A US-based social media startup, Operation Bluebird, has made headlines by petitioning the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to cancel trademarks associated with the iconic Twitter brand, claiming they have been abandoned by Elon Musk’s X Corp.
This bold move comes as the startup seeks to use the terms “Twitter” and “tweet” for its rival platform, tentatively named “twitter.new”, sparking debates over intellectual property rights in the tech industry.
The History Behind Twitter’s Transformation into X
Twitter, once a dominant force in social media, was acquired by Elon Musk in 2022 for $44 billion and rebranded to X in a bid to create an “everything app” akin to China’s WeChat.
This rebranding has faced mixed reactions, with some users and analysts questioning the abandonment of a globally recognized name like Twitter, which had shaped online discourse for over a decade.
Operation Bluebird’s Strategic Move
Operation Bluebird, based in Virginia, argues that X Corp’s shift away from the Twitter branding constitutes an abandonment of the trademarks, opening the door for new players to reclaim the legacy.
The startup’s petition, filed on December 2, 2025, also includes an application to trademark “Twitter” for itself, as reported by sources like The Hindu.
Impact on the Social Media Landscape
If successful, Operation Bluebird’s bid could reshape the competitive dynamics of social media by reviving a nostalgic brand that still holds significant cultural weight among users worldwide.
However, legal experts caution that challenging a giant like X Corp, backed by Musk’s resources, may prove to be an uphill battle for the fledgling startup.
Future Implications for X and Twitter’s Legacy
Looking ahead, the outcome of this trademark dispute could influence how other tech giants manage their branding transitions, especially in an era where user loyalty is tied to familiarity.
For X, losing the Twitter trademarks might not impact daily operations but could symbolize a further erosion of its historical identity under Musk’s leadership.
Meanwhile, Operation Bluebird’s plans for “twitter.new” remain unclear, leaving observers curious about whether it can capture the essence of the original platform while innovating for a modern audience.
As this story unfolds, the clash between legacy branding and corporate reinvention promises to be a defining moment in social media history.
Alfred Lee
