WP Engine and Automattic Exchange Cease-and-Desist Letters

WP Engine has issued a cease-and-desist letter to Automattic's CEO Matt Mullenweg after he labeled the company a 'cancer' to WordPress and allegedly demanded tens of millions for trademark licensing. Mullenweg accused WP Engine of profiting from the WordPress project without contributing to the community, while WP Engine refutes this, claiming its use of the 'WordPress' trademark is protected under fair use. The conflict escalated as Mullenweg threatened a 'scorched earth nuclear approach' against WP Engine if his demands were not met, which WP Engine documents in their cease-and-desist notice. Automattic has also sent a counter cease-and-desist letter, alleging trademark infringement by WP Engine and claiming it has the exclusive rights to the WordPress trademark. Both companies are now on a collision course towards potential legal action as they dispute each other's claims and contributions to the WordPress ecosystem. The situation reflects deeper tensions within the WordPress community regarding commercialization and community support.