The conflict in the WordPress ecosystem escalated this Wednesday when WordPress.org, the open-source software platform, banned the hosting provider WP Engine from accessing its resources.
In a post on the site, Matt Mullenweg, co-creator of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, announced that while their legal claims are being resolved, WP Engine will not be able to use platform resources such as themes and plugins.
Mullenweg explained that WP Engine seeks to control the user experience with WordPress by using its own system to manage servers, logins, update plugins and themes, and other related services. He added that WP Engine would no longer have free access to WordPress.org’s servers.
This block affects sites using WP Engine’s solutions, as they will be unable to install or update themes and plugins, putting their security at risk due to missing updates.
WP Engine acknowledged the issue and assured that they are working on a solution. The company also stated that the block does not affect the performance or security of its customers’ sites, nor does it prevent updates to content or code.
In response, WP Engine accused Mullenweg of abusing his power within WordPress to harm their customers. They also pointed out that this action impacts not only WP Engine but the entire WordPress ecosystem, including plugin developers and users who rely on tools like ACF.
Conflict between WP Engine and Automattic WordPress powers nearly 40% of websites on the internet, with various hosting providers, including Automattic and WP Engine. Although many opt for these solutions, some users prefer to manage WordPress on their own.
The confrontation began when Mullenweg criticized WP Engine, accusing it of being a “cancer for WordPress” and not contributing as much to the community as Automattic, despite generating similar revenues. This led WP Engine to send a cease and desist letter, requesting that these comments be retracted, and claiming that Automattic had threatened to take drastic measures if they were not paid a percentage of WP Engine’s revenue.
Automattic responded with its own cease and desist letter, accusing WP Engine of violating the WordPress and WooCommerce trademarks. Additionally, the WordPress Foundation accused WP Engine of repeatedly breaching its trademark policy by improperly using the WordPress name in various projects and products.
Mullenweg concluded by stating that the core issue is the misuse of trademarks and that Automattic has tried to reach an agreement with WP Engine, offering the option to either pay a licensing fee or contribute in some way to the open-source project. However, he did not clarify what kind of contributions were expected.
Nestor Castillo, ForAllTechNews Director