In a legal showdown, X Corp, previously known as Twitter, finds itself in the hot seat as it faces a federal lawsuit in Florida. X Social Media, a legal-marketing firm, alleges that the social media giant’s rebranding to X infringes upon its trademark that incorporates the letter “X.”
X Social Media contends that Elon Musk’s X Corp, which initiated the transition from Twitter to X in July, has the potential to cause confusion among consumers. The lawsuit underscores the significance of branding and the potential for overlap in the use of common letters within the tech industry.
The letter “X” is not an uncommon element in tech company names, with hundreds of federal trademarks incorporating it, including major players like Microsoft and Meta Platforms. Interestingly, X Corp recently applied for its own U.S. trademarks involving the letter “X,” setting the stage for potential trademark disputes.
As the legal battle unfolds, X Corp has yet to provide an official response to the complaint, while X Social Media has chosen not to comment at this time.
X Social Media, headquartered in Windermere, Florida, specializes in ad campaigns centered on mass-tort litigation. Established in 2015 by Jacob and Roseanna Malherbe, the agency aimed to connect Florida panhandle residents with legal assistance in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The lawsuit asserts that X Social Media has been using its name, “X Social Media,” since 2016 and holds a federal trademark that covers it. The company further states that it has invested over $400 million in Facebook advertising to reach potential clients. According to the lawsuit, Twitter’s rebranding has already led to customer confusion and revenue loss for X Social Media.
“In a short time, X Corp has wielded its social media clout, marketing resources, and overall national notoriety to dominate consumer perception of its ‘X’ mark,” the lawsuit contends.
X Social Media seeks a court order to compel Musk’s company to cease using the “X” name and is also requesting unspecified monetary damages.
As this case unfolds, it will set a precedent for future disputes involving branding rights in the ever-evolving tech landscape.