Meta’s Instagram Challenges Trademark Over Rainbow-Themed Branding
Aug/07/2025
Meta Platforms has launched a formal challenge to the trademark held by Initial Inc., citing that the brand’s use of rainbow-themed visuals bears a striking resemblance to Instagram’s own iconic multicolored branding. On August 5, 2025, Instagram filed a petition to cancel Initial Inc.’s registered trademark, arguing that the identical rainbow palette—used prominently in both the disputed mark and Instagram’s logo—could mislead consumers and dilute the distinctiveness of Instagram’s identity. This move comes amid Meta’s broader effort to protect its brand equity at a time when visual aesthetics play a crucial role in digital brand recognition. The cancellation filing underscores that, for Instagram, color isn’t merely decorative—it’s an integral part of its visual DNA. Following visualisation shows detail design patterns of 'Initial' trademark.
