KPop Demon Hunters was a resounding success for Netflix, coming out of nowhere to become the platform's most-watched movie of all time and spawning several of last year's biggest pop hits. It was less of a success for Demon Hunter, the Christian metal band that presumably has been getting mogged in the search bar ever since HUNTR/X came on the scene.
Hyde Lane, Demon Hunter's company, filed a lawsuit against Netflix, Netflix Studios, and live events promoter AEG Presents Tuesday in the Central District of California, Complex reports. The suit reportedly brings claims of trademark infringement, false designation of origin, and unfair competition against the defendants.
In their filing, Demon Hunter, who'd been a going concern for 25 years when KPop Demon Hunters was released, say Netflix and AEG moved into "almost complete overlap" with their business interests with the release of their movie, merchandise, and various trademark applications associated with an upcoming global tour. The suit describes Netflix and AEG as "massive companies that jealously guard and enforce their own intellectual property rights willfully disregarding the rights of others in pursuit of profits."
The suit alleges that both those who are familiar with Demon Hunter and those who don't know the band might falsely assume the band has some affiliation with KPop Demon Hunters. To prove their point, included in the filing is an email from a person who spent $500 on top-tier tickets to a Demon Hunter concert in Albany, thinking they were purchasing admission to a KPop Demon Hunters event for their children, aged five and six. "Is their[sic] anyway to refund me or get me a credit or something[?]" the person wrote. "If I dont get it refunded I will not be able to purchase tickets to the actual ‘K pop demon hunters show’."
Hyde Lane is seeking a jury trial in the case. Meanwhile, this "Golden" parody from the new Sesame Street album just dropped today.
