New Delhi: A fresh legal confrontation has emerged around the iconic ‘Twitter’ name, with Elon Musk-owned X Corp filing a lawsuit against a US-based startup that is attempting to claim rights over the former brand. The dispute centres on whether X Corp has legally abandoned the Twitter trademark following the platform’s rebranding to X.
X Corp has moved the US District Court in Delaware, seeking to block startup Operation Bluebird from using the Twitter name or related branding. The company has also sought damages, accusing the rival firm of trademark infringement and deliberate attempts to create consumer confusion.
At the heart of the case is Operation Bluebird’s claim that X Corp forfeited its rights over the Twitter brand after Musk renamed the platform and phased out the blue bird logo. The startup has argued that the move constitutes “abandonment” under US trademark law, making the name available for reuse.
Attempt to Cancel Twitter Trademarks
Operation Bluebird has filed petitions before the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) seeking cancellation of X Corp’s federal trademarks for “Twitter” and “Tweet.” The startup contends that X Corp no longer uses these marks in commerce, pointing to the company’s rebranding strategy, the removal of Twitter’s legacy identity, and the migration of its primary domain to x.com.
The startup’s founder has publicly stated that the objective is to “bring Twitter back” as a new social media platform. In line with this goal, Operation Bluebird has applied to register the name “twitter.new” for a proposed rival service.
X Corp’s Firm Rebuttal
X Corp has strongly rejected these assertions, arguing that rebranding does not amount to abandonment of trademark rights. In its court filings, the company has maintained that the Twitter brand remains “alive and well” and continues to enjoy widespread recognition among users, advertisers, and the general public.
The company has pointed out that millions of users still access the platform via twitter.com, which automatically redirects to X. It has also noted that the term “Twitter” continues to be widely used in public discourse, media reporting, and commercial references, reinforcing the brand’s ongoing association with X Corp.
According to X Corp, these factors demonstrate continued use of the trademark and a clear intent to preserve ownership, both of which are essential under trademark law to prevent abandonment.
Risk of Consumer Confusion
In its lawsuit, X Corp has warned that Operation Bluebird’s proposed use of the Twitter name could lead to significant consumer confusion. The company has argued that users may mistakenly believe the new platform is affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official successor to X, thereby undermining brand integrity and misleading the public.
X Corp has asserted that such conduct constitutes a direct violation of trademark protection laws and could dilute the goodwill built around the Twitter name over more than a decade.
A Test Case for Trademark Law
Legal experts say the case could become an important test of the “abandonment” doctrine in trademark law. Generally, a trademark may be deemed abandoned if its owner discontinues use with no intention to resume it. However, continued public recognition, residual use, and digital redirection often complicate such determinations.
X Corp’s argument rests on the premise that even though the platform now operates under a new name, the legacy brand retains commercial value and ongoing public association.
Industry Watching Closely
The lawsuit comes at a time when major technology companies are increasingly engaging in large-scale rebranding exercises. Observers say the outcome could influence how firms manage legacy brands after strategic name changes.
While the blue bird logo may have disappeared from the platform’s interface, the legal battle over the Twitter name is far from over—and its resolution could shape future branding and trademark strategies across the global tech industry.
