Drag queen and environmental activist Pattie Gonia has publicly called on clothing brand Patagonia to withdraw a trademark infringement lawsuit filed against them on January 21. Wyn Wiley, the performer behind Pattie Gonia, claims the legal action is a form of corporate bullying against an individual who shares the brand's environmental goals.
Background of the Case
Wyn Wiley, known as Pattie Gonia, has amassed over three million followers across social media by combining drag performance with environmental education, LGBTQ+ inclusion in outdoor spaces, and climate activism. Last year, Wiley raised $1 million by hiking 100 miles in full drag to San Francisco. In September, Wiley filed a trademark application to use the Pattie Gonia brand for selling clothing and promoting environmental activism. Patagonia responded by suing for a nominal $1 in damages plus legal fees, arguing that the branding could cause confusion among customers.
Patagonia's Stance
Patagonia stated in January, "While we wish we didn’t have to do this – and actively engaged with Pattie for several years to avoid this – it has become necessary to protect the brand we have spent the last 50 years building." The company emphasized its desire for Pattie Gonia's success but insisted on respecting Patagonia's intellectual property rights.
Wiley's Response
In an Instagram video, Wiley urged Patagonia to drop the lawsuit, saying, "This is not a joke. This is real. Patagonia is taking me to court because they claim I’m causing 'irreparable' harm to their brand by doing, and wait for it, 'motivational speaking services in support of environmental sustainability' and 'organizing, arranging, and conducting trail and hiking events.'" Wiley argued that if this is Patagonia's version of saving the planet, then one of them has misunderstood the mission.
Wiley explained that after four months of silence and behind-the-scenes efforts, they faced two choices: erase their name, advocacy, community, and employees, or fight. "So I'm fighting, and I'm inviting you to join me in a simple call to action: Patagonia, drop the lawsuit," Wiley concluded.
Allegations of Bullying
Wiley, who created the Pattie Gonia persona eight years ago, stated that this is not a brand conflict but an example of how corporations bully individuals with fewer resources. In an open letter to Patagonia's leadership, Wiley appealed to the brand's values, noting that both parties share the goal of saving the home planet. "If their executives and lawyers continue to pursue this lawsuit, it will make one thing clear: they are willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to grind me down so far that I can’t continue to operate," Wiley said.
Patagonia's Updated Statement
Patagonia later issued an updated statement, saying, "Over the past several years, we’ve tried to find a path forward that would allow Pattie Gonia to continue her work while also protecting the Patagonia trademark. These conversations have included multiple proposals—each intended to support that path—along with ongoing dialogue and genuine efforts to avoid this ending up in court. Unfortunately, we could not reach an agreement." The company stressed its responsibility to protect its trademark, which carries trust, purpose, and decades of environmental activism, product quality, and community impact. "This matter is not about seeking financial gain, nor is it about challenging anyone’s identity or right to advocacy, protest, or creative expression. The last thing we wanted was a legal fight with someone who shares our values, but we must protect our business and employees," the statement concluded.
