Elon Musk's social media company, X Corp., has initiated legal proceedings against a startup firm in a significant trademark dispute. The lawsuit, filed in a Delaware federal court, centres on the iconic 'Twitter' brand name.
The Core of the Legal Battle
The defendant, a startup named Operation Bluebird, had moved to cancel X Corp.'s trademarks related to the 'Twitter' name. Their argument was that the company had effectively abandoned these trademarks following the high-profile rebranding of the social media platform to 'X'.
Operation Bluebird, founded by Michael Peroff, had intended to use the 'Twitter' name for a new rival social media platform it planned to launch. This move prompted the swift legal response from Musk's company.
X Corp.'s Stance: Brand is 'Alive and Well'
In its court filing, X Corp. pushed back strongly against the claim of abandonment. The company asserted that the Twitter brand remains 'alive and well' despite the platform's visual and nominal shift to X. They argue that a corporate rebrand does not legally equate to forfeiting established trademark rights.
The filing, dated Tuesday 16 December 2025, sets the stage for a potentially protracted legal fight over intellectual property in the digital age.
Operation Bluebird Ready for a Fight
Michael Peroff, the founder of Operation Bluebird, has indicated his company is prepared for a lengthy legal challenge. He stated they are ready to take the matter 'as far as necessary' to achieve their goal of using the Twitter name.
This case highlights the complex commercial and legal aftermath of Musk's decision to retire one of the internet's most recognisable brand names. The outcome could set a precedent for how trademark law interprets major corporate rebrands in the tech sector.
