Share the post "Netflix responds to Demon Hunter’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ trademark lawsuit"
Netflix has responded to the trademark lawsuit filed by Christian metal band Demon Hunter over the company’s KPop Demon Hunters franchise.
As previously reported, Demon Hunter, through their corporation Hyde Lane, filed suit against Netflix, Netflix Studios and AEG Presents in California federal court on August 18. The lawsuit alleges trademark infringement, false designation of origin and unfair competition stemming from the use of the KPop Demon Hunters name.
Now, a spokesperson for Netflix has issued a statement rejecting the allegations:
“These allegations are without merit. Netflix has created an Academy Award winning global phenomenon with KPop Demon Hunters that has inspired fans around the world with its powerful music, storytelling, and characters. We look forward to vigorously defending this matter.”
Demon Hunter’s complaint argues that the KPop Demon Hunters franchise has increasingly moved into areas where the band has operated for decades, particularly following the announcement of a global concert tour in partnership with AEG Presents.
The lawsuit also alleges that confusion between the two names has already occurred. One example cited in the complaint involves a customer who reportedly spent $500 on tickets to a Demon Hunter concert in Albany, NY, mistakenly believing the tickets were for a KPop Demon Hunters event.
Demon Hunter are seeking a jury trial and have asked the court to prevent the defendants from using the KPop Demon Hunters name, along with restitution and treble damages.
Netflix’s statement marks the company’s first response to the lawsuit since it was filed. AEG Presents has not publicly responded to the matter.
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
