A legal dispute between WP Engine and Automattic, the powerhouse behind WordPress, has intensified with WP Engine amending its complaint to include antitrust claims. At the heart of the controversy is Automattic’s demand for WP Engine to pay an 8% revenue royalty to use the WordPress trademark—a move WP Engine claims is both unjustified and monopolistic.

WP Engine’s revised filing argues that Automattic, under CEO Matt Mullenweg’s leadership, wields excessive control over the WordPress ecosystem. This control allegedly enables Automattic to increase costs for competitors and limit their access to vital resources, such as themes, plugins, and events hosted on WordPress.org. WP Engine has accused Automattic of using its dominance to enforce “extortionate” fees while presenting WordPress as an open and free platform.

The conflict began in February 2023 when Automattic requested WP Engine to pay a licensing fee. When WP Engine declined, Mullenweg reportedly launched a campaign of public criticism and restrictive actions, including banning WP Engine employees from WordPress events and blocking access to essential resources.

WP Engine’s initial lawsuit, filed in October 2024, has since grown to 144 pages, now invoking the Sherman Antitrust Act to allege monopolistic practices in WordPress-related markets.

Automattic has defended its position, claiming WP Engine exploits the community’s contributions while giving little in return. A spokesperson for Automattic dismissed the allegations as baseless, accusing WP Engine of prioritizing profits over community collaboration.

With WordPress powering 43% of websites globally, the lawsuit highlights critical tensions between community-driven open-source principles and corporate control. A preliminary hearing on November 26, 2024, could determine whether Automattic will be forced to reverse measures imposed on WP Engine.

As the legal battle unfolds, it raises questions about the future balance between innovation, fairness, and competition in the WordPress ecosystem.