Poppi, the prebiotic soda brand, just made headlines with a $1.95 billion acquisition by PepsiCo—but its journey began far from the boardroom. Founded in 2015 by Allison Ellsworth, the company started as a kitchen experiment using apple cider vinegar and fruit juices. Originally branded as “Mother Beverage,” it made its national debut on Shark Tank in 2018, securing a $400,000 investment from Rohan Oza.
Following that appearance, the company underwent a critical pivot: a rebrand to “Poppi.” This wasn’t just a name change—it was a masterclass in strategic brand building. With bold, playful packaging, a memorable name, and a strong focus on gut health, Poppi carved out a distinct identity in the crowded beverage space.
The Power of a Trademarked Brand
Rebranding to Poppi came with another major advantage: trademark protection. A strong, unique name made it easier to secure intellectual property rights, helping the brand build equity and avoid legal disputes. In today’s marketplace, a registered trademark is more than a legal formality—it’s an asset that adds real value during acquisitions.
Legal Challenges and Lessons
Despite its success, Poppi faced legal scrutiny over health claims, eventually settling a class-action lawsuit for $8.9 million. This highlights another crucial element of brand strategy: truthful, compliant marketing. Brand growth is powerful—but it must be backed by a solid legal foundation.
Ready to Protect Your Brand?
Poppi’s story is a case study in how trademark strategy and brand protection can turn a startup into a billion-dollar brand. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
👉 Visit joseph.legal/register-a-trademark to start protecting your brand today.