Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, has been involved in a public and legal battle with WP Engine over the use of the WordPress trademark and outstanding fees. This conflict has escalated with WP Engine issuing its own legal demands.

The roots of Automattic’s stance on trademark enforcement go back to earlier this year, as an internal blog post from January 2024 revealed plans to tighten enforcement across WordPress and WooCommerce. The post outlined a multi-pronged strategy involving legal action and direct negotiations with companies, as well as potential trademark registrations.

In July, the WordPress Foundation filed trademark applications for “Managed WordPress” and “Hosted WordPress,” signaling a shift in Automattic’s position as a guardian of the WordPress project. The foundation has owned the WordPress trademark since 2010, ensuring the project’s continuity.

The tension in the WordPress ecosystem between open source collaboration and commercial interests has been highlighted by this dispute. The internal post emphasizes Automattic’s exclusive use of the “WordPress” trademark and its efforts to protect branding.

Automattic’s actions also extend to WooCommerce, its Shopify competitor. The enforcement strategy for WooCommerce mirrors that of WordPress, with a focus on preserving branding integrity.

The dispute with WP Engine has raised questions about trademark enforcement and the foundation’s involvement. Automattic’s commitment to protecting trademarks and its recent legal actions demonstrate its active role in safeguarding the integrity of the WordPress project.

The focus of the dispute between Mullenweg and WP Engine remains on trademark violations, with Automattic emphasizing the need for enforcement to maintain the integrity of its brands. Mullenweg’s comments suggest ongoing efforts to strengthen the company’s legal team and protect its trademarks.