Drag queen Pattie Gonia fights trademark lawsuit by Patagonia

May 28, 2026

Outdoor apparel company Patagonia has filed a trademark lawsuit against drag performer and climate activist Wyn Wiley, who uses the stage name Pattie Gonia, claiming the name causes brand damage and directly competes with their products and advocacy work. The legal action stems from Wiley's attempt to trademark the Pattie Gonia name for potential product sales and event organization, which Patagonia argues violates a previous agreement about name usage and employs designs similar to their logo. Wiley, who has raised $3.

Who is affected

Wyn Wiley (performer Pattie Gonia)
Pattie Gonia's employees and team members
Patagonia company and its employees
The LGBTQ+ community and Pattie Gonia's online followers (millions)
Environmental advocacy organizations that receive fundraising support

What action is being taken

Patagonia is pursuing a trademark lawsuit against Pattie Gonia in federal court in Los Angeles
Pattie Gonia is publicly fighting back against the lawsuit and has issued an open letter to Patagonia's leadership
Patagonia is seeking to block Pattie Gonia from being registered as a trademark

Why it matters

This case highlights the tension between trademark protection and individual identity rights, particularly affecting LGBTQ+ activists and performers. The lawsuit has significant implications for how companies balance brand protection with supporting causes and communities they claim to champion, especially during events like Pride Month. The outcome could impact Pattie Gonia's ability to continue advocacy work, expand their platform, and sustain the livelihoods of their team members, while also affecting the substantial environmental fundraising efforts ($3.7 million raised) that benefit from the Pattie Gonia brand.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC