Pattie Gonia accuses Patagonia of trying to ‘erase an activist’ as she breaks silence on lawsuit
The drag artist shared a video and open letter yesterday (27 May) urging Patagonia to withdraw the legal action filed earlier this year
By Callum Wells
Pattie Gonia has broken her silence on Patagonia’s trademark lawsuit, accusing the outdoor clothing company of trying to permanently take away her name and activism platform.
The drag artist and environmental campaigner – whose real name is Wyn Wiley – shared a video and open letter yesterday (27 May) urging Patagonia to withdraw the legal action filed earlier this year in California federal court.
The dispute centres on the use of the name “Pattie Gonia”, which Patagonia says is too similar to its own trademark and could confuse consumers. The company is seeking $1 in damages, alongside legal injunctions blocking future commercial use of the name.
“This is not a brand conflict. This is a corporation trying to erase an activist” – Pattie Gonia on Patagonia’s trademark lawsuit
In a statement posted to social media, Gonia said the consequences of the lawsuit go far beyond the symbolic dollar amount.
“Patagonia told the media they’re only suing me for $1,” she wrote. “What they’re actually trying to do is take away my name permanently and threaten me with more than $1M million in legal fees. 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.”
Gonia also said the case could impact the employees and collaborators working under her brand.
“Because this would take away not only my activism and my career, but also the livelihoods of the team I employ. 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?”
In her open letter, Gonia said she still believes an agreement can be reached
Patagonia filed the lawsuit in January after Gonia applied to trademark her name for use across clothing, activism campaigns and marketing services. Court filings state the company believes those activities overlap with its own commercial and environmental work.
The company has also alleged that Gonia previously agreed not to use branding or logos resembling Patagonia trademarks before later selling apparel including “Pattie Gonia Hiking Club” merchandise.
“We’re not against art, creative expression, or commentary about our brand,” Patagonia said when announcing the lawsuit in January.
In her open letter, Gonia said she still believes an agreement can be reached.
“I have believed from the beginning that there is room for an agreement that protects your trademark while letting me keep my name and my work,” she wrote. “I believe that still today.”
The letter ended with a direct appeal to Patagonia leadership
She also referenced Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard while criticising the company’s decision to pursue the case.
“We can’t afford to waste time and money fighting among ourselves,” Gonia wrote. “Patagonia says it’s in business to save our home planet. And Mr. Chouinard, you said, ‘You are what you do, not what you say you are.'”
The letter ended with a direct appeal to Patagonia leadership: “With respect and hope, I ask you to intervene and drop this lawsuit today.”