The fallout between Ahren Stringer and The Amity Affliction has reached a new level, with frontman Joel Birch officially opposing Stringer’s attempt to trademark the word “Amity” for music-related entertainment services.
This latest twist in the saga raises major questions about the future of the band’s brand and business structure.
The Trademark Dispute
According to IP Australia records, Ahren Stringer successfully applied for the “Amity” trademark under Class 41, covering live performances, music production, and publishing. This application was accepted for registration on February 3, 2025, but four days later, Joel Birch filed a formal opposition, setting the stage for a legal battle. The opposition process escalated on February 21, 2025, when Birch submitted his Statement of Grounds and Particulars, detailing why he believes the trademark should be denied. While the full document hasn’t been made public yet, his argument will likely center on the longstanding association between ‘Amity’ and The Amity Affliction, as well as potential confusion for fans.
In addition to this, Stringer has also filed two separate trademark applications for “The Amity Affliction” under Class 41 (covering music production, publishing, and entertainment services) and Class 9 (covering audio recordings featuring music). Unlike the ‘Amity’ trademark, these applications are still under examination, with final acceptance decisions due by January 11, 2026. If approved, these trademarks could further complicate the band’s ability to use their name without legal conflict, forcing Birch and the remaining members to either oppose them or negotiate a resolution.
Stringer’s Public Response
Stringer hasn’t stayed quiet about the dispute, sharing a copy of the Notice of Intention to Oppose on Instagram. He then followed up with a blunt message: “Who started the band again? You will lose.” The post makes it clear that Stringer sees himself as the rightful owner of the name, likely referencing his status as a founding member of The Amity Affliction.
This marks a significant escalation in the already messy breakup between Stringer and the band. Just earlier this month, Birch and the remaining members announced that Stringer was no longer a part of The Amity Affliction, citing an irreparable breakdown in their relationship. Since then, Stringer has hinted at launching a solo project, but if he secures the ‘Amity’ trademark, it could create serious legal and branding complications for his former bandmates.
The Business Battle Behind the Scenes
This trademark dispute isn’t the first sign of a power struggle between Stringer and Birch. Blunt Magazine previously reported that The Amity Affliction Pty Ltd—the corporate entity behind the band—has a complicated ownership structure. According to publicly available business records:
- Joel Birch owns 25% of the company.
- Ahren Stringer owns 25% of the company.
- The remaining 50% is jointly owned by both.
This means that, despite Stringer’s removal from the band, he still holds significant financial and legal stakes in the business. If the trademark battle gets dragged into the company’s ownership discussions, the situation could turn into a full-blown corporate war, with neither side able to make unilateral decisions about the band’s brand or finances.
What Happens Next?
With Birch’s formal opposition now in motion, the case will go through IP Australia’s legal process, where the dispute will be reviewed based on established trademark law. If Birch’s opposition is successful, Stringer’s trademark application will be denied. But if Stringer wins, he could claim exclusive rights to ‘Amity’ in music-related business, a move that could force the band to rebrand or fight him in court.
Regardless of the outcome, this dispute underscores just how fractured the relationship between Stringer and The Amity Affliction has become. The battle isn’t just over a name—it’s over the legacy and future of one of Australia’s biggest heavy music acts.
For more background on The Amity Affliction’s recent turmoil, check out our previous coverage:
- Ahren Stringer Announces Amity Affliction Exit, Confirms Solo Music Is Coming Soon
- The Amity Affliction Cut Ties with Ahren Stringer: “We Find It Impossible to Continue”
- Joel Birch Breaks Silence on The Amity Affliction Split: “I Know Who I Am”
- The Amity Affliction’s Ownership Battle: What Their Share Structure Means for the Future
This story is developing—stay tuned to Blunt Magazine for updates as this legal fight unfolds.
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