Matt Wullenweg, the founder of WordPress, has come forward to explain the reason behind the conflict between WordPress and WP Engine through his personal blog. He states that WP Engine has been infringing on the WordPress trademark for many years.
On the other hand, Matt’s company, Automattic, has been trying to negotiate with WP Engine to purchase the trademarks for a long time but without success. Automattic’s offer included either straightforward payment for the trademarks or supporting open-source projects instead. Automattic is not seeking money but rather hopes that a company like WP Engine, which generates hundreds of millions of dollars from WordPress, should give something back to the open-source community. However, WP Engine rejected all offers.
Matt also emphasizes that the WordPress software uses a GPL license along with trademark ownership. Therefore, if WP Engine finds the conditions of WordPress too cumbersome, they have the right to seek out other open-source software with more relaxed licensing terms that also allow for trademark use. However, if WP Engine wants to benefit from the WordPress community, they must respect the intellectual property rights of WordPress.
Automattic has sent a cease-and-desist letter to WP Engine, demanding that they stop using the WordPress and WooCommerce trademarks.
In conclusion, Matt Wullenweg sheds light on the conflict between WordPress and WP Engine, emphasizing the importance of respecting trademark rights and giving back to the open-source community.
TLDR: Matt Wullenweg explains the conflict between WordPress and WP Engine over trademark infringement, with Automattic demanding that WP Engine stop using the WordPress and WooCommerce trademarks.
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