Drag Queen Pattie Gonia Responds to Patagonia Lawsuit
A drag queen known as Pattie Gonia has called on outdoor apparel company Patagonia to withdraw a lawsuit alleging that the performer is causing "irreparable" harm to its brand.
Wyn Wiley, who performs under the name Pattie Gonia, stated that the company’s legal action threatens "the erasure of my name, my advocacy, my community" as well as the livelihoods of those who work with the drag queen and climate activist.
If Patagonia wants to celebrate Pride Month this year by taking a queer climate activist to federal court, then I'm here to fight for myself,
Wylie said.
Patagonia told the BBC, "the last thing we wanted was a legal fight with someone who shares our values," but emphasized that it was acting to protect its business and employees.
Wylie has gained millions of followers online performing as Pattie Gonia, including undertaking a 100-mile (160km) charity hike in drag.
Open Letter and Fundraising Efforts
In an open letter addressed to Patagonia's leadership, Wylie highlighted that the Pattie Gonia persona has collectively raised $3.7 million for environmental causes.
The performer described the trademark lawsuit as a decision by Patagonia's CEO Ryan Gellert and other executives that "I must cease to exist." This statement marked Wylie's first public response to the lawsuit, which Patagonia filed in January in Los Angeles, California.
Details of Patagonia's Legal Claims
Patagonia's legal complaint asserts that Pattie Gonia competes "directly with the products and advocacy" that form the foundation of the company's brand.
The company stated in its filing that it was responding to Wylie's application to trademark the Pattie Gonia name as a brand, which would extend beyond using the persona to potentially selling products and organizing events.
Patagonia accused Wylie of violating an agreement regarding the use of the Pattie Gonia name, including the use of fonts and designs that resemble Patagonia's logo.
The company clarified that it would have initiated legal action regardless of whether the Oregon-based performer shared its values.
Patagonia is seeking a nominal sum of $1 plus legal fees and aims to prevent Pattie Gonia from being registered as a trademark.
Company Background
Patagonia, named after a remote region spanning Argentina and Chile, was founded in 1973.
