- By Alex David
- Wed, 17 Dec 2025 02:58 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
X, owned by Elon Musk, is suing a US startup company which tried to trademark the name “Twitter”, claiming it had been abandoned when the social media platform rebranded in 203. The lawsuit leaves no doubt that X has absolutely no plans to relinquish control of the Twitter name, logo or trademarks tied to it, even with the company’s headline-making decision to rebrand under the X moniker. It has also modified its Terms of Service to clarify that it still owns all X and Twitter branding, suggesting the social media network is not going to take allegations of IP theft lying down.
Why the Lawsuit Was Filed
The dispute began earlier this month when Operation Bluebird, a startup based in Virginia, filed a petition with the US Patent and Trademark Office on December 2. The company claimed that X had effectively abandoned the Twitter trademark after the rebrand and therefore the name should be open for registration.
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To support its claim, Operation Bluebird cited a post by Elon Musk from July 23, 2023, in which he said the platform would soon “bid adieu to the twitter brand.” The startup argued that this statement, combined with the platform’s name change, amounted to a clear abandonment of the trademark.
X Pushes Back on ‘Abandonment’ Claims
X has strongly rejected this interpretation. In its countersuit, the company stated that it has never relinquished ownership of the Twitter name, the “Tweet” trademark, or the iconic blue bird logo. According to reports, X continues to use and protect these assets legally, even if they are no longer front and centre in its branding.
To reinforce its position, X has updated its Terms of Service, making explicit references to Twitter for the first time since the rebrand.
X Updates Its Terms of Service
The new Terms of Service, effective Jan. 15, 2026, now explicitly say that users have no right to use either brand without permission. The new language says that nothing in the terms gives you a right to use any of X's or Twitter's name, trademark, logo, domain name, and other brand features as your own without permission in writing.
That’s a significant shift from previous versions of the terms, which did not refer explicitly to Twitter at all and only included X in the mention. The update seems intended to bolster X’s legal standing as the trademark battle plays out.
Other Policy Changes
In addition to the trademark explanation, X has made some minor amendments to its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. These range from references to EU laws, automated content and age verification tech – reflecting wider regulatory and platform developments.
What This Means Going Forward
The complaint notes that, despite the rebrand, X continues to view Twitter as an asset of significant value and one that it regards as protected. But as the platform’s public-facing identity changes, it seems increasingly clear that the company is bound and determined not to give up the name Twitter. The ruling against Madkins’s company could establish a significant precedent with regard to how rebranded tech companies wield legacy trademarks even long after they have moved on.