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U.S. Christian metal band Demon Hunter has sued Netflix and concert promoter AEG Presents, alleging that the entertainment giant's "KPop Demon Hunters" franchise is infringing its long-established trademark and creating confusion as the animated film expands into music, merchandise and live shows.
Hyde Lane Inc., the company operating as Demon Hunter, filed the complaint Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Netflix, Netflix Studios and AEG Presents.
According to the federal court docket, the lawsuit sets out claims of trademark infringement, false designation of origin and unfair competition.
Demon Hunter, which has released music and toured for about 25 years, argues that the "KPop Demon Hunters" name is no longer limited to Netflix's 2025 animated film. The band says the franchise has increasingly moved into areas that overlap with its own activities, including a soundtrack, merchandise and planned live entertainment.
Netflix and AEG Presents announced plans in May to put on a global concert tour based on "KPop Demon Hunters," although cities, dates and ticketing details have yet to be disclosed.
The lawsuit argues that the expansion brings the franchise significantly closer to the services associated with the Demon Hunter name.
"In short, in just a year, defendants have taken step after step to move into almost complete overlap with the goods and services offered by Hyde Lane under the Demon Hunter mark," the complaint says.
Hyde Lane holds a U.S. federal trademark registration for Demon Hunter covering live performances by a musical band. The registration was granted in 2014 and states that the mark was first used commercially in 2001.
Hyde Lane claims that Netflix and AEG Presents have a much broader market reach, which could lead consumers to assume that Demon Hunter is affiliated with, sponsored by or otherwise connected to the film franchise.
The complaint points to one customer email as alleged evidence that such confusion has already occurred.
According to the filing, a customer said they had spent $500 on tickets for a Demon Hunter concert in Albany, New York, believing the tickets were for a child-friendly "KPop Demon Hunters" performance for their 5- and 6-year-old daughters.
After realizing the mistake, the customer reportedly contacted the band to seek a refund.
Hyde Lane has requested a jury trial and is seeking an injunction that would restrict the allegedly infringing use of the name. It is also seeking Netflix's profits connected to the disputed branding, as well as damages and legal fees.
"KPop Demon Hunters," released in June 2025, follows a fictional K-pop girl group whose members secretly fight supernatural forces. Netflix says the animated production has drawn more than 500 million views, making it the platform's most popular movie.
Netflix and AEG Presents had not publicly responded to the allegations as of Wednesday. The lawsuit remains at an early stage, and none of the claims have yet been tested in court.
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