Overview
- Hyde Lane, the corporate entity for Seattle Christian metal band Demon Hunter, filed a federal lawsuit this week against Netflix Studios and concert promoter AEG Presents alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition.
- The complaint says Hyde Lane holds prior 'Demon Hunter' trademark registrations for live performance, recorded music and merchandise and that Netflix’s use of 'KPop Demon Hunters' has caused real-world confusion for customers and media.
- Court filings cite examples of confusion including misdirected interview requests, social media tagging of the band for the film, and a reported $500 ticket purchase made by someone who thought they were buying a family K-pop event.
- Hyde Lane asks the court to enjoin Netflix from marketing recorded music, live events or merchandise under the 'KPop Demon Hunters' name and to award profits and damages; Netflix says the claims are without merit and will vigorously defend the case.
- The dispute stems from a rapidly expanded franchise: the 2025 Netflix animated film became a global hit with major soundtrack success and a planned global tour promoted by AEG that the complaint says creates overlap with the band’s business.