Key Highlights:
- TikTok influencer Cierra Mistt claims PepsiCo tried to sue her over the name similarity to Sierra Mist.
- PepsiCo rebranded the popular drink Sierra Mist as “Starry” in January 2023, raising questions about whether the rebranding was linked to Mistt’s claims.
- Speculation continues over whether Mistt’s claims were legitimate or a publicity move.
- PepsiCo has remained silent on the controversy, adding to the intrigue.
The Sierra Mist lawsuit has recently taken the internet by storm, fueling a wave of intrigue and speculation. Many have wondered: did PepsiCo rebrand its popular lemon-lime soda due to a legal conflict with an online personality?
This question gained momentum when TikTok influencer Cierra Mistt claimed that her name’s similarity to “Sierra Mist” sparked the rebranding and alleged that PepsiCo even considered taking legal action against her.
However, PepsiCo has remained silent on the issue, leaving fans of the soda and curious onlookers in suspense. In this post, we will get a little deep into the details of this captivating controversy to help you see what’s really going on with this Sierra Mist lawsuit issue.
Sierra Mist Lawsuit Details
The Sierra Mist lawsuit began stirring up interest when social media influencer Cierra Mistt posted a video claiming PepsiCo tried to sue her due to her name’s resemblance to their soda, Sierra Mist.
According to Mistt, the company accused her of trademark infringement, believing her online brand clashed with their product’s identity. This was around the same time PepsiCo rebranded Sierra Mist to “Starry.”
The timing made her claims especially intriguing, leading many to wonder if her name alone pushed PepsiCo to overhaul the soda’s brand. Mistt shared in a video that she couldn’t reveal too many details due to “legal reasons,” leaving her followers even more curious.
The video exploded on the internet, garnering 6 million views on YouTube alone, not to mention other social media platforms like TikTok
PepsiCo has been quiet about the lawsuit, adding to the mystery. Some speculate that the rebranding to Starry was planned long before Mistt’s claims, with PepsiCo aiming to create a fresher appeal for the Gen Z crowd.
The company did announce that Starry’s vibrant look and less-sweet taste are intended to stand out in the competitive soda market. Yet Mistt insists her name played a part in the decision, especially after she received a cease-and-desist letter.
PepsiCo’s silence and Mistt’s viral videos have created a whirlwind of curiosity, with fans eager to know if this really was a David vs. Goliath scenario.
Who is Cierra Mist?
Now that you have a good overview of what the Sierra Mist lawsuit is about, let’s take a moment to see who Cierra is before we proceed into the details of the lawsuit.
Cierra Mistt is a popular social media personality and content creator best known for her engaging videos about life as a flight attendant.
With a strong following of over 3 million fans on TikTok and more than 500,000 subscribers on YouTube, Cierra’s online presence has made her a recognizable name in the world of social media. She originally gained attention by sharing entertaining and relatable insights into the life of a flight attendant, drawing viewers with her unique perspective and humorous take on everyday situations.
Beyond her content, Cierra Mistt’s name itself has become part of her brand, an identity she’s reportedly used since the days of AOL Instant Messenger.
Known for her signature blend of charisma and authenticity, Cierra has managed to capture a wide audience, who tune in for her travel tales, quirky humor, and candid personality.
Her connection to the Sierra Mist lawsuit only added fuel to her fame, as her claims about PepsiCo allegedly challenging her brand identity stirred up a wave of interest online.
Did Cierra Mistt Really Trigger Sierra Mist’s Rebranding?
Did Cierra Mistt really cause PepsiCo to rebrand Sierra Mist to Starry? While the timing of her claims and PepsiCo’s rebranding is interesting, it’s likely a mix of coincidence and strategy on PepsiCo’s part.
According to PepsiCo, the decision to retire Sierra Mist was driven by its low market share and the need for a fresh image to attract a younger audience, particularly Gen Z.
Starry, with its vibrant look and less-sweet formula, was designed to meet this goal, and PepsiCo even mentioned wanting a “soda for a generation of irreverent optimists.”
On the other hand, Cierra Mistt’s viral videos sparked online interest, suggesting her name played a role in the rebranding. She claimed she received a cease-and-desist letter from PepsiCo, alleging trademark infringement.
While her claims are compelling, PepsiCo hasn’t officially commented on them, leaving her followers and soda fans to draw their own conclusions.
So, while it’s fun to speculate, it seems that PepsiCo’s decision to create Starry was more about market strategy than one influencer’s name.
Why Did PepsiCo Go with ‘Starry’?
PepsiCo’s choice to replace Sierra Mist with “Starry” was all about creating a fresh, attention-grabbing brand. The company wanted a name that would appeal to younger consumers and reflect a fun, optimistic vibe.
The new name, Starry, aims to capture the imagination with its bright, playful packaging and crisp taste that’s less sweet than its predecessor. PepsiCo described Starry as a drink for a “generation of irreverent optimists,” hinting at the brand’s Gen Z focus.
The Sierra Mist lawsuit and the surrounding buzz added extra intrigue to the brand transition, but PepsiCo’s goals were clear: introduce a competitor that could stand out against Sprite and align with current trends.
Starry’s two versions – a regular and a sugar-free option – are part of PepsiCo’s effort to reach health-conscious audiences and make a bigger mark in the lemon-lime soda market, all while leaving behind the Sierra Mist identity.
This is Not the First Time This Will Be Happening!
The Sierra Mist lawsuit isn’t the first time a major brand has faced conflict over name rights with a public figure or smaller brand. Similar disputes have happened before, each with its own twist, as brands and individuals navigate the blurred lines of trademark law in a digital age.
One well-known example is the case of Kylie Minogue vs. Kylie Jenner, where the pop star and the reality TV mogul found themselves clashing over the use of “Kylie” as a trademark.
In 2014, Kylie Jenner attempted to trademark her first name for use in fashion and beauty, but Australian singer Kylie Minogue opposed, citing her long-standing use of the name in the entertainment industry.
Minogue argued that her global presence and established brand would be diluted if Jenner’s trademark succeeded. The case was ultimately settled, with Minogue securing her rights to the name, proving that even established celebrities can successfully challenge trademarks when there’s a risk to their identity.
Another example involved Facebook’s rebranding as Meta and their subsequent legal challenges from other companies already using the name Meta.
Small companies like Meta PC, a technology firm, found themselves caught up in the rebranding whirlwind as Facebook pushed forward with their new identity. Meta PC eventually filed a trademark for the Meta name, raising questions about ownership rights and whether the tech giant would seek legal avenues to claim the name.
These cases, including the ongoing intrigue in the Sierra Mist lawsuit, show how common it is for brands and individuals to cross paths over identity rights.
Sierra Mist Lawsuit: A Story with More Questions Than Answers
The Sierra Mist lawsuit, whether fact or fiction, has captured the attention of soda fans and social media users alike.
While Cierra Mistt’s claims could be true, it’s unlikely that she alone forced PepsiCo to change their product.
Nevertheless, the intrigue surrounding this case has undoubtedly captured the attention of many, and we will be waiting to see if any further information comes to light.
