WP Engine has now filed a lawsuit against Automattic and its CEO, Matt Mullenweg, alleging a series of actions that seem at odds with the open-source ethos of WordPress. The complaint claims that Mullenweg demanded tens of millions of dollars from WP Engine for a “trademark license” they didn’t need, threatening to go “nuclear” if they didn’t comply. When WP Engine refused, Mullenweg allegedly retaliated with a multifaceted attack: public smear campaigns, blocking WP Engine’s access to wordpress.org, and even personally threatening WP Engine’s CEO. The irony of the situation – a champion of open-source software allegedly engaging in such closed-door tactics – is hard to miss.

The lawsuit paints a picture of Automattic and Mullenweg as having a public face that doesn’t quite match their private actions. WPE claims that Matt’s behavior has not only harmed their business but has also undermined the trust within the entire WordPress community. The complaint seeks to stop this alleged behavior and hold the defendants accountable for actions that include attempted extortion, defamation, and anticompetitive practices.

Here’s the announcement:

And here’s the filing: