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Feb. 2, 2026

Patagonia v. Pattie Gonia: Why the outdoor brand is suing a drag queen for trademark infringement

Patagonia's lawsuit against drag queen Pattie Gonia raises a familiar trademark question--but in a context where advocacy, performance and commerce collide, the stakes are anything but routine.

Pejman Javaheri

Managing Partner
Juris Law Group, P.C.

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<i>Patagonia v. Pattie Gonia</i>: Why the outdoor brand is suing a drag queen for trademark infringement
Shutterstock

Patagonia's lawsuit against drag performer and environmental activist Pattie Gonia presents a trademark dispute at the intersection of advocacy, performance and commerce. The legal question itself is familiar: When does use of a name that began as expressive activity become commercial trademark use? The surrounding context, however, makes the case more complex than the doctrine alone might suggest.

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