Outdoor apparel company Patagonia is involved in a trademark dispute with drag performer and climate activist Pattie Gonia, which has sparked public backlash. Several outlets report that Patagonia filed a lawsuit claiming that Pattie Gonia’s use of her name and associated merchandise infringes on Patagonia’s trademark rights and violates an earlier agreement not to use Patagonia branding in connection with merchandise.

Pattie Gonia, who performs under the name Wyn Wiley, says the legal action is an attempt to “erase an activist.” She urges Patagonia to drop the case. One report says Patagonia presents conditions for ending the lawsuit, including demands related to whether she can continue selling merchandise; Gonia says she will not accept the terms as proposed, arguing that one condition would undermine funding for her advocacy.

The dispute also draws broader criticism from some LGBTQ+ audiences who view the lawsuit as conflicting with Patagonia’s progressive brand image. Patagonia maintains that it had no choice but to pursue legal action, and some reporting characterizes the company as arguing it is protecting its brand while the performer asserts her right to trademark and promote her work.