Even after renaming, X retains Twitter brand; new trademark dispute arises

Staff Report: PNN

Elon Musk-owned social media platform X updated its terms of service, stating that the “Twitter” name, related trademark, and the iconic blue bird symbol remain its property. This clarification came after a U.S. startup attempted to register the name Twitter.

The Virginia-based startup Operation Bluebird filed for the trademark, claiming that by renaming Twitter to X, Musk abandoned the old brand. X responded in court, asserting ownership of “Twitter,” “Tweet,” and the blue bird symbol.

X’s updated terms, effective 15 January 2026, prohibit anyone from using X or Twitter’s name, logo, domain, or brand elements without written permission. Previously, only X was mentioned. The update also includes EU legal compliance, content creation policies, and age verification technology in privacy rules.