Outdoor clothing retailer Patagonia has initiated a legal battle against drag queen Pattie Gonia, filing a copyright lawsuit in federal court in California. The company alleges that Pattie Gonia's branding and trademark application cause consumer confusion and deception, directly competing with Patagonia's established market presence.
Details of the Legal Dispute
Patagonia claims that Pattie Gonia's recent trademark application for her brand, which encompasses apparel and advocacy work focused on environmental and LGBTQIA2S+ issues, infringes on its own intellectual property. The retailer argues that this move creates a direct commercial rivalry, potentially diluting the famous Patagonia marks.
Evidence and Allegations
In court documents, Patagonia has cited social media comments as evidence of existing consumer confusion between the two brands. The company asserts that Pattie Gonia has not adhered to a prior agreement regarding her advocacy activities and is now seeking exclusive ownership of the trademark for a broad commercial enterprise.
Legal Remedies Sought
Patagonia is requesting a trial by jury and an injunction to prevent Pattie Gonia from further using the contested trademark. Notably, the retailer is seeking only nominal monetary damages of $1, emphasising the irreparable harm to its brand reputation as the primary concern.
This case highlights the increasing intersections between corporate branding, advocacy, and intellectual property rights in the modern marketplace.
