WordPress Founder Files Counterclaim Against WP Engine for Trademarks

WordPress Creator Files Countersuit Against WP Engine Over Trademark Violations

In a significant twist in the ongoing legal saga between Automattic, the creator of WordPress, and WP Engine, the hosting provider is now facing a countersuit filed by Automattic. In this counterclaim, Automattic alleges that WP Engine has violated its trademarks and has failed to contribute to the open-source WordPress project, especially following a recent $250 million investment from private equity firm Silver Lake that gave WP Engine a controlling interest.

Automattic contends that WP Engine attempted to inflate its valuation and pursue a profitable exit strategy. The complaint asserts that the hosting provider described itself as the “WordPress Technology Company” and allowed partners to refer to it as “WordPress Engine,” both considered violations of the WordPress trademark. Additionally, Automattic highlights products released by WP Engine—such as “Core WordPress” and “Headless WordPress”—which may mislead the public regarding the origin of WordPress technology.

The countersuit also reveals that Matt Mullenweg, Automattic’s co-founder, sought to resolve these issues amicably, offering WP Engine a fair trademark license. However, WP Engine allegedly only feigned interest in discussions, according to the counterclaim. This lack of engagement is attributed to the need to maintain revenue levels, with Silver Lake reportedly eager to sell WP Engine at a $2 billion valuation.

While WP Engine’s initial lawsuit painted Mullenweg as exploitative, claiming he sought eight percent of its monthly revenue as a royalty, the complexities of the situation suggest a larger narrative. WP Engine previously secured a preliminary injunction in its favor, yet this countersuit implies the situation may not be as straightforward as it initially appeared.

As this legal clash unfolds, it raises questions regarding trademark integrity and the responsibilities of service providers within the WordPress ecosystem. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and comments on this developing story.