Let K be a field, I⊂R=K[x1,…,xn] and J⊂T=K[y1,…,ym] be graded ideals. Set S=R⊗KT and let L=IS+JS. The behaviour of the v-function v(Lk) in terms of the v-functions v(Ik) and v(Jk) is investigated. When I and J are monomial ideals, we describe v(Lk), giving an explicit formula involving v(Ik) and v(Jk).