In early 2023, PepsiCo quietly pulled the plug on its citrus soda brand, Sierra Mist, and launched a new drink under the name Starry. As the rebrand hit the shelves, an entertaining theory emerged on TikTok and spread across social media: PepsiCo was allegedly forced to change the name because of a trademark dispute with a TikTok creator named Cierra Mistt. But is it true? As it turns out, this viral story is more fiction than fact. While Cierra Mistt did receive a cease and desist letter from PepsiCo, the reason had nothing to do with a lost lawsuit. Let’s untangle the facts.
The Business Reality: Starry Was a Strategic Pivot
The decision to discontinue Sierra Mist and replace it with Starry was driven by years of declining popularity. Sierra Mist, originally launched in 1999 to compete with Coca-Cola’s Sprite, never gained dominant market share in the lemon-lime soda category. According to industry analysts, it consistently lagged behind Sprite and even newer entrants like 7UP and private label sodas.
In response, PepsiCo made a strategic brand overhaul. Starry debuted in January 2023 with a fresh visual identity, modern flavor profile, and a campaign targeted at Gen Z consumers. The goal was clear: reset the brand’s trajectory in a crowded space where Sprite had a commanding lead.
There was no trademark litigation forcing PepsiCo’s hand. This was a proactive business decision—not the result of a court loss.
The Cierra Mistt Connection: Where the Rumor Started
The viral narrative gained traction after TikTok creator Cierra Mistt, known for posting airline and travel content, shared that she received a cease and desist letter from PepsiCo regarding the use of her online name.
Social media users began speculating that the soda giant had lost a trademark battle against the influencer, implying that she had somehow forced the rebrand from Sierra Mist to Starry. This story quickly spread across TikTok and Twitter, fueling the belief that PepsiCo no longer had rights to the name “Sierra Mist.”
However, fact-checking websites and trademark attorneys pointed out that this interpretation is inaccurate.
The Legal Truth: No Lawsuit, No Loss of Trademark
Cierra Mistt did not file or win a trademark dispute against PepsiCo. In fact, there is no evidence of any federal lawsuit or USPTO opposition proceeding between the parties regarding the name.
Instead, PepsiCo appears to have sent a cease and desist letter based on potential consumer confusion—particularly around the similar pronunciation and spelling of the names. This is standard practice in trademark enforcement. It doesn’t mean PepsiCo lost anything; it means they were actively enforcing their rights to the Sierra Mist brand.
Importantly, PepsiCo still owns the U.S. federal trademark registration for SIERRA MIST. A quick search of the USPTO database confirms that the registration remains valid and in force.
If PepsiCo had actually lost a trademark case involving the name, that would be a matter of public record. It’s not.
Understanding Trademark Enforcement and Rebrands
This situation illustrates two important legal and branding concepts:
- Cease and Desist ≠ Lost Lawsuit
Sending a cease and desist letter is a routine part of trademark policing. It’s not a lawsuit, and receiving one doesn’t mean the sender is losing or has lost a dispute. In this case, PepsiCo was proactively defending the SIERRA MIST mark—not retreating from it. - Rebrands Often Reflect Market Strategy, Not Legal Pressure
Companies rebrand all the time to reposition themselves in the market. When a product like Sierra Mist underperforms for years, executives may conclude that a fresh name and identity—like Starry—can help capture a new audience.
Legal issues can trigger rebrands, especially in cases of trademark infringement or settlement. But that’s not what happened here.
Why This Story Went Viral Anyway
People love David vs. Goliath stories, and the idea that a TikTok creator accidentally took down a billion-dollar soda brand was simply too good to resist. Combine that with real elements (a creator named Cierra Mistt and a real cease and desist letter), and the myth almost writes itself.
But good storytelling doesn’t always mean good law.
As of today, Starry is PepsiCo’s go-forward lemon-lime soda, and SIERRA MIST remains a protected trademark. The cease and desist letter was just one of many tools large brands use to protect their IP—not the catalyst for a name change.
Final Thoughts on Trademark Myths and Brand Strategy
The best keyword for this blog is Sierra Mist trademark, because it balances brand recognition with legal intent. It’s highly discoverable, SEO-optimized, and reflects what readers are most likely searching when they encounter the viral TikTok story or research PepsiCo’s brand strategy.
This story is a perfect example of how trademark law, brand strategy, and internet misinformation can collide. Startups, creators, and entrepreneurs should take note: cease and desist letters are serious, but they don’t always mean litigation, and they certainly don’t mean the sender lost their rights.
David Nima Sharifi, Esq., founder of the L.A. Tech and Media Law Firm, is a nationally recognized IP and technology attorney with decades of experience in M&A transactions, startup structuring, and high-stakes intellectual property protection, focused on digital assets and tech innovation. Featured in the Wall Street Journal and recognized among the Top 30 New Media and E-Commerce Attorneys by the Los Angeles Business Journal, David regularly advises founders, investors, and acquirers on the legal infrastructure of innovation.
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