X Twitter trademarks are back in the spotlight after the platform quietly updated its terms of service, signaling concern over a legal challenge that could strip the company of control over the Twitter name. Although X dropped the bird logo and branding years ago, the move shows it is not ready to give up the brand’s remaining legal and commercial value.
Why X Twitter trademarks are back in focus
Until recently, X’s terms of service mentioned only the X brand. That changed quietly, as the company added explicit references to Twitter and Tweet trademarks.
In practice, the updated language makes clear that users have no right to use either name. Instead, written consent from X is required.
At the same time, X now faces a petition at the US Patent and Trademark Office seeking to cancel its control of the Twitter trademarks. According to the filing, the company abandoned the brand after rebranding.
By updating its terms, X appears to reinforce its ownership claim.
The startup challenging X Twitter trademarks
The challenge comes from Operation Bluebird. Specifically, the startup was co-founded by former Twitter general counsel Stephen Coates.
Operation Bluebird says it plans to revive the Twitter and Tweet brands. In addition, its filing mentions new products and services, including a social platform tied to the domain twitter.new.
From its perspective, X removed Twitter branding from products, services, and marketing. Under trademark law, that can qualify as abandonment. Ultimately, the company wants to reuse the brand.
That approach puts direct pressure on X Twitter trademarks.
Elon Musk’s past statements complicate the case
To support its claim, Operation Bluebird points to Elon Musk’s own words. After acquiring Twitter in 2022, Musk openly discussed ending the Twitter brand.
At the time, he described the move as a farewell to both the name and the bird logo. Those statements, in turn, supported the rebrand to X.
However, one detail complicates that narrative. Even now, Twitter.com still redirects to X.com. In effect, the brand never fully disappeared.
What the updated terms of service say
According to the revised terms, users have no rights to the X or Twitter names. The same applies to logos, domains, and brand features.
More importantly, the language treats Twitter trademarks as exclusive property of X. Meanwhile, reports suggest the company also filed a counter-petition to reaffirm ownership.
Taken together, these moves show that X still sees value in the Twitter name.
Operation Bluebird claims X abandoned Twitter
In response, Stephen Coates says the law favors his company. Specifically, he argues that X abandoned the Twitter mark by declaring it obsolete and investing in a new identity.
From his viewpoint, the effort represents a revival rather than a takeover. In other words, he believes the Twitter name still resonates with users.
As he puts it, X said goodbye, and Operation Bluebird says hello.
Early interest raises the stakes
So far, Operation Bluebird says more than 145,000 people have reserved handles on its planned platform. While that does not guarantee success, it shows strong interest in the Twitter name.
Because of that, X may see the project as a threat. Alternatively, the public attention may have simply forced the company to act.
Either way, X no longer appears willing to leave the issue unresolved.
Why X Twitter trademarks still matter
Despite the rebrand, Twitter remains one of the most recognizable names in social media. Even today, many users and advertisers still use the old name.
If X lost the trademarks, it would weaken control over that legacy. At the same time, competitors could benefit from long-established recognition.
For X, this fight is not about nostalgia. Instead, it is about protecting brand equity.
What happens next
Now, the dispute moves through formal legal channels. Both sides insist trademark law supports their case.
Ultimately, regulators will decide whether X abandoned the brand or simply rebranded. Depending on the outcome, the case could shape how tech companies handle legacy names.
For now, the fight over X Twitter trademarks shows that leaving a brand behind does not always mean letting it go.
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