Christian metal band Demon Hunter has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Netflix and concert promoter AEG Presents, alleging that the use of the name KPop Demon Hunters for music, merchandise and an upcoming live concert tour is likely to cause confusion with the band’s established brand.
The lawsuit was filed on August 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California by Hyde Lane, Inc., doing business as Demon Hunter. The defendants include Netflix, Inc., Netflix Studios, LLC and AEG Presents, LLC.
Demon Hunter, which has used the name for more than two decades, argues that Netflix’s expansion of KPop Demon Hunters beyond the animated film and into music, merchandise and live entertainment increasingly overlaps with the goods and services associated with the band’s trademarks. Hyde Lane registered three DEMON HUNTER marks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2022 and claims use of the name dating back to at least 2001.
Netflix released KPop Demon Hunters in June 2025. The animated film follows a K-pop group whose members secretly fight demons. Netflix later expanded the property through recordings and merchandise and announced a partnership with AEG Presents for a live tour based on the film.
According to the complaint, Demon Hunter alleges that this expansion has already resulted in actual consumer confusion. The band says a parent sought a refund after mistakenly purchasing tickets to a Demon Hunter concert instead of the KPop Demon Hunters tour. It also claims that an Inside Edition producer contacted the band while apparently seeking an interview with one of the movie’s songwriters.
The lawsuit asserts claims including trademark infringement, false designation of origin and unfair competition. Demon Hunter is seeking an order preventing the defendants from using KPop Demon Hunters in connection with music, merchandise and live concerts, as well as monetary relief.
Netflix has denied the allegations, stating that the claims are “without merit” and that it intends to defend the case.
The allegations have not been determined by the court, and the case remains pending.
Case Information
- Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- Case: Hyde Lane, Inc. d/b/a Demon Hunter v. Netflix, Inc., et al.
- Case No.: 2:26-cv-09191
- Filed: August 18, 2026
- Nature of Suit: Trademark
- Cause of Action: 15 U.S.C. § 1114 – Trademark Infringement
- Plaintiff: Hyde Lane, Inc. d/b/a Demon Hunter
- Defendants: Netflix, Inc.; Netflix Studios, LLC; AEG Presents, LLC; and Does 1–10
- Demand: Jury Trial
- Counsel for Plaintiff: John Tehranian, Peter Afrasiabi and Jennifer Mauri, One LLP
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