A Christian metal band named Demon Hunter has taken legal action against Netflix for trademark infringement, citing the resemblance between their band name and Netflix’s popular movie “KPop Demon Hunters.” The lawsuit was filed on August 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California by lawyers representing Hyde Lane Inc., the parent company of Demon Hunter.
The complaint states that the film’s title bears a striking similarity to the band’s trademarked name, “Demon Hunter,” owned by Hyde Lane. It accuses Netflix of prioritizing profits over respecting intellectual property rights, highlighting the disparity in treatment between large corporations and smaller entities.
Demon Hunter, founded in Seattle in 2000 by brothers Ryan Clark and Don Clark, has released 13 albums and achieved significant sales, including streaming figures equivalent to one million album sales. Their most recent album, “There Was a Light Here,” was released in 2025.
Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters,” released in June 2025, narrates the story of Huntrix, a K-pop girl group doubling as demon hunters. The film has garnered immense popularity, becoming Netflix’s most-viewed movie with over 325.1 million views as of March, according to the company’s data.
Following the movie’s release, Demon Hunter has encountered confusion from individuals who mistakenly associate the band with “KPop Demon Hunters.” Instances include a parent’s mistaken ticket purchase for a concert and a TV producer’s mix-up involving an interview request for a non-band member.
The complaint also notes the misapplication of the hashtag #DemonHunter by social media users discussing “KPop Demon Hunters.” It emphasizes that Netflix’s use of the title infringes on the band’s established trademark, likening it to unauthorized usage of renowned band names like Metallica, U2, or Black Sabbath under the K-pop genre.
John Tehranian, the band’s legal representative, declined to comment on the matter. Netflix, in response to CBC News, expressed plans to contest the lawsuit, dismissing the claims as unfounded. The company highlighted the global success of “KPop Demon Hunters,” an Academy Award-winning production that has captivated audiences worldwide with its music, narrative, and characters.