WordPress has recently taken a firm stance by prohibiting its users from accepting sponsorship from WP Engine, a popular web hosting company. Additionally, the platform has also forbidden WP Engine employees from participating in WordPress events.
This decision, as outlined in a letter sent to the organizers of WordPress WordCamp Sydney, stems from a breach of sponsorship rules. WP Engine has been notified that it no longer has the privilege to sponsor WordPress events, and its employees are not allowed to serve as organizers or speakers. The move is rooted in upholding the fundamental principles of the WordPress project, including the protection of brand copyrights.
The conflict between WP Engine and WordPress escalated following the latter’s request for payment for the use of the WordPress trademark. Matt Mullenweg, the co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, accuses WP Engine of profiting from the software without contributing significantly to its development.
On the other hand, supporters of WP Engine argue that the company has actively supported the WordPress community, particularly in Australia. They argue that the restrictions imposed on participation in events hinder their ability to continue their contributions. Some members of the WordPress community even believe that WP Engine has made substantial contributions to the site’s development over the past decade.
Amidst the conflict, the rift between Matt Mullenweg and David Heinemeier Hansson, the creator of Ruby on Rails, has widened. Hansson has accused Mullenweg of authoritarianism, while Mullenweg insists that his concerns with WP Engine revolve around trademark violations rather than the use of open-source code.
The timing of the escalating tensions coincides with news that WordPress is considering the reinstatement of the WP Engine ACF plugin to the WordPress plugin catalog. However, for this to happen, WP Engine must retract its claims and resolve trademark-related issues with WordPress.