Automattic Files Counterclaims Against WP Engine in WordPress Lawsuit, Alleging Trademark Misuse
Automattic files counterclaims against WP Engine in WordPress lawsuit, alleging trademark misuse and deceptive marketing practices. The move intensifies a long-running feud between the two companies over brand integrity, licensing rights, and the true stewardship of the WordPress ecosystem.
On Friday, WordPress.com owner Automattic formally filed its counterclaims in response to WP Engine’s October 2024 lawsuit, which had accused Automattic and CEO Matt Mullenweg of defamation and abuse of power. Automattic argues that WP Engine has repeatedly violated WordPress trademark guidelines while misleading customers about its role in supporting open-source development.
Automattic Alleges Trademark Abuse and Deceptive Branding
According to Automattic, WP Engine has been “abusing the WordPress trademark” and misleading users through branding choices that go beyond fair use. The company points to WP Engine’s marketing slogans, including “The WordPress Technology Company,” and references from partners calling it “WordPress Engine,” as clear instances of trademark misuse.
Automattic claims WP Engine also launched misleadingly named products such as “Core WordPress” and “Headless WordPress,” which falsely implied an official connection to the WordPress project. Despite publicly pledging to allocate 5% of its resources to WordPress ecosystem support, Automattic says WP Engine failed to uphold those commitments.
From Negotiation Breakdown to Legal Action
The tension between Automattic and WP Engine escalated last year after Automattic sent a cease-and-desist letter, labeling the hosting firm a “cancer to WordPress.” The letter accused WP Engine of breaching trademark usage rules. Automattic subsequently banned the hosting company from accessing WordPress.org resources and initiated talks for a potential licensing agreement.
However, the counterclaims allege WP Engine “pretended to engage in licensing discussions” while actually negotiating in bad faith to delay any resolution. This, Automattic says, was part of a deliberate strategy to continue profiting from the WordPress name without formal licensing obligations.
WP Engine’s Lawsuit: Playing the Victim Card?
After months of escalating tensions, WP Engine filed its own lawsuit in October 2024, portraying itself as the victim of an aggressive campaign led by Matt Mullenweg. WP Engine’s complaint accused Automattic of defamation and abuse of power within the WordPress community.
Automattic’s response, however, paints a different picture—one where WP Engine’s branding strategy and private equity backing pushed it toward increasingly risky trademark practices.
Silver Lake’s Role in WP Engine’s Strategy
A major focus of Automattic’s counterclaims is the influence of Silver Lake, the private equity firm that invested $250 million in WP Engine. Automattic alleges that Silver Lake’s financial interests drove WP Engine’s decisions, including its alleged trademark violations.
According to the filing, Silver Lake sought to minimize expenses like trademark licensing fees to maintain WP Engine’s profitability and boost its valuation. Automattic claims this financial motivation led WP Engine to “knowingly engage in trademark misuse” while attempting to sell the company at a $2 billion valuation—a sale that, according to court documents, even included “overtures to Automattic” itself.
Alleged Cost-Cutting at the Expense of Customers
Automattic’s counterclaims also criticize WP Engine’s business practices, accusing it of cutting essential product features to reduce costs. The filing suggests that these cost-saving measures degraded user experience and product quality, contradicting WP Engine’s public image as a champion of premium WordPress hosting.
Automattic argues that these actions demonstrate a broader pattern of prioritizing financial performance over community contribution and product excellence.
WP Engine Responds
WP Engine issued a statement following Automattic’s counterclaims, maintaining that its use of the WordPress trademark is legitimate and consistent with open-source norms. The company insists it has always respected the community’s guidelines and contributed meaningfully to WordPress’s growth.
Despite the public rebuttal, industry observers note that the lawsuit could set important precedents for how commercial entities use the WordPress name—a trademark owned and controlled by the WordPress Foundation and Automattic’s founder.
What This Means for the WordPress Community
The battle between Automattic and WP Engine has divided WordPress professionals and developers. While some argue that Automattic is protecting the integrity of the WordPress brand, others worry that the lawsuit could chill collaboration across the open-source ecosystem.
If the court sides with Automattic, it could tighten how third-party companies use the WordPress name in their marketing and branding. Conversely, a WP Engine win might encourage broader commercial freedom under open-source use principles.
A Clash Over Control and Open-Source Values
At its core, this case isn’t just about trademarks—it’s about control over WordPress’s future identity. Automattic believes that companies profiting from WordPress should contribute meaningfully to its ecosystem. WP Engine, on the other hand, insists it already does so and that Automattic’s actions amount to corporate bullying.
As both sides prepare for a prolonged legal battle, the open-source community is watching closely. The outcome could reshape the balance between commercial use and community governance across one of the world’s most influential web platforms.
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