In this episode of Naming in an AI Age, NameStormers Director of Ops Ashley Elliott and CEO Mike Carr discuss a viral incident involving an influencer named Cierra Misst, who claimed PepsiCo sent her a cease and desist letter after rebranding their lemon-lime drink Sierra Mist to Starry. 

They clarify that while she alleged Pepsi let the trademark lapse, this was misleading; PepsiCo still owns the Sierra Mist trademark, as confirmed by the USPTO. Mike emphasizes the importance of maintaining trademarks in a crowded market, especially with AI creating similar names, and notes that trademarks can coexist across industries if they don't cause consumer confusion. They also recommend consulting a trademark attorney for portfolio management and stress the need for fact-checking claims in today's viral news landscape.