Key Takeaways

  • Twitter trademark infringement occurs when a user misuses another party’s trademark on Twitter in a way that confuses or misleads others about source, affiliation, or endorsement.
  • Twitter’s enforcement includes suspension of accounts, removal of infringing content, or requiring changes to usernames and profiles.
  • Not all uses are violations—fair use (commentary, news, parody) and references distinct from the trademark holder are generally permitted.
  • Reporting options include Twitter’s trademark support form and direct reporting from tweets or profiles, but only federally or internationally registered marks are eligible.
  • Username squatting is prohibited, though Twitter only releases names in connection with valid trademark infringement cases.
  • Recent disputes highlight challenges in protecting Twitter’s brand during and after its rebrand to “X,” with multiple lawsuits alleging confusion and dilution.
  • Trademark owners should act quickly to claim and secure their brand on Twitter, as inactive or misleading accounts can harm reputation and customer trust.

Twitter Trademark Infringement

Twitter trademark infringement is when you use someone else's trademark on your Twitter account in a manner that may cause people to believe you are affiliated with the owner of the trademark. However, making a reference to a trademark is not necessarily a violation of the trademark policy established by Twitter.

Why Twitter Trademark Infringement Matters

Twitter trademark infringement is more than a policy issue—it can have real-world legal and business consequences. Misuse of trademarks on the platform may cause brand dilution, consumer confusion, and reputational harm. With Twitter’s rebrand to “X Corp.,” questions have also emerged about the strength and continuity of its trademarks, sparking litigation over whether long-established rights remain enforceable. For businesses, monitoring Twitter for infringement is an essential part of protecting brand integrity in the digital marketplace.

How Does Twitter Respond to Trademark Reports?

When Twitter determines that their trademark policy has been violated, the offending account may face suspension. In certain cases, the person who owns the account that has committed the violation may be allowed to avoid suspension by complying with the trademark policy. The name and information of the violating account holder may be included in the infringement report.

There is a separate Trademark Policy for Promoted Ads that is used for trademark violations in Twitter Ads.

Twitter will only investigate a claim that has been submitted by the person who holds the trademark or their representative.

Legal Consequences Beyond Twitter’s Policies

While Twitter enforces its own policies, trademark infringement can also result in formal legal action. Courts evaluate whether use of a mark on Twitter creates consumer confusion, unfair competition, or dilution of a brand’s distinctiveness. Lawsuits have already been filed against Twitter’s parent company, X Corp., claiming that its rebranding infringes on existing “X” trademarks held by other businesses. This means that both users and the platform itself may face liability if infringement occurs.

What Is Not a Trademark Violation?

You will not necessarily be in violation of Twitter's trademark policy if you reference a trademark.

Exceptions include:

  • Using or referencing a trademark in a manner that is not covered by the trademark registration.
  • Fair use of the trademark, including news or parody, if it is clear that your account is distinct from the trademark holder.

Examples of Acceptable Trademark Use on Twitter

Acceptable uses of trademarks on Twitter often include:

  • Parody or satire where it is clear there is no affiliation.
  • Editorial or news references that use a trademark in reporting factual information.
  • Comparative advertising if truthful and not misleading.

Courts generally recognize these as “fair use,” provided the content does not confuse users about sponsorship or endorsement. For example, tweeting a joke about “tweeting like a bird” may use the term “Twitter” but is unlikely to mislead audiences into thinking it is affiliated with the company.

How Do I Report a Trademark Policy Violation?

Your first option to report Twitter trademark infringement is using the Trademark Issue support form. Using this form is the best way to submit all the necessary information for processing the claim. If you fail to provide needed information in the support form, Twitter will send you a follow-up request. However, this will delay your infringement claim.

Some violations can be reported directly from the offending profile or tweet. Violations that can be reported in this manner include:

  • Abusive content
  • Ads that could be considered inappropriate
  • Spam
  • Impersonation
  • Self-harm

You cannot report a trademark violation unless your mark has been registered federally or internationally. Registered trademark holders do not need a Twitter account to report a violation of their mark.

How to Report Profiles for Violation

If you want to report a profile for violation, you first need to open the offending profile. On the Twitter website or the Android application, click the overflow icon. If you are using the iOS app, click the gear icon. Choose the Report option, and then choose the issue that you are reporting.

If you are reporting harmful or abusive actions, you will need to provide further information related to your issue. You may also need to provide context by selecting Tweets from your account.

After your report has been submitted, you will be given recommendations for improving your experience on Twitter.

How to Report a Tweet in a Moment for Violations

Find the Tweet in the Moment that you want to report as a violation. Find and click the icon that looks like a downward arrow. Click Report Tweet. Select the issue that you want to report.

How to Report Multiple Components of a Moment for Violations

You can report multiple components of a Moment by visiting the Moments reporting form. Enter the URL of the Moment that you wish to report. Select the issue. Select as many as five Tweets in the Moment that are in violation of Twitter's policy. Submit the report.

Username Squatting Policy

Twitter rules prohibit a practice known as username squatting. It is not considered name squatting or impersonation when an account does not possess a profile image, has posted no updates, and is not being used to mislead other Twitter users. Squatted usernames will only be released in trademark infringement cases. If you want to report username squatting as part of a trademark infringement case, you should consult Twitter policy.

Attempting to buy or sell usernames is prohibited by Twitter and will result in your account being suspended.

You can use the Twitter support form to report username squatting.

Business Risks of Username Squatting

Username squatting on Twitter poses risks to businesses because impersonators or inactive accounts can prevent legitimate companies from controlling their brand identity. Even though Twitter releases squatted names only in trademark infringement cases, delayed enforcement can lead to reputational damage and lost opportunities. Courts have recognized that squatted usernames may cause consumer confusion similar to cybersquatting on domain names. Businesses should act quickly to secure their names and take legal steps if Twitter’s policy enforcement is insufficient.

How to Claim Your Trademark on Twitter

Many large companies make use of Twitter. Twitter is a very effective marketing tool and can also be used for customer service. To claim your trademark, you will need to sign up for a Twitter account, confirm your information, and then customize your profile to include your company information and marks.

Best Practices for Protecting Your Brand on Twitter

To strengthen brand protection on Twitter:

  • Register your trademarks federally or internationally before enforcement.
  • Monitor your brand by setting alerts for usernames, hashtags, or tweets that misuse your marks.
  • Act promptly when infringement occurs—delayed action weakens your case.
  • Engage legal counsel if infringement persists or if confusion threatens your business reputation.

Recent disputes, including lawsuits related to Twitter’s transition to X Corp., show that proactive brand management is critical in preventing costly disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What qualifies as Twitter trademark infringement? Using another company’s mark in a way that confuses people into believing there is an official connection, endorsement, or sponsorship.
  2. Can I mention a brand on Twitter without infringing? Yes. Fair use—such as commentary, parody, or news reporting—does not usually qualify as trademark infringement.
  3. What happens if I report a violation? Twitter may suspend the account, remove content, or require profile changes. In serious cases, legal action outside the platform may follow.
  4. Do I need a registered trademark to report infringement? Yes. Only owners of federally or internationally registered trademarks can file a complaint through Twitter’s system.
  5. What if Twitter itself infringes on a trademark? Companies can pursue legal remedies in court. For example, lawsuits have been filed against X Corp. after its rebrand from Twitter, alleging infringement of existing “X” trademarks.

If you need help understanding Twitter trademark infringement, you can post your legal needs on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.