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Patagonia, the well-known outdoor apparel brand, has requested that drag queen influencer Pattie Gonia, legally known as Wyn Wiley, cease allegedly using its logo. This request is part of an ongoing legal dispute initiated in January.
The lawsuit revolves around Wiley’s alleged misuse of the brand’s trademark. Patagonia filed their suit on January 21, alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition, according to court documents. The controversy began after Wiley filed a trademark application in 2025 for exclusive rights to the Pattie Gonia name.
ACCORDING TO THE FBI REPORT, THE TOTAL FUNDS RECOVERED REACHED $4.7 MILLION ACROSS 23 STATES.
In early 2022, the two parties engaged in discussions with a third party interested in collaborating with Wiley. According to the lawsuit, Wiley agreed not to produce items resembling Patagonia products excessively. However, the company alleges that in late 2024, Wiley began selling merchandise too similar to Patagonia’s designs.
The conflict intensified in September 2025 when Entrepreneur Enterprises, backing Pattie Gonia, pursued trademark registration for the brand. Patagonia responded with a lawsuit seeking $1 in damages and legal fees, demanding a court order to halt Wiley’s trademark endeavors.
“THIS IS A BETRAYAL OF PATAGONIA’S CORE MISSION,” THE INFLUENCER SAID.
Wiley accused Patagonia of seeking over $1 million in legal fees, labeling the lawsuit as contradictory to Patagonia’s environmental commitments. “If they’re ‘in business to save the home planet,’ why are they suing a climate activist?” Wiley questioned in a statement on Instagram.
Patagonia’s legal documents cited email exchanges with Wiley, emphasizing the company’s stance on safeguarding its brand identity. “As we have said to Pattie Gonia, we can do that if they: Withdraw all trademark applications, stop using our logos, stop selling and promoting apparel and other products as Pattie Gonia,” Patagonia stated on June 1.
The company also expressed its awareness of the impact this dispute might have on the LGBTQ+ community but stressed their dedication to resolving the issue amicably.
Nancy J. Mertzel, a trademark attorney not involved in the lawsuit, commented to The New York Times, “Even though Patagonia is a very public benefit-minded corporation, they need to protect their assets.”
As the legal battle continues, both sides are engaged in a high-profile dispute that examines the balance between brand protection and advocacy efforts.
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