Patagonia files trademark infringement lawsuit against drag queen activist Pattie Gonia, seeking $1 in damages. The activist responds, calling it a betrayal.
Outdoor clothing giant Patagonia has initiated a trademark infringement lawsuit against Wyn Wiley, the environmental activist known as the drag queen Pattie Gonia, over the use of the pun-inspired name and merchandise.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Los Angeles on January 21, comes after Wiley filed a trademark application in September to use the Pattie Gonia brand for selling clothing and promoting environmental activism. Patagonia claims this could 'irreparably harm' its brand, which draws its name from the Patagonia region spanning Argentina and Chile.
The company is seeking only $1 in damages plus legal fees, emphasizing that the action is necessary to protect its intellectual property after 50 years of brand building. Wyn Wiley, performing as Pattie Gonia, has amassed millions of followers through environmental activism and fundraising campaigns, raising nearly $4 million for non-profits. Last year, Wiley raised $1 million by hiking 100 miles in full drag from Point Reyes National Seashore to San Francisco.
In a video posted on Instagram on Wednesday, Wiley responded publicly for the first time, calling the lawsuit a betrayal of Patagonia's core mission.
'This is a betrayal of Patagonia's core mission. Because if they're in business to save the home planet, why are they suing a climate activist?
' Wiley said. Wiley described the legal fees as far more costly than the nominal damages sought, stating, 'This is not a brand conflict. This is a corporation trying to erase an activist. This is how corporations bully individuals who cannot match their resources.
' Wiley acknowledged that previous merchandise included playful parody of Patagonia but denied using the company's logo or font, arguing that drag is built on parody, puns, and jokes. The lawsuit has sparked a flood of supporter comments on Patagonia's social media urging the company to drop the case. In a statement to The Guardian, Patagonia reiterated that it had tried for years to find a resolution without litigation, offering multiple proposals.
'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 said. Patagonia added that the matter is not about financial gain or challenging identity or creative expression, but about protecting its business and employees. The case highlights tensions between corporate trademark protection and activist parody, with both sides claiming alignment on environmental values
Trademark Lawsuit Environmental Activism Drag Queen Patagonia Corporate Legal Dispute
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nobody told Pattie Boyd about the Beatles biopicsPaste Magazine is your source for the best music, movies, TV, comedy, videogames, books, comics, craft beer, politics and more. Discover your favorite albums and films.
Read more »
Inside the $1 legal battle between Patagonia and drag queen Pattie GoniaPattie Gonia vows to fight Patagonia's lawsuit, calling it a threat to her name, activism and business despite a $1 damages claim.
Read more »
Top drag queen Pattie Gonia breaks silence on Patagonia lawsuitClimate activist and drag queen Pattie Gonia is speaking out against outdoor company Patagonia for dragging him through the legal mud.
Read more »
Kanye Label Boss Sues to Unmask Anonymous Figure Behind 'Defamatory' WebsitesYe label boss Larry Jackson sues to unmask anonymous figure behind allegedly defamatory websites.
Read more »