Monday, May 7, 2012

The heirs of the man who helped develop the formula for Pepsi are suing the soda company over their right to share with the public documents detailing their father's invention.

The daughter and son of Richard Ritchie say PepsiCo Inc. is interfering with their ability to market or sell the rights of their father's life story and documents detailing his 1931 soda formula.

The suit seeks a declaration that their disclosure of the documents would be protected by First Amendment rights and wouldn't be considered a trade secret violation.

A representative for PepsiCo said the Purchase, N.Y., company does not comment on pending litigation. Attorneys for the plaintiffs did not immediately return calls for comment.