Sierra Mist Lawsuit Details - Lawguage (2024)

The Sierra Mist lawsuit has been a topic of heated discussion on the internet. The lawsuit involves PepsiCo suing TikTok star Cierra Mistt, known for her flight attendant videos. We’ll dive deep into the detail of lawsuit is about and its implications for both the parties involved and the broader industry.

Table of Contents

Sierra Mist: The Soda Saga

Sierra Mist was a lemon-lime soft drink line debuted by PepsiCo in 1999. The beverage, with its mountain-inspired name, was a popular choice among consumers seeking a lighter carbonated drink option. The soft drink evolved through rebrandings and formula changes, adapting to consumer preferences and market trends.

However, in January 2023, Sierra Mist was discontinued, and a new lemon-lime soda named “Starry” was introduced. This sudden withdrawal of Sierra Mist from the market left its loyal fans puzzled and longing for answers.

Controversy: Sierra Mist versus Cierra Mistt

The crux of the Sierra Mist lawsuit revolves around the clash between PepsiCo and Cierra Mistt. The legal battle ensued after PepsiCo accused Cierra Mistt of infringing upon their trademark for Sierra Mist by using a similar name on social media platforms.

This lawsuit has generated significant attention and curiosity on the internet, particularly among the online community of Cierra Mistt’s followers. The TikTok star has been very vocal about the lawsuit, sharing her side of the story on her social media platforms, which only added fuel to the fire.

Accusations: A Closer Look

The allegations against Cierra Mistt are centered on the premise that her use of the name “Cierra Mistt” infringes upon PepsiCo’s trademark for Sierra Mist. The company claims that this could potentially confuse consumers and dilute the value of their trademark.

In response to these allegations, Cierra Mistt took to her social media accounts to defend herself, stating that PepsiCo had accused her of trademark infringement. She not only denied any wrongdoing but also proclaimed victory in the legal battle against PepsiCo.

PepsiCo’s Silence: Fueling Speculation

Despite the widespread attention and discussion surrounding the Sierra Mist lawsuit, PepsiCo has remained silent on the matter. This lack of official confirmation from the company has led to further speculation and debate online.

This standoff underscores the complexities surrounding intellectual property rights in the digital age, especially when it comes to online branding. It also highlights the power of social media platforms in influencing public opinion and shaping the narrative around such disputes.

Outcome: An Unresolved Mystery

While the Sierra Mist lawsuit continues to be a topic of discussion, the actual outcome of the legal dispute remains unclear. Cierra Mistt has claimed victory, but without any official statement or confirmation from PepsiCo, it’s hard to ascertain the truth.

This case serves as a cautionary tale for content creators and corporations alike. It highlights the need for clear understanding and respect for intellectual property rights, especially in the age of social media. These days, the lines between personal and corporate branding can often blur.

Sierra Mist Rebranding: A Strategy or A Coincidence?

Parallel to the Sierra Mist lawsuit, another significant development was the rebranding of Sierra Mist to Starry. This decision by PepsiCo sparked discussions and debates online. Some even speculated that the rebranding has something to do with the lawsuit.

However, PepsiCo has clarified that the decision to rebrand was part of their strategy to revamp their lemon-lime soda offering. They aim to compete more effectively against other popular brands in the market. Many believe Starry is an attempt by PepsiCo to cater to the evolving preferences of the younger generation.

Aftermath: Impact and Implications

The Sierra Mist lawsuit and the subsequent rebranding have had significant implications for both PepsiCo and Cierra Mistt. On one hand, PepsiCo has had to navigate a potential reputational crisis, while on the other, Cierra Mistt has had to defend herself against accusations of trademark infringement.

This case also serves as a wake-up call for corporations to safeguard their trademarks in the digital age. It underscores the need for companies to have robust strategies in place to protect their brand names from potential infringements, especially on social media platforms.

While the actual outcome of the lawsuit remains a mystery, the saga serves as a learning opportunity for other companies and influencers. The digital landscape continues to evolve. It’s essential to stay updated on the latest developments in intellectual property law to avoid similar disputes in the future.

FAQs about The Sierra Mist Lawsuit

  1. What is the Sierra Mist lawsuit?The Sierra Mist lawsuit is a legal dispute between PepsiCo and TikTok influencer Cierra Mistt over the alleged infringement of the Sierra Mist trademark.
  2. Why was Sierra Mist discontinued?Sierra Mist was discontinued in January 2023 to make way for a new lemon-lime soda named “Starry”.
  3. What are the accusations against Cierra Mistt?Cierra Mistt is accused of infringing upon PepsiCo’s trademark for Sierra Mist by using a similar name on social media platforms.
  4. What has been PepsiCo’s response to the lawsuit?PepsiCo has remained silent on the issue and has not released any official statement regarding the lawsuit.
  5. What is the outcome of the Sierra Mist lawsuit?The actual outcome of the lawsuit remains unclear. Cierra Mistt has claimed victory, but without any official statement from PepsiCo, it’s hard to ascertain the truth.
Sierra Mist Lawsuit Details - Lawguage (2024)

FAQs

Is cierra mist really a flight attendant? ›

Yes, she is a real flight attendant. She was a crew member for Republic Airways.

Did Pepsi lose the copyright to Sierra Mist? ›

However, she and her lawyer discovered the company's rights to “Sierra Mist” had expired. Since Mistt felt like she was being “intimated and gaslit” by the company, she bought the copyright. According to the Copyright Office, copyright protection lasts only for a limited time period.

Why did Sierra Mist get changed to Starry? ›

Starry is a lemon-lime soft drink distributed by PepsiCo. Distribution began in January 2023. The brand is aimed at competing against Sprite and 7 Up. In January 2023, Starry replaced Sierra Mist as Pepsi's lemon-lime flavored drink, in part because Sierra Mist failed to gain market share in the growing category.

Who owns the copyright to Sierra Mist? ›

Sierra Mist is a discontinued lemon-lime flavored soft drink line. Originally introduced by PepsiCo in 1999, it was eventually made available in all US markets by 2003. The name is a play on Mountain Dew: "sierra" is the Spanish word for "mountain range" and both mist and dew are composed of water droplets.

Did Cerra Mistt really sue Pepsi? ›

Now, a TikTok creator, Cierra Mistt, is speaking out about the soda name change. She claims that PepsiCo took legal action against her, due to her name's likeness to PepsiCo's soda Sierra Mist.

What happened to cierra mist? ›

Fans of the beverage Sierra Mist were disappointed when the drink disappeared in January. At that time, PepsiCo announced that the lemon-lime soda would be discontinued and replaced by a new drink called Starry.

Is Starry just Sprite? ›

Starry certainly has a unique flavor, with hints of starfruit and citrus, but it's just not as refreshing as Sprite. Sprite has a crisp, clean taste that quenches your thirst and leaves you feeling energized.

Does Starry still taste like Sierra Mist? ›

Is Starry different than Sierra Mist? Yes, while both are lemon-lime sodas, they differ in their sweeteners and flavor profiles. Sierra Mist was known for its intense sweetness due to the use of cane sugar. In contrast, Starry uses high-fructose corn syrup, which lends a cleaner, more neutral sweetness.

What was Starry's name before? ›

In 2015, PepsiCo rebranded Sierra Mist as Mist Twist before reverting to the original name, then abandoning it altogether to make a fresh attempt with Starry. From Teem to Starry, each soft drink has been trying to do the same thing: triumph over Sprite, which dominates the lemon-lime soda market.

Did someone sue Sierra Mist? ›

After receiving a cease-and-desist letter from Pepsi, alleging her social media handle infringed their brand values, she discovered the trademark had expired, prompting her controversial response. Attorney LaConya Murray dives into the Sierra Mist rebranding saga, offering valuable legal insights and trademark tips.

Who makes 7 Up? ›

7 Up (stylized as 7up outside the United States) or Seven Up is an American brand of lemon-lime–flavored non-caffeinated soft drink. The brand and formula are owned by Keurig Dr Pepper, although the beverage is internationally distributed by PepsiCo except the UK where it is distributed by Britvic.

Who owns Sprite? ›

Sprite is a lemon-lime flavored soda that is owned by The Coca-Cola Company, which is a multinational beverage corporation based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Sprite was first introduced in the United States in 1961, and it has since become popular in many countries around the world.

What does cierra mist do for a living? ›

Cierra Huffman, best known by her social media name, Cierra Mistt, is an American social media influencer and flight attendant.

What airline does Cerra Mistt fly for? ›

'Spicy Flight Attendant' Cierra Misst, who used to work regional jets for Republic Airways which is an Express carrier for American, United and Delta, returned to social media after having her accounts banned as the result of complaints by other cabin crew.

Is the flight attendant Academy real? ›

The Flight Attendant Academy is a small, woman owned business that works with those that desire a flight attendant career. We teach you the aviation industry standards, what it takes to be a successful flight attendant and assist you in getting hired.

Is the Sierra Mist lawsuit real? ›

Cierra Mistt, an influencer, claims to have sparked the rebranding of the beverage Sierra Mist due to trademark issues. After receiving a cease-and-desist letter from Pepsi, alleging her social media handle infringed their brand values, she discovered the trademark had expired, prompting her controversial response.

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