The Christian metal band Demon Hunter has initiated legal action against Netflix and concert promoter AEG Presents in a federal court in California. The band alleges that an upcoming concert tour inspired by Netflix’s animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” constitutes a violation of its trademarks.
In a lawsuit filed on Tuesday, Demon Hunter contended that the announcement of this tour has led to consumer confusion and poses a threat to the integrity of its brand. The lawsuit asserts, “Simply put, Netflix is no more entitled to use the mark KPOP DEMON HUNTERS than it would be to launch a recording artist, live touring show and merchandise under the marks KPOP METALLICA, KPOP U2 or KPOP BLACK SABBATH.”
As of Wednesday, representatives from both Netflix and AEG had not provided any comments regarding the complaint. Meanwhile, John Tehranian, the attorney representing Demon Hunter from One LLP, declined to offer any statements.
Established in Seattle in 2000, Demon Hunter released its latest album last year and is scheduled to kick off a U.S. tour in October.
Netflix debuted “KPop Demon Hunters,” an animated feature centered on a Korean K-Pop group that secretly battles demons, in June 2025. The film has reportedly become the streaming service’s most-watched film to date and has garnered Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Song.
In May, Netflix announced a collaboration with AEG for a tour based on the film.
Demon Hunter’s lawsuit claims that Netflix’s initiatives are likely to create confusion in the marketplace and overshadow the band’s presence. The band noted that it had already received a refund request from a parent who mistakenly purchased tickets to one of its concerts instead of the “KPop Demon Hunters” tour. Additionally, the band reported receiving an email from a producer at Inside Edition who was seeking an interview with one of the film’s songwriters.
The complaint states, “As a result of Defendants’ willful misconduct, the band now faces an existential crisis, thereby necessitating the filing of this action.”
NETFLIX DEMON HUNTER TRADEMARK LAWSUIT complaint
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