The internet has been buzzing with rumors about the Sierra Mist name change. One viral claim suggesting that PepsiCo was forced to retire the soda’s name after a trademark battle with influencer Cierra Mist. According to the influencer, she received a cease and desist letter from Pepsi. Then, discovered the company’s trademark had lapsed, and swooped in to claim the name herself. Many of us have seen the viral rumor that Pepsi Co. was forced to change the name of their Sierra Mist soda in response to a trademark clash with the social media influencer. But is any of it true?
The Viral Claim About the Sierra Mist Name Change
The influencer claims that Pepsi Co. sent her a cease and desist letter demanding she stop using her name. According to her, in response, she did some research and learned that Pepsi Co.’s trademark Registrations had lapsed. This promoted her to file a trademark application of her own. The goal? To block Pepsi Co. from their rights to the Sierra Mist name. She says that after her plan was successful, they offered to buy the brand back from her for millions of dollars, but she refused.
Upon fact check, this was determined to be false.
What Actually Happened: Fact-Checking the Rumor
Trademark Records Show a Different Story
Pepsi Co. still owns multiple trademark registrations for Sierra Mist, while there are no registrations or applications for a “Cierra Mist.”
PepsiCo’s Real Reason for Retiring Sierra Mist
This same influencer is rumored to have spread some other lies in the past, so we are not surprised.
Lessons from the Sierra Mist Name Change Rumors
While the story may make for entertaining social media content, the facts paint a different picture. The Sierra Mist name change was not the result of a trademark dispute, but rather a strategic rebrand by PepsiCo, who still owns valid registrations for the original name. The lesson here? Always check the trademark record before you believe the viral version of events.
For another article about a social media dispute, see our article about the “Vibe” Lawsuit, at this link.
Written by Sarah Stemer, a trademark attorney who helps creators and businesses protect their brands. Click here for a free Trademark application readiness checklist.
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Contact Stemer Law | hello@stemerlaw.com | (303) 928-1094 | Based in Colorado | Serving clients nationwide and internationally
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