Patagonia Sues Drag Queen Pattie Gonia for Trademark Infringement
Outdoor clothing company is suing US environmentalist drag performer for $1 plus legal fees, claiming ‘we wish we didn’t have to do this’
TL;DR
- Patagonia filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against environmentalist drag performer Pattie Gonia (Wyn Wiley) on January 21st in Los Angeles federal court.
- The company is seeking $1 in damages plus legal fees, claiming Wiley's trademark application for 'Pattie Gonia' for clothing and activism would "irreparably harm" its brand.
- Pattie Gonia, known for environmental activism and raising funds for non-profits, accuses Patagonia of betraying its mission and trying to erase an activist.
- Wiley stated that while Patagonia claims only $1 in damages, the legal fees to fight for their drag name would be substantial.
- Patagonia claims they engaged with Pattie Gonia for years to find a resolution and protect their trademark, but could not reach an agreement.
- Pattie Gonia's fans have inundated Patagonia's social media with calls to drop the lawsuit.
- Patagonia's founder, Yvon Chouinard, previously gave the company away to a trust and non-profit to save the planet.