Operation Bluebird, a new startup, has launched a formal effort to reclaim Twitter’s trademark. It argues that both the “Twitter” and “Tweet” trademarks have been abandoned by the Elon Musk-owned company. The startup has filed a petition with the US Patent and Trademark Office seeking cancellation of X Corp.’s ownership of both trademarks.
Operation Bluebird pushes forward with an effort to revive the Twitter brand
To begin with, Operation Bluebird is a new startup created by trademark attorneys Michael Peroff and Stephen Coates. It was created specifically to restore the Twitter identity through a proposed platform called Twitter.new. In its petition to the US Patent and Trademark Office, the startup claims that X Corp. has discontinued use of the Twitter marks and no longer intends to resume them.
That’s not all. The filing also points to a public statement from Elon Musk, including his declaration that his firm would bid farewell to the Twitter brand as it transitioned to X. Coates says their new app will resemble the legacy experience. Additionally, it will offer tools focused on safety and user control. Operation Bluebird is also considering the use of AI-based moderation and fact-checking in its “new” version of Twitter.
The legacy Twitter app might make a comeback
To further prove their point, the founders have argued that X’s rebranding, removal of the bird logo, and redirection of Twitter.com traffic all demonstrate abandonment. The chances of them getting the trademark are high. In US law, a mark can be canceled if its owner stops using it and has no intent to resume.
Some experts have suggested that residual goodwill, as reflected in the public’s continued use of the words “Twitter” and “Tweet,” could help X preserve its rights despite the rebranding. X Corp. has until February to respond to the petition. However, the final decision could take years. Operation Bluebird states that it is prepared for a long-term battle.
