Elon Musk’s X Corporation has escalated its defense against Operation Bluebird, a Virginia-based startup attempting to reclaim ownership of the Twitter trademarks. The startup filed a petition with the US Patent and Trademark Office to cancel X’s trademarks for “Twitter” and “tweet,” arguing that X has abandoned the brand. The group’s ambitious plan: revive Twitter as a competitor platform that would capitalize on nostalgia for the original social media service.
X Strengthens Legal Position with Updated Terms
X responded swiftly by revising its Terms of Service, effective January 15, 2026. The update explicitly prohibits use of the Twitter name and associated trademarks, logos, and brand features without written consent. Previously, the terms only referenced X branding, making this revision a preemptive legal strike. X simultaneously launched a countersuit asserting exclusive ownership of all Twitter and Tweet trademarks and the iconic bluebird logo.
Operation Bluebird’s Uncertain Future
Despite Operation Bluebird’s intellectual property expertise, the group faces an uphill battle against X’s vast legal resources and precedent. The startup’s website has already been taken offline, suggesting retreat from the aggressive trademark challenge. Industry observers remain skeptical about whether users would genuinely migrate to a Twitter replica simply for brand familiarity, especially when alternatives like Bluesky offer similar functionality with active user bases.
Musk’s aggressive trademark defense aligns with his history of protecting X’s intellectual property interests. This legal maneuver effectively blocks Operation Bluebird’s pathway before formal proceedings begin, demonstrating X’s determination to maintain exclusive control over Twitter-related assets.