Demon Hunter Takes Netflix to Court Over KPop Clash
Christian hard‑edge metal outfit Demon Hunter, which has been touring for a quarter‑century, has sued Netflix for trademark infringement after the streaming giant announced a global tour, film and merchandise under the title “KPop Demon Hunters.” The band’s lawyers say that the identical use of the name with a child‑friendly K‑pop franchise is creating “substantial confusion” for fans.
The complaint, filed by Demon Hunter’s company Hyde Lane, details a case where a customer paid $500 for a supposed Demon Hunter ticket in New York, only to discover it was a K‑pop concert. Other incidents cited include a television producer mistakenly contacting the band’s management and social‑media posts incorrectly tagging the group.
The Seattle‑based band has 350,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, while the K‑pop cast of “Huntr/X” boasts 27 million. Demon Hunter’s trademark for “Demon Hunter” was registered in 2022, and they have applied for one covering live music. Netflix has registered “KPop Demon Hunters” for a range of merchandise, with further applications pending.
The lawsuit seeks a halt to the streaming service’s use of the name for recorded music, live shows and merchandise, and to unspecified damages. The legal filing argues that the brand’s careful building over 25 years is now at risk of an “existential crisis.”
Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” film – which followed the K‑pop girl group Huntr/X – has become a global phenomenon, earning Oscars and Golden Globes. A sequel, TV series and stage musical are reportedly in development, and the franchise is slated to launch its live tour in 2027.
The BBC is seeking comments from all parties. Meanwhile, in the metaverse, avatars of media watchers have already queued in a virtual newsroom lobby to debate the clash – a testament to how legal battles now unfold in both physical and digital realms.
