Outdoor apparel company Patagonia has publicly addressed its trademark dispute with environmental advocate and drag performer Pattie Gonia, saying it hopes to resolve the matter despite a lawsuit filed earlier this year.
Patagonia filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Pattie Gonia creator Wyn Wiley in federal court in Los Angeles on January 21.
The company argues that Wiley’s trademark application – filed September last year – to use the Pattie Gonia name for clothing and environmental advocacy-related activities could create confusion with Patagonia’s brand and cause harm to its trademark rights.
In a statement released this week, Patagonia said it had sought to avoid legal action but believed the lawsuit was necessary to protect its intellectual property.
“We wish this lawsuit had not been necessary, and we want to acknowledge any hurt it has caused, especially in the LGBTQ+ community,” the company said.
“We don’t want to argue trademark law on social media. Importantly, we continue to want to resolve this.”
Patagonia said a resolution would require Wiley to withdraw trademark applications associated with Pattie Gonia, stop using Patagonia’s logos, and cease selling or promoting apparel and other products under the Pattie Gonia name.
“If we can agree on this, we can work out everything else, and Pattie Gonia could continue as a performer and activist,” the company added.
“We share common ground with them, including the goal of saving our home planet and creating a more inclusive outdoors.”
The statement follows a video posted by Pattie Gonia in response to comments made by Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert at an industry conference.
According to Wiley, Patagonia did not attempt to discuss its concerns before filing the lawsuit.
“This is straight-up lies,” Pattie Gonia said in the video.
“Because the first time we heard from Patagonia after filing our trademark application was four months later, when their internal lawyer emailed to say that Patagonia had filed the lawsuit against me for trademark infringement.”
Wiley disputed claims that discussions had taken place before the lawsuit and argued the case extends beyond trademark concerns.
“So, if this is true, that it’s about the trademark, then you’ll drop the lawsuit,” Pattie Gonia said. “But if you don’t, we’ll know what this is really about.”
The dispute has also sparked discussion about the long-standing use of puns and brand-inspired stage names in drag culture.
Examples include Trixie Mattel, whose name references toy maker Mattel, as well as Kendall Gender, a play on Kendall Jenner. Drag performer Jan Sport also shortened her stage name to Jan following her appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race amid trademark considerations.
