PepsiCo, the global corporation that owns brands like Doritos and Gatorade, has taken notice of an ad by iconic Portland bike shop, River City Bicycles. At issue is one of PepsiCo’s oldest and most valued brands, Quaker Oats.
PepsiCo’s trademark lawyer, Janet Silverberg has sent River City management a cease and desist letter regarding an ad by River City that spoofs a box of Quaker Oats. The ad, which is part of the shop’s “Commute by bike” series, ran in last weeks Willamette Week newspaper and PepsiCo claims it is in violation of their trademark.
No official comment yet from River City and I apologize for not having a graphic of the ad in question. I’ll post it once I can track it down.