On December 16, 2025, X Corp filed a lawsuit in Delaware federal court against Operation Bluebird, accusing the firm of “brazenly attempting to steal” the Twitter trademarks. 

Days earlier, the company had also revised its Terms of Service to make one point explicit: Twitter is still its property.

The case centres on whether Elon Musk abandoned the Twitter brand when he rebranded the social network as X in July 2023. Operation Bluebird, a Virginia-based startup, says he did. 

In a petition filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on December 2, the group argued that Musk’s rebrand amounted to trademark abandonment, pointing to his 2023 statement that the platform would soon “bid adieu to the twitter brand.”

X rejects that argument outright. In its court filing, the company stated: “The TWITTER brand is alive and well, owned by X Corp., and is not ripe for the picking.” It also said it continues to hold exclusive rights to the Twitter and Tweet trademarks, as well as the bluebird logo, all of which remain registered with the USPTO.

Beyond the courtroom, X has taken steps to reinforce its position in writing. Its updated Terms of Service, which take effect on January 15, 2026, now explicitly restrict the use of both X and Twitter branding. The clause reads:

Nothing in the Terms gives you a right to use the X name or Twitter name or any of the X or Twitter trademarks, logos, domain names, other distinctive brand features, and other proprietary rights, and you may not do so without our express written consent.

Previously, this section referred only to X. Twitter was not mentioned at all.

Operation Bluebird, meanwhile, has begun collecting sign-ups for a proposed social network through a website called Twitter.new. This is being led by two lawyers, founder Michael Peroff, based in Illinois, and Stephen Coates, who previously worked as a trademark lawyer at Twitter itself. 

Given that background, many observers question whether a rival platform is really the goal. We understand that the greater prize may be the trademark itself, which still carries huge commercial value even without an active product attached to it.

That value explains the urgency of X’s response. Twitter is one of the most widely recognised names in the digital economy, with potential uses ranging from licensing to future relaunches. X appears unwilling to leave any legal gap open.

The updated legal documents also include smaller changes. X added references linked to European Union regulations and adjusted its Privacy Policy to include mentions of age assurance technology. These changes, however, are secondary to the message being sent.

X says Twitter is not history, but an asset, the trademark is still owned, still defended, and now firmly written back into the company’s legal framework.

As revealed by the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) latest Indicators report, the surge was driven by inventors in China, India, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the United States. 

China alone accounted for 1.8 million applications, while the US filed 501,831. India recorded a 19.1% increase in patent filings, continuing a six-year streak of double-digit growth in the global space.

Finland and Türkiye also posted strong increases, with filings growing 15.4% and 14.6% respectively.

“In today’s competitive, global economy, innovation is a key driver of growth with IP at the center of many business strategies – whether protecting and promoting breakthrough technologies, trusted brands or eye-catching designs. 

“The continued growth in IP filings also reflects strong confidence in the IP system and the efforts of governments, with WIPO’s support, to incentivize and strengthen innovation. Sustaining this trust requires ongoing global cooperation to ensure a robust and effective IP framework,” said Daren Tang, WIPO director general.

Globally, computer technology was the most patented field, representing 13.2% of applications in 2023, followed by electrical machinery (7.2%), measurement technologies (6.2%), digital communication (5.8%), and medical technologies (4.9%). 

Computer technology was the only field to experience double-digit growth over the past decade, rising 10.3% from 2013 to 2023.

Trademark applications, meanwhile, stabilised after a two-year slowdown, totaling 15.2 million classes in 2024, a marginal 0.1% decline from 2023. 

China led filings with 7.3 million classes, followed by the US (836,457), Russia (559,436), India (532,900), and Brazil (436,291). Growth was strongest in Brazil (+10.4%), India (+7.4%), and Russia (+2.9%), while China and the US saw slight declines.

Design filings also grew, reaching 1.6 million in 2024, up 2.2% from 2023. China topped global design applications with 906,849 filings, followed by Germany, the US, Italy, and South Korea. 

Among the top 20 countries, India (+44.9%), Morocco (+20.2%), and Indonesia (+18.9%) recorded the largest increases. 

The sectors generating the most design activity included furniture and household goods, textiles and accessories, tools and machines, ICT and audiovisual equipment, and electricity and lighting, which together accounted for nearly 63% of global filings.

Intellectual property is now a very important tool for economic growth, and the report on global patent filings, among other aspects, stresses this even more, driving innovation and brand development across multiple sectors worldwide.

Understanding and addressing legal issues, such as incorporation, intellectual property protection, contracts, and regulatory compliance, can significantly impact a startup’s success and longevity. 

So, let’s delve into the key legal considerations that startups in Nigeria should be aware of and provide valuable insights to navigate these challenges effectively.

1. Incorporation and Business Structure

The first step towards establishing a startup is determining the appropriate business structure and incorporating the company. In Nigeria, the most common options are Private Limited Liability Companies (Ltd) and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP).

Each structure has distinct advantages and compliance requirements, such as minimum share capital and the number of shareholders. Seeking professional legal advice during the incorporation process ensures compliance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and sets the right foundation for your startup’s growth.

2. Intellectual Property Protection

Protecting intellectual property (IP) is crucial for startups aiming to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive edge. In Nigeria, various forms of IP can be protected, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets:

a) Trademarks: Registering trademarks safeguards your startup’s brand identity, logos, and slogans, preventing others from using similar marks that may cause confusion among consumers.

b) Copyrights: Copyright protection extends to original literary, artistic, and musical works, as well as software. It grants creators exclusive rights over their creations, including reproduction, distribution, and public display.

c) Patents: If your startup has developed a unique invention or technological solution, securing a patent provides exclusive rights and prevents others from using, selling, or importing your invention without permission.

d) Trade Secrets: Safeguarding trade secrets, such as proprietary information, manufacturing processes, or customer lists, through confidentiality agreements and robust internal security measures can be crucial in maintaining a competitive advantage.

3. Contracts and Agreements

Clear and well-drafted contracts and agreements are essential for startups when entering into partnerships, collaborations, or employment relationships. Key agreements include:

a) Non-disclosure Agreements (NDAs): NDAs protect sensitive information shared with external parties, ensuring confidentiality and preventing unauthorized disclosure.

b) Employment Contracts: Clearly defining roles, responsibilities, remuneration, and intellectual property ownership in employment contracts minimizes future disputes and protects the startup’s interests.

c) Service Agreements: When engaging with service providers or contractors, comprehensive service agreements help establish expectations, deliverables, payment terms, and intellectual property rights.

4. Regulatory Compliance

Complying with applicable laws and regulations is paramount for startups to avoid legal issues and maintain their reputation. Some critical areas of regulatory compliance include:

a) Data Protection: Startups must adhere to the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) when handling personal data, implementing appropriate security measures, and respecting individuals’ privacy rights.

b) Taxation: Understanding and fulfilling tax obligations is crucial for startups to avoid penalties and legal complications. Registering for relevant tax identification numbers and staying updated on tax laws is essential.

c) Industry-specific Regulations: Depending on the startup’s sector, additional regulations may apply. For example, financial services, healthcare, and technology sectors often have specific compliance requirements that must be met.

Conclusion

By proactively addressing legal and intellectual property considerations, startups in Nigeria can fortify their foundations and enhance their chances of long-term success. 

Seeking guidance from experienced legal professionals who specialize in startup law is highly recommended. Their expertise can provide valuable insights and help navigate the intricacies of the legal landscape. Additionally, staying updated on legal developments and changes in regulations is crucial for startups to adapt their strategies and ensure compliance.

Remember, investing time and effort in understanding and addressing legal considerations is an investment in the future of your startup. With the right legal framework in place, startups can confidently focus on driving innovation, scaling their businesses, and contributing to the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria.