Demon Hunter takes on Netflix, K-Pop Demon Hunters

Christian metal band Demon Hunter has filed a federal lawsuit against Netflix, Netflix Studios, and concert promoter AEG Presents. They are alleging the companies’ use of the K-Pop Demon Hunters name infringes on the band’s longstanding trademark.

Hyde Lane, the company behind Demon Hunter, filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. It follows the success of Netflix’s animated musical K-Pop Demon Hunters, which has expanded beyond streaming through a soundtrack, merchandise, and a planned global live-concert tour.

Demon Hunter alleges that the franchise’s name is confusingly similar to the band’s established “Demon Hunter” mark. The group has performed and released music under that name for more than two decades.

Band alleges consumer confusion

According to the complaint, Demon Hunter has already experienced instances of alleged consumer confusion connected to Netflix’s franchise.

The lawsuit cites a buyer who reportedly purchased about $500 in top-tier tickets to a Demon Hunter concert in Albany, New York. The buyer believed the tickets were for a K-Pop Demon Hunters performance. The buyer later sought a refund after learning the concert was not connected to Netflix’s production.

The filing also alleges that a television producer contacted Demon Hunter’s management believing it was connected to K-Pop Demon Hunters. In addition, the band says social-media users have repeatedly tagged it in posts about the Netflix film.

What the lawsuit seeks

Hyde Lane alleges trademark infringement, unfair competition and false designation of origin. The company argues that Netflix’s use of the K-Pop Demon Hunters branding could lead consumers to believe the band and franchise are affiliated, sponsored by one another or otherwise connected.

The lawsuit asks the court to bar Netflix and AEG from using the K-Pop Demon Hunters name for recorded music, live performances and merchandise. Demon Hunter is also seeking unspecified damages, Netflix-related profits, attorneys’ fees and enhanced damages.

A dispute over a longtime name

Demon Hunter holds a trademark for its name in connection with recorded music and merchandise, according to reporting on the case. The band says it built goodwill around the name through decades of recording, touring and fan engagement.

Netflix has filed trademark applications related to K-Pop Demon Hunters merchandise, while the live show is being developed with AEG Presents.

Representatives for Netflix and AEG did not immediately comment on the lawsuit, according to reports.

Jake Leonard, Executive Editor-In-Chief

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.

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