WordPress, the open-source content management system powering over 40 percent of websites worldwide, typically operates behind the scenes. However, it has recently been thrust into the spotlight due to a legal dispute between WordPress founder Matt Mullenweg and WP Engine, one of the platform’s most extensive hosting services. Despite the challenges, Mullenweg claims the conflict has invigorated his commitment to WordPress’s long-term mission.
A Decades-Long Vision
“I make plans in decades. This is not a huge deal to me,” Mullenweg, 40, told the Observer. The WordPress founder views the saga as part of maintaining the platform’s longevity. Since co-founding WordPress in 2003 at age 19, Mullenweg has served as CEO of Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, while contributing to the broader open-source project. He claims the current dispute has helped streamline operations at Automattic and reinvigorated his focus.
The Dispute with WP Engine
WP Engine, a hosting provider for WordPress websites, offers technical support and typically contributes to WordPress’s development. However, Mullenweg alleges that WP Engine has failed to meet its obligations since its private equity firm Silver Lake acquisition in 2018. He also accuses WP Engine of misusing the WordPress trademark to mislead users into believing it is directly associated with WordPress.
WP Engine denies the allegations, stating it has contributed substantial resources to the WordPress ecosystem and describing Mullenweg’s trademark accusations as “meritless.” The dispute escalated when Mullenweg cut WP Engine from WordPress resources, prompting the hosting provider to file a lawsuit against Mullenweg and Automattic for abuse of power. Mullenweg has since launched a site tracking website that has left WP Engine, which the hosting service has called a “wrongful and reckless publication” of customer information.
Impact on the WordPress Community
The conflict has caused unrest within the WordPress development community, raising concerns about the future of open-source ideals. However, Mullenweg insists WP Engine’s case is unique, citing positive relationships with hosting providers such as GoDaddy, Bluehost, and SiteGround. “There has never been anything like this,” Mullenweg said, emphasizing WP Engine’s alleged misuse of the WordPress trademark as an outlier.
Internal Changes at Automattic
The dispute has prompted changes within Automattic, including buyout offers to employees who disagreed with Mullenweg’s actions. The company, which has 1,727 employees, saw a reduction of 177 employees in October while hiring 17 new team members. Mullenweg views this downsizing as an opportunity for clarity and focus, stating, “I feel, honestly, more energized and excited to work together with a team that’s building Automattic day to day than I’ve ever been in my whole career.”
The scaling down coincides with the company’s efforts to leverage AI and other productivity tools, enabling it to accomplish more with fewer resources. Mullenweg describes the transition as “fantastic” and well-timed.
A Commitment to WordPress’s Mission
Mullenweg remains committed to resolving the dispute, suggesting WP Engine either license the WordPress trademark or allocate revenue towards the platform’s ecosystem. While he is prepared for the legal battle to extend for years, he views it as a minor chapter in WordPress’s broader mission to democratize publishing, commerce, and messaging.
“I’ve been doing this for 21 years, and I hope to do it the rest of my life. This is a small chapter of a very long journey,” Mullenweg said.
Despite the challenges, Mullenweg’s vision for WordPress remains steadfast, underscoring his dedication to ensuring its continued growth and impact on the web.
