Patagonia, the Ventura-based outdoor apparel company, filed a trademark infringement lawsuit on January 21, 2026, against drag performer and environmental activist “Pattie Gonia” following years of prior discussions between the two parties.
The lawsuit stems from a dispute over branding and trademark use associated with the Pattie Gonia name and related merchandise.
The case came after a dispute over the branding and trademark use by Pattie Gonia.
Patagonia said legal action became necessary after attempts to resolve the issue privately were unsuccessful. The company alleges that Pattie Gonia, whose given name is Wyn Wiley, used branding that closely resembles Patagonia’s name and logo.
According to Patagonia, the dispute escalated when Pattie Gonia began selling branded clothing online that the company says closely resembled its name and overall branding style. Patagonia also claims this activity continued despite a prior agreement intended to avoid trademark infringement.
The dispute took a legal turn when Pattie Gonia later filed a trademark application seeking exclusive rights to use the name “Pattie Gonia” across several categories, including apparel, environmental advocacy, online promotion, and endorsements.
Court records show that Patagonia filed multiple documents on January 21, 2026, in California federal court, including a 37-page complaint, a civil cover sheet, and a summons. The filings also include an initial report identifying the case as a trademark matter, according to PacerMonitor.
Patagonia said it engaged in discussions with Pattie Gonia for more than three years and reached a temporary agreement that later broke down, ultimately leading to the lawsuit.
The company described the trademark application as significant due to its broad scope, saying it overlaps with its own activities, including apparel sales and environmental advocacy. The company argues that this overlap could lead to consumer confusion and undermine a brand it says it has built and protected for decades.
Patagonia said the lawsuit is not intended to restrict artistic expression or activism and emphasized that it supports creative work and advocacy efforts, including commentary or criticism involving its brand.
According to the company, the lawsuit is intended to protect its long-term trademark rights and allow it to continue selling products while supporting environmental causes.
Founded in 1973, Patagonia operates as a certified B Corporation and is a founding member of 1% for the Planet. The company directs profits not reinvested in the business toward environmental protection efforts.
The case, titled Patagonia Inc. v. Pattie Gonia Productions, was filed as case number 2:26-cv-00586 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
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Never get in a fight with a drag queen, often they have been fighting all their life