Netflix’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ sued by U.S. band in trademark dispute that sparks $500 ticket refunds

U.S. band formed in 2000 sues over trademark ahead of world tour

The Demon Hunter trademark clash and the story behind the $500 ticket refunds

Netflix’s megahit animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters' has hit an unexpected obstacle. The production is at the center of a global intellectual property dispute after the U.S. Christian metal band 'Demon Hunter' sued for trademark infringement, triggering refunds for tickets priced at $500.

The Los Angeles Times reported that 'Demon Hunter' recently filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Netflix, Netflix Studios and AEG Presents, alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition. Formed in 2000, the band has released 12 studio albums and registered the name as a trademark for live performances in 2014.

The dispute was fueled by the worldwide success of 'KPop Demon Hunters' and its expansion into live events. After the theme song 'Golden' won a Grammy and a large-scale world tour was announced, confusion intensified among the band’s existing fan base and the animation’s fans. At a New York show in February, one audience member who had bought a ticket for $500 reportedly demanded a refund after mistaking the event for an animated concert, creating an awkward scene.

Hydrane, the band’s corporate entity, strongly objected, arguing that Netflix could no more profit from the name 'K-pop Metallica' or 'K-pop U2' than it could use the name 'Demon Hunter.' The band says the market share of a company backed by enormous financial resources has infringed on its distinctive commercial identity. Netflix, meanwhile, dismissed the allegations as “baseless” and signaled that it would mount a forceful legal response, setting the stage for a fierce court battle between the two sides.