEG Presents as defendants. The complaint reportedly includes claims of trademark infringement, false designation of origin and unfair competition.
The dispute centers around Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters franchise, which began with the 2025 animated film and has since expanded to include music, merchandise and an upcoming global concert tour with AEG.
According to the complaint reviewed by Complex, Demon Hunter argue that the expansion into live touring and related merchandise has created significant overlap with goods and services the band have offered under the Demon Hunter name for years.
The band also alleges that confusion between the two names is already occurring.
One example included in the lawsuit involves a customer who reportedly spent $500 on tickets to a Demon Hunter concert in Albany, NY believing they had purchased tickets to a KPop Demon Hunters event. The customer later contacted the ticket seller seeking a refund after realizing the mistake.
Demon Hunter contend that Netflix’s much larger presence could create confusion in both directions, with some consumers potentially believing the band is connected to KPop Demon Hunters or that its name was derived from the Netflix property.
The complaint further argues that Demon Hunter have spent more than two decades building recognition and goodwill around their name, predating the KPop Demon Hunters franchise by many years.
The band are seeking a jury trial and are asking the court to prevent the defendants from using the KPop Demon Hunters name. The lawsuit also seeks restitution and treble damages, according to Complex.
Neither Netflix nor AEG Presents’ response to the lawsuit was included in the report.
Demon Hunter are also preparing to hit the road this fall for their Storm the Gates of Hell 20th anniversary tour with Wolves at the Gate and Bloodlines. The run kicks off October 7 in Louisville, KY and will feature Storm the Gates of Hell performed in its entirety, along with additional material from the band’s early years.
Demon Hunter – Storm the Gates of Hell 20th anniversary tour dates:
10/07 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
10/08 – Springfield, MO – Regency Live
10/09 – Dallas, TX – AM/FM
10/10 – San Antonio, TX – The Rock Box
10/11 – Oklahoma City, OK – Tower Theatre
10/12 – Albuquerque, NM – El Rey
10/13 – Mesa, AZ – Nile Theater
10/14 – Pomona, CA – Glass House
10/15 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
10/16 – Fresno, CA – Strummer’s
10/17 – Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post
10/19 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
10/20 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw
10/21 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
10/22 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
10/23 – Boise, ID – Shrine Social Club
10/24 – Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater
10/25 – Denver, CO – Oriental Theater
10/27 – Davenport, IA – Capitol Theater
10/28 – Chicago, IL – WC Social Club
10/29 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
Demon Hunter photo by Tyler Byars
KPop Demon Hunters photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation
