Can I Use a Big Brand’s Name as a Joke or Parody for My Nebraska Business? Lessons from Patagonia v. Pattie Gonia

A clever pun or parody name may seem harmless, but trademark law can create significant risks when that name becomes part of a business, merchandise line, or brand identity. Using the ongoing Patagonia v. Pattie Gonia lawsuit as a real-world example, this article explores how federal trademark law analyzes parody, consumer confusion, dilution, and brand protection. Nebraska entrepreneurs, creators, and small business owners will learn why changing a few letters in a famous brand name is not always enough to avoid legal trouble and what steps they should take before launching a new brand.