Christian metal band Demon Hunter has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, alleging that the streaming giant's use of the name "Kpop Demon Hunters" infringes on their trademark and has created an "existential crisis" for the group. The Seattle-based band, known for its aggressive heavy metal sound, registered "Demon Hunter" as a trademark for recorded music and merchandise in 2022 and has applied for trademark protection for live music.
The lawsuit centers on the animated film "Kpop Demon Hunters," which has become a significant success for Netflix since its 2025 release. The film, which follows the fictional K-pop girl group Huntr/X, has spawned music releases, extensive merchandise, and an upcoming global live tour. It has been recognized with awards, including Golden Globes and Oscars, for best animated film and best original song in 2026. Netflix is also reportedly exploring further projects, such as a television series and a stage musical.
According to the legal complaint, the band contends that the success of the Netflix property has led to confusion, with some individuals mistakenly contacting the band's management believing they are associated with the K-pop project. Social media posts have also reportedly tagged the metal band incorrectly when discussing the film.
Demon Hunter, which released its 12th album in September 2025 and boasts approximately 350,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, argues that its brand, built over a quarter-century, is now at risk. In contrast, the K-pop "Demon Hunters" cast has a significantly larger audience on the streaming platform, with 27 million monthly listeners.
Netflix has also registered "Kpop Demon Hunters" as a trademark for various merchandise uses, with additional applications pending. The band is seeking to prevent Netflix from using the name for recorded music, live shows, and merchandise, and is asking for unspecified damages. The BBC has reached out to Demon Hunter, Netflix, and AEG Presents for comment.