In a new turn of events, WP Engine sues Matt Mullenweg and Automattic for extortion and libel. This lawsuit was filed after almost two weeks of public feud between Matt Mullenweg and WP Engine.

The Automattic CEO started this public battle with WP Engine as he believed WP Engine was violating the WordPress trademarks. Mullenweg even went so far as to call WP Engine a 'cancer' to WordPress. Shortly after, more fuel was added to the fire when WordPress announced that it was blocking WP Engine. The hosting provider was thus banned from using its free resources such as plugins and themes. This resulted in a huge backlash from WP Engine customers. These users were left vulnerable due to the discontinuation of crucial security updates from WordPress. The ban was later lifted temporarily until the 1st of October. Automattic also asked WP Engine to pay them 8% of their gross monthly revenue if they want to continue using the WooCommerce and WordPress trademarks. However, WordPress has not accepted these terms by Automattic.

WP Engine had even sent WordPress a cease-and-desist letter demanding that Mullenweg retract his statements about WP Engine. However, Automattic responded with their cease-and-desist letter where they accused WP Engine of infringing on the WooCommerce and WordPress trademarks.

WP Engine Sues Matt Mullenweg: More on this issue

WP Engine has accused Mullenweg of allegedly extorting money from them. As WP Engine sues Matt Mullenweg, the hosting provider also accused the Automattic CEO of abusing his power and being greedy.

The hosting provider is seeking to stop Mullenweg and Automattic from continuing on this tirade against WP Engine and the WordPress community as a whole. The lawsuit has also accused Mullenweg of having an alleged history of blurring the real facts.

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