Automattic Countersues WP Engine

[cryptobro]

On Friday, Automattic, maker of WordPress.com, filed counterclaims in the ongoing lawsuit with hosting company WP Engine.

WP Engine originally sued Automattic in October 2024, alleging defamation and abuse of power by CEO Matt Mullenweg.

Automattic now claims WP Engine misused the WordPress trademark and engaged in deceptive marketing practices while failing to support the open-source community.

Actions cited include banning WP Engine from WordPress.org resources and sending a cease-and-desist over trademark breaches.

[jacson4]

Automattic’s countersuit escalates things — this could be a long legal battle.

[kelson10]

A ruling here might set an important precedent for platform competition and IP strategy.