Demon Hunter Sues Netflix Over KPop Demon Hunters

Christian metal band Demon Hunter is taking Netflix to court, claiming the streaming giant’s hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters has infringed on the band’s trademark and damaged its brand.

The lawsuit was filed on August 18 in federal court by Hyde Lane, the company behind Demon Hunter. Netflix Studios and live-events promoter AEG Presents are also named as defendants.

According to the complaint, obtained by Entertainment Weekly, the band is accusing the defendants of trademark infringement, false designation of origin and unfair competition.

Demon Hunter, which formed in 2000, says it has spent decades building its name and reputation. The band argues that the enormous popularity of KPop Demon Hunters has now overshadowed its identity and made it harder for fans to distinguish the band from the Netflix franchise.

“Defendants’ greater size and strength overwhelms Hyde Lane’s established identity,” the lawsuit states, arguing that consumers could believe the band is connected to, sponsored by or otherwise affiliated with Netflix’s project.

The band says the conflict is particularly serious because of the wide range of products and entertainment connected to KPop Demon Hunters. Along with the film itself, the franchise includes merchandise, a soundtrack and a planned world tour.

Demon Hunter claims these offerings substantially overlap with the goods and services it has provided under the DEMON HUNTER name.

The band has built a significant following since its formation, with albums appearing on the Billboard 200 and Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart. Its current lineup includes Ryan Clark, Jon Dunn, Timothy “Yogi” Watts, Patrick Judge and Jeremiah Scott.

In the lawsuit, Hyde Lane says the success of KPop Demon Hunters is “annihilating” the band’s control over its brand identity, goodwill and reputation.

The company is asking the court to issue an injunction that could require the destruction of allegedly infringing materials held by Netflix or Netflix Studios. It is also seeking damages and reimbursement of legal fees.

The legal dispute could raise questions about the future of the KPop Demon Hunters franchise, although it is not yet clear whether the lawsuit will affect the planned sequel.

Netflix announced the second film on March 12, confirming that directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans will return. Kang has indicated that the story is far from over.

“I feel immense pride as a Korean filmmaker that the audience wants more from this Korean story and our Korean characters,” Kang said in a statement. “There’s so much more to this world we have built and I’m excited to show you.”

For now, the two sides are headed for a legal battle over who has the right to control the “Demon Hunter” name in the growing world of entertainment and merchandise.