A legal battle has sparked between Christian metal band Demon Hunter and Netflix over alleged trademark infringement tied to the popular film “KPop Demon Hunters.” According to a complaint filed by Hyde Lane Inc., the parent company of Demon Hunter, on August 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the band claims that Netflix’s movie title bears a striking resemblance to their trademarked name, causing confusion among consumers.
Founded in Seattle in 2000 by brothers Ryan Clark and Don Clark (who left the band in 2009), Demon Hunter has a long-standing presence in the music industry, having released 13 albums and achieved significant sales, including one million album equivalents when factoring in streaming numbers. The band’s latest album, “There Was a Light Here,” dropped in 2025.
Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters,” released in June 2025, has become a massive hit, garnering over 325.1 million views by March, making it the streaming platform’s most-watched film to date. However, following the movie’s success, Demon Hunter has reported instances where individuals mistakenly associated the band with the movie, leading to inquiries and mix-ups.
A specific incident highlighted in the complaint involved a parent seeking a refund for concert tickets, mistakenly believing they were for a “KPop Demon Hunters” show. Additionally, a producer from the TV show “Inside Edition” reached out to Demon Hunter’s manager to book an interview with a person unrelated to the band, further illustrating the confusion.
Social media users have also contributed to the mix-up by using the incorrect hashtag #DemonHunter when posting about “KPop Demon Hunters.” The legal team representing Demon Hunter emphasized that Netflix’s use of the title infringes on their trademark rights, drawing comparisons to hypothetical scenarios involving well-known bands like Metallica, U2, and Black Sabbath.
While the band’s attorney, John Tehranian, declined to comment on the ongoing dispute, Netflix issued a statement to CBC News vowing to defend against the lawsuit, dismissing the allegations as lacking merit. The streaming giant highlighted the global success of “KPop Demon Hunters,” which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and captivated audiences worldwide with its music and storytelling. Netflix expressed readiness to vigorously address the legal challenge.