Christian metal band Demon Hunter has taken legal action against Netflix for trademark infringement, alleging that the popular film KPop Demon Hunters has caused confusion among viewers. The lawsuit, 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, argues that the film’s title bears close resemblance to the band’s trademarked name.
Formed in Seattle in 2000 by brothers Ryan Clark and Don Clark, Demon Hunter has a substantial musical career, releasing 13 albums and achieving sales equivalent to one million albums, including streaming numbers, as detailed in the complaint. Their most recent album, There Was a Light Here, was launched in 2025.
Netflix premiered KPop Demon Hunters in June 2025, narrating the story of Huntrix, a K-pop girl group doubling as demon hunters. The film gained immense popularity, becoming Netflix’s most-viewed movie with over 325.1 million views by March, according to the company.
Following the film’s release, Demon Hunter received inquiries from individuals who mistook the band for KPop Demon Hunters, the complaint highlighted. Instances included a parent mistakenly buying tickets for a Demon Hunter show, thinking it was related to the film, and a producer from Inside Edition mistakenly seeking an interview with a non-existent band member.
Moreover, social media users have erroneously used the hashtag #DemonHunter in posts about KPop Demon Hunters. The legal representatives emphasized that Netflix’s use of the title infringes on Demon Hunter’s trademark rights and drew comparisons to hypothetical scenarios involving well-known bands like Metallica, U2, and Black Sabbath.
Regarding the lawsuit, John Tehranian, the band’s legal counsel, declined to comment at this stage. Netflix, on the other hand, stated in an email to CBC News that they intend to contest the lawsuit, asserting that the claims are unfounded. The company praised the success of KPop Demon Hunters, describing it as an award-winning global phenomenon that has captivated audiences worldwide with its music and storytelling. Netflix expressed readiness to vigorously defend its position in this matter.