"K-Pop Demon Hunters" Took Our Name: The American Band That Filed a Lawsuit Is Called "Demon Hunter"

*This content was translated by AI.

Netflix's global hit "K-Pop Demon Hunters" (also known as "KeDeHeon") has now become entangled in a lawsuit. An American metal band that has been active for 25 years filed a trademark infringement suit, claiming the title is identical to their own.

The American Christian metal band "Demon Hunter" filed a trademark infringement and unfair competition lawsuit against Netflix, Netflix Studios, and concert promoter AEG Presents at the U.S. District Court in Central California on the 18th (local time), through its corporate entity "Hyde Rain." The band, formed in 2000 and active for 25 years, argued that Netflix's recently announced global concert tour, film, and related merchandise for "K-Pop Demon Hunters" "almost completely overlap" with their business scope, causing consumer confusion.

The evidence presented by the band is quite specific. The complaint includes an email from a consumer who mistakenly purchased $500 worth of tickets for what they thought was a children's K-pop performance at a Demon Hunter concert in Albany, New York, only to later request a refund after learning they needed to buy tickets for the actual "K-Pop Demon Hunters." Another broadcast producer accidentally contacted the band's agency while trying to reach film officials and requested an interview. Additionally, on social media, fans repeatedly mis-tagged the band's account in posts related to the film.

In the lawsuit, the band stated that their brand identity, built over 25 years of hard work, is now facing a crisis of survival. They criticized Netflix and other large corporations for strictly protecting their own intellectual property rights while disregarding others' rights and pursuing only profits. The band is seeking an injunction to ban the use of the name "K-Pop Demon Hunters" on albums, concerts, and merchandise, along with a jury trial and triple damages.

Rolling Stone quoted the lawsuit, stating, "This is the same logic that would prevent Netflix from arbitrarily using names like 'K-Pop Metallica' or 'K-Pop U2 YouTube.'" In response, Netflix told Reuters and other international media outlets that the claims are "baseless," adding, "'K-Pop Demon Hunters' has become a global phenomenon, even winning an Academy Award. We will actively respond to this lawsuit." AEG has not yet issued an official statement.

Demon Hunter itself is a band with a long history. Over 25 years of activity, they have released multiple albums on the Billboard 200 chart, achieved number one on the Independent Albums chart twice, and reached the top five on the Hard Rock Albums chart six times. However, last year, "K-Pop Demon Hunters" became Netflix's most-watched original title in history, sweeping awards including the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature and an Academy Award for Best Original Song, creating a stark contrast in name recognition. A sequel production and world tour have already been confirmed, with follow-up projects such as a drama and stage musical under review, suggesting that the gap in name value between the two "Demon Hunters" is likely to widen further.

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*This content was translated by AI.