X Updates Terms of Service Amid Trademark Dispute Over ‘Twitter’

Elon Musk’s social media company, X, has revised its Terms of Service to clarify that it continues to assert ownership of the “Twitter” trademark. The update comes in response to a Virginia-based startup, Operation Bluebird, which recently filed an application to register the “Twitter” trademark.

Startup Claims Twitter Brand Was Abandoned

Operation Bluebird argues that X abandoned the Twitter brand when it rebranded its social network as X. In its petition to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on December 2, the startup cited a post by Musk from July 23, 2023, in which he stated the platform would soon “bid adieu to the twitter brand.”

X Counters With Legal Action

In response, X filed a countersuit asserting that it continues to exclusively own the Twitter and Tweet trademarks, along with the iconic bluebird logo. A copy of X’s filing was shared with TechCrunch via the intellectual property law firm Gerben IP, though it was not yet visible on PACER at the time of reporting.

Operation Bluebird’s Plans Under Scrutiny

Since submitting its cancellation petition, Operation Bluebird has been gathering potential user sign-ups for a new social network hosted at Twitter.new. The initiative is led by two lawyers, including founder Michael Peroff from Illinois and Stephen Coates, a former trademark attorney at Twitter.

While Operation Bluebird claims it intends to launch a rival platform, industry observers suggest the team is more likely seeking to acquire the trademark itself, which carries significant value.

Revised Terms of Service and Privacy Updates

X’s updated Terms of Service, effective January 15, 2026, now explicitly mention Twitter in sections that previously only referenced X. The update also includes minor changes related to EU regulations and generated content. Meanwhile, X’s Privacy Policy was amended to incorporate references to age assurance technology.

Looking Ahead

This legal tussle highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding tech brand rebranding and intellectual property. As X moves to protect its legacy trademarks, Operation Bluebird’s ambitions will likely remain under close scrutiny from both legal experts and the social media industry.