Christian metal band Demon Hunter sues Netflix over ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ trademark

Netflix is being sued by Christian Metal band Demon Hunter over their smash hit film KPop Demon Hunters , claiming their copyright has been infringed.

The Seattle-based band were formed in 2000 and have released a number of albums, but claim the success of the animated film has led to trademark infringement, unfair competition, and brand confusion.

Complex reports that the group, through their corporation Hyde Lane, filed a trademark lawsuit in the Central District of California against Netflix, Netflix Studios, and live events promoter AEG Presents on Tuesday (August 18).

The complaint in particular focuses on the recently announced KPop Demon Hunters live tour , launched in collaboration with AEG, which they claim causes “almost complete overlap” with the goods and services they provide as a company, and as such will cause confusion in the marketplace as customers may perceive the acts to be somehow associated.

View this post on Instagram According to the report, the complaint cites the case of someone who spent $500 (£369) on tickets to Demon Hunter’s Albany, New York show, only to ask for a refund so that they can buy tickets for the “actual KPop Demon Hunters ”.

The complaint accused the defendants of being “massive companies that jealously guard and enforce their own intellectual property rights willfully disregarding the rights of others in pursuit of profits.” Hyde Lane is seeking a jury trial, restoration of their “rightful interests” in the Demon Hunter trademark, and that Netflix be prevented from using the KPop Demon Hunters name.

They are also seeking “restitution and treble damages”.

Neither Netflix nor AEG have publicly commented on the situation.

Since its release last year, KPop Demon Hunters has become a global phenomenon, becoming Netflix’s most watch film of all time .

Sequels and the aforementioned live show are on the way, while art books and a Criterion Collection Blu-ray are currently available for pre-order.

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