A Christian metal band named Demon Hunter has taken legal action against Netflix for trademark infringement over the streaming platform’s popular movie titled “KPop Demon Hunters.” The lawsuit, filed on August 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California by Hyde Lane Inc., the parent company of Demon Hunter, alleges that the film’s title closely resembles the band’s trademarked name.
According to the complaint, Demon Hunter, founded by brothers Ryan Clark and Don Clark in Seattle in 2000, has released 13 albums and achieved significant sales, including one million album equivalents when considering streaming figures. The band’s latest album, “There Was a Light Here,” was launched in 2025.
Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters,” released in June 2025, tells the story of members of a K-pop girl group who also engage in demon hunting. The film has become Netflix’s most-viewed movie, garnering over 325.1 million views as of March, as reported by the company.
Following the movie’s release, Demon Hunter has encountered confusion from individuals who have mistaken the band for the movie “KPop Demon Hunters.” For instance, in February, the band’s management received a refund request for a concert ticket from a parent who believed they were buying tickets for a show related to the movie.
Furthermore, the complaint mentions a mix-up involving a request for an interview with “Yu-Han Lee” regarding an Oscar win, although Lee is not associated with Demon Hunter but is a songwriter recognized for his work in “KPop Demon Hunters.”
Social media users have also incorrectly used the hashtag #DemonHunter in discussions related to “KPop Demon Hunters,” as highlighted in the complaint.
The legal representation for Demon Hunter, John Tehranian, declined to comment on the matter. Netflix, on the other hand, stated via email to CBC News that it intends to contest the lawsuit, asserting that the claims are unfounded. Netflix emphasized the global success and impact of “KPop Demon Hunters,” expressing readiness to defend the case vigorously.
