“‘KPop Demon Hunters’ took our name” — the name of the American band that filed the lawsuit is… ‘Demon Hunter’

Netflix’s global hit KPop Demon Hunters has become embroiled in a lawsuit. A U.S. metal band that has been active for 25 years has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit because the names are identical.

The American Christian metal band Demon Hunter filed a trademark infringement and unfair competition lawsuit on the 18th (local time) against Netflix, Netflix Studios, and entertainment promoter AEG Presents in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California through its corporate entity, Solid State Records. Formed in 2000 and active for 25 years, the band claims that Netflix’s recently announced KPop Demon Hunters global concert tour, film, and related merchandise almost completely overlap with its business areas, causing consumer confusion.

The band presented specific evidence. The complaint includes an email showing that one consumer mistakenly purchased $500 worth of tickets to Demon Hunter’s Albany, New York, concert believing it was a children’s K-pop show, then requested a refund so they could buy tickets to the “real KPop Demon Hunters.” A television producer reportedly contacted the band’s agency to request an interview while searching for people involved with the film, and fans repeatedly tagged the band’s account by mistake in film-related social media posts.

In its complaint, the band argued that its brand identity, painstakingly built over 25 years, is at risk of extinction. It criticized major corporations such as Netflix for rigorously protecting their own intellectual property while disregarding others’ rights and pursuing only profit. The band demanded a ban on the use of the name KPop Demon Hunters in recordings, performances, and merchandise, as well as a jury trial and treble damages.

Rolling Stone, citing the complaint, reported that the argument was equivalent to saying Netflix could not casually use names such as “K-pop Metallica” or “K-pop U2.” Netflix told Reuters and other foreign media that the claims were unfounded, stating that it had created a global phenomenon with KPop Demon Hunters, which even won an Academy Award, and that it would actively respond to the lawsuit. AEG has not yet issued an official statement.

Demon Hunter itself is also a band with a long history. Over 25 years, it has released several albums that charted on the Billboard 200, reached No. 1 on the Independent Albums chart twice, and placed in the top five of the Hard Rock Albums chart six times. However, last year KPop Demon Hunters became Netflix’s most-watched original title ever and swept awards including the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature and the Academy Award for Best Original Song, creating a stark disparity in the value of the two names. A sequel and world tour have already been confirmed, and follow-up projects including a drama and stage musical are under consideration, so the gap between the two “Demon Hunters” is likely to widen further.