Environmental activist Wyn Wiley, who performs as Pattie Gonia, has publicly challenged the outdoor clothing company's legal action after four months of private resolution efforts.
2:59 PM
Wyn Wiley, who performs as the drag queen Pattie Gonia, has publicly responded to a trademark lawsuit filed by outdoor clothing company Patagonia, calling on the company to drop the case.
In an Instagram post, Wiley stated that Patagonia is suing for "irreparable harm" related to their "motivational speaking services in support of environmental sustainability" and "organizing, arranging, and conducting trail and hiking events." Wiley characterized the lawsuit as an attempt to erase their activist identity.
"Patagonia Inc. claims 'they're in business to save the home planet' if this is what saving the home planet looks like to them, then one of us has profoundly misunderstood the assignment, and it's not me," Wiley wrote on Instagram.
Wiley said they had remained silent for four months since the lawsuit was filed while attempting to resolve the dispute through private channels. According to Wiley's statement, they faced a choice between accepting "the erasure of my name" or fighting the lawsuit. Wiley chose to pursue legal action and called for public support.
"Over the last 4 months since the lawsuit was filed, i have stayed silent and worked every channel i had to resolve this without going to court," Wiley said. "So i'm fighting, and i'm inviting you to join me in a simple call to action: patagonia, drop the lawsuit."
Pattie Gonia has built a significant following as an environmental activist. According to reports, Wiley has raised nearly $4 million for non-profits through their activism work. Last year, Wiley completed a 100-mile hike in full drag from Point Reyes National Seashore to San Francisco, raising $1 million during that effort.
Patagonia, the outdoor clothing company that takes its name from a region in South America, initiated the trademark infringement lawsuit. The company is seeking $1 plus legal fees in the case.
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