LOS ANGELES — Patagonia filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Wyn Wiley, who performs as Pattie Gonia, in January in Los Angeles, California. The outdoor apparel company alleges that the name “Pattie Gonia”—a play on its own brand—and associated designs could confuse consumers and that Wiley’s use competes directly with Patagonia’s products and advocacy work.

The lawsuit stems from Wiley’s application to register “Pattie Gonia” as a trademark for selling merchandise and organizing events. Patagonia claims Wiley violated an earlier agreement regarding use of the name and employed fonts and visual elements similar to Patagonia’s logo. The company is seeking $1 in damages plus legal fees to block the trademark registration, stating it would have taken legal action regardless of whether Wiley shared its environmental values.

Wyn Wiley has now addressed the lawsuit publicly for the first time. “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,” Wiley said.

In a social media post, she added, “Patagonia told the media they're only suing me for $1. 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.”

Wiley, who performs as Pattie Gonia and has millions of online followers, wrote an open letter to Patagonia’s board of directors asserting that the dispute distracts from shared climate goals. She ended her letter by asking Patagonia to drop the lawsuit, stating it serves no real purpose and distracts from working together against climate change.

Patagonia responded by saying, “The last thing we wanted was a legal fight with someone who shares our values,” but emphasized it was acting to protect its business and employees. The company stated it is not opposed to art, creative expression, or commentary about its brand. Wiley and her business partner maintain they have never referenced Patagonia’s logo or branding in their work.