{"id":154290,"date":"2026-02-10T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/?p=154290"},"modified":"2026-02-10T17:25:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T23:25:11","slug":"ensuring-stability-and-security","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/case-studies\/ensuring-stability-and-security\/","title":{"rendered":"Ensuring Stability and Security: WP Engine\u2019s Legal Actions Against Matt Mullenweg and Automattic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>WP Engine is deeply grateful to the many partners and customers who stood by WP Engine in the face of last year\u2019s unprecedented and unwarranted attacks and attempts to disrupt our platform.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>WP Engine\u2019s top priority has always been, and remains, the integrity, security, availability, and performance of our tools, and we will continue to take the decisive steps necessary to ensure we can continue to deliver the enterprise-grade experience we\u2019re committed to building. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We will regularly update this post and our <a href=\"#FAQ\">FAQ<\/a> to ensure the community has accurate information about key developments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Timeline of Events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>February 10, 2026: Third Amended Complaint<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WP Engine\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WPE-TAC.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Third Amended Complaint<\/a> contains newly unredacted information uncovered during discovery which had been previously sealed at the request of the Defendants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">November 13, 2025: WP Engine files Motion to Dismiss Counterclaims<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WP Engine\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2025-11-13-Motion-to-Dismiss-Dkt-207.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Motion to Dismiss<\/a> seeks to dismiss the counterclaims filed by Automattic, Matt Mullenweg, the WordPress Foundation, and WooCommerce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">October 24, 2025: WP Engine Responds to Counterclaims<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WP Engine released the following statement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>WP Engine\u2019s use of the WordPress trademark to refer to the open-source software is consistent with longstanding industry practice and fair use under settled trademark law, and we will defend against these baseless claims.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">October 3, 2025: Second Amended Complaint&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WP Engine\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/N.D.-Cal.-24-cv-06917-dckt-000180_000-filed-2025-10-07.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Second Amended Complaint<\/a> includes new facts uncovered during discovery, which strengthen our antitrust and other claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>September 12, 2025: Motion to Dismiss <\/strong>ruling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Court <a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2025-09-12-Order-dckt-169_0.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">issued a ruling<\/a> that permits the majority of WP Engine\u2019s claims, including the intentional interference, unfair competition, and defamation claims, to proceed against both Automattic and Matt Mullenweg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>WP Engine released the following statement regarding the ruling:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cWe are pleased the majority of our claims are moving forward and are confident in the strength of our legal position and ability to succeed at trial.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.courthousenews.com\/judge-grants-partial-motion-to-dismiss-in-case-over-wordpress-trademark\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WP Engine dodges most of dismissal bid in WordPress licensing fight<\/a> \u2013 Courthouse News \u2013 12 September 2025&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/news.bloomberglaw.com\/ip-law\/wordpress-must-face-defamation-fraud-claims-in-trademark-suit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WordPress must face defamation, fraud claims in trademark suit<\/a> \u2013 Bloomberg Law \u2013 15 September 2025<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">December 10, 2024: Preliminary injunction granted<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Court <a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/gov.uscourts.cand_.437474.64.0.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">issued a ruling<\/a> granting our request to restore access to and functionality of wordpress.org for WP Engine, its customers and its users. The order will bring back much-needed stability to the WordPress ecosystem.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/2024\/12\/10\/24318350\/automattic-restore-wp-engine-access-wordpress\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WordPress parent company must stop blocking WP Engine, judge rules<\/a> \u2013 The Verge \u2013 10 December 2024<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/2024\/12\/10\/court-orders-mullenweg-and-automattic-to-restore-wp-engines-access-to-wordpress-org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Court orders Automattic to restore WP Engine\u2019s access to WordPress.org<\/a> \u2013 TechCrunch \u2013 10 December 2024<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">November 14, 2024: Amended legal complaint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WP Engine <a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/51-2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">amended and expanded our initial complaint<\/a> to include antitrust claims brought under laws designed to protect competition and consumers, as well as additional new claims arising from Matt Mullenweg and Automattic\u2019s continued pattern of misconduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>October 18, 2024: Request for preliminary injunction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WP Engine filed <a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/10.18.2024-Preliminary-Injunction-Motion.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a motion for a preliminary injunction<\/a>, requesting rapid action from the court to stop Matt Mullenweg and Automattic\u2019s harmful actions and act to preserve the status quo ante while the case is being litigated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">October 16, 2024: Email to customers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On October 16, WP Engine CEO Heather Brunner emailed customers to address concerns about recent events and outline the actions we\u2019ve taken to ensure platform stability and security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The letter, which you can read <a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Message-on-behalf-of-the-WP-Engine-team.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>, emphasizes our commitment to protecting customers and supporting the ongoing success of the open-source WordPress community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>October 12, 2024: Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) takeover<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WordPress.org&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.advancedcustomfields.com\/blog\/acf-plugin-no-longer-available-on-wordpress-org\/?__hstc=51647990.437cf0629f5adc2106534e510f0a3839.1726865563687.1756915306817.1756998129879.50&amp;__hssc=51647990.1.1756998129879&amp;__hsfp=3474073941\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">took control<\/a>&nbsp;of our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.advancedcustomfields.com\/?__hstc=51647990.437cf0629f5adc2106534e510f0a3839.1726865563687.1756915306817.1756998129879.50&amp;__hssc=51647990.1.1756998129879&amp;__hsfp=3474073941\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ACF<\/a> plugin, marking the first time in WordPress\u2019s 21-year history that a plugin under active development was taken over without consent. The ACF team released the <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/wp_acf\/status\/1845169499064107049\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">following statement<\/a> regarding the takeover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">We have been made aware that the Advanced Custom Fields plugin on the WordPress directory has been taken over by WordPress dot org.<br><br>A plugin under active development has never been unilaterally and forcibly taken away from its creator without consent in the 21 year history of\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/eV0qakURLc\">pic.twitter.com\/eV0qakURLc<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Advanced Custom Fields (@wp_acf) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/wp_acf\/status\/1845169499064107049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">October 12, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>WP Engine continues to actively develop the genuine version of ACF, and if you have been switched to \u201cSecure Custom Fields\u201d without your consent, you can install&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.advancedcustomfields.com\/?__hstc=51647990.437cf0629f5adc2106534e510f0a3839.1726865563687.1756915306817.1756998129879.50&amp;__hssc=51647990.1.1756998129879&amp;__hsfp=3474073941\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>ACF 6.3.8<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;directly from the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.advancedcustomfields.com\/?__hstc=51647990.437cf0629f5adc2106534e510f0a3839.1726865563687.1756915306817.1756998129879.50&amp;__hssc=51647990.1.1756998129879&amp;__hsfp=3474073941\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <strong>ACF website,<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.advancedcustomfields.com\/blog\/installing-and-upgrading-to-the-latest-version-of-acf\/?__hstc=51647990.437cf0629f5adc2106534e510f0a3839.1726865563687.1756915306817.1756998129879.50&amp;__hssc=51647990.1.1756998129879&amp;__hsfp=3474073941\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>follow these instructions<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;to fix the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>October 7, 2024: Secure Updater plugin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We introduced the <a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/support\/installing-and-updating-free-wp-engine-plugins-and-themes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WP Engine Secure Updater plugin<\/a>, which currently supports updates for all of our open-source plugins and allows us to assist other plugin or theme developers in the community on request. WP Engine also released new versions of our widely used plugins, featuring independent update capabilities and updates delivered directly from WP Engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>October 2, 2024: <strong>Commencement of legal action against Matt Mullenweg and Automattic<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WP Engine filed a <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/e40e9ZgFjZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">complaint<\/a> against Matt Mullenweg and Automattic to address their misconduct and protect our business, our customers, and our participation in the broader community. WP Engine released the <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/wpengine\/status\/1841643374090031461\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">following statement<\/a> regarding the decision to file a lawsuit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Matt Mullenweg and Automattic\u2019s self-proclaimed scorched earth campaign against WP Engine has harmed not just our company, but the entire WordPress ecosystem. The symbiotic relationship between WordPress, its community and the businesses that invest millions to support WordPress\u2026<\/p>&mdash; WP Engine (@wpengine) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/wpengine\/status\/1841643374090031461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">October 3, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>September 30, 2024: Plugin and theme update solution<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Following interruptions to customer access to WordPress.org and instability in the services used to update WordPress websites, we <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/wpengine\/status\/1840910240801316924\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">deployed a solution<\/a> to all sites across the WP Engine and Flywheel platforms that enabled customers to use their normal workflows and receive plugin and theme updates without relying on the WordPress.org API.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>WP Engine released the <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/wpengine\/status\/1840905665440633087\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">following statement<\/a> regarding the block and our solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Thousands of WordPress community members have once again been blocked from accessing <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ZpKb9q4jPh\">https:\/\/t.co\/ZpKb9q4jPh<\/a>. WP Engine has commenced deployment of its solution for accessing updates and installations for plugins and themes across our customers\u2019 sites. We expect deployment of the\u2026<\/p>&mdash; WP Engine (@wpengine) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/wpengine\/status\/1840905665440633087?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">October 1, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>September 27, 2024: Temporary access restored<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WP Engine was given three days to develop a solution to help its customers update plugins and themes. WP Engine engineers worked around the clock on a solution for the reliability of update functionality and workflows. Their work was vital to increase resilience, reduce dependencies, and provide improved stability and protection from further disruptions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We released the <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/wpengine\/status\/1839805389036036424\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">following statement<\/a> regarding our restored access:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">We\u2019re pleased to see access restored to the repository of WordPress plugins for our customers who operate their sites with us at WP Engine.<\/p>&mdash; WP Engine (@wpengine) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/wpengine\/status\/1839805389036036424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">September 27, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>September 25, 2024: WP Engine blocked from WordPress.org<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WP Engine was blocked from accessing plugin and theme updates on the WordPress.org repository, forcing WP Engine customers to update plugins and themes manually or seek other solutions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>WP Engine released the <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/wpengine\/status\/1839246341660119287\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">following statement<\/a> in response to the blocked access:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Matt Mullenweg,\u00a0CEO of Automattic, has misused his control of WordPress to interfere with\u00a0WP Engine customers\u2019 access to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ZpKb9q4jPh\">https:\/\/t.co\/ZpKb9q4jPh<\/a>,\u00a0asserting that he did so because WP Engine filed litigation against <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/erlNmkIol2\">https:\/\/t.co\/erlNmkIol2<\/a>. This simply is not true. Our Cease &amp;\u2026<\/p>&mdash; WP Engine (@wpengine) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/wpengine\/status\/1839246341660119287?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">September 26, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>September 23, 2024: <strong>\u201cCease and desist\u201d letter to Automattic and Matt Mullenweg<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WP Engine privately sent a \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Cease-and-Desist-Letter-to-Automattic-and-Request-to-Preserve-Documents-Sent.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cease and desist<\/a>\u201d letter to Automattic, demanding that Automattic and its CEO, Matt Mullenweg, stop making and retract false, harmful, and disparaging statements about WP Engine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We also released the <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/wpengine\/status\/1838350670564377051\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">following statement<\/a> regarding our letter, after Matt Mullenweg made various inaccurate statements about it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Today WP Engine sent what is called a \u201ccease and desist\u201d letter to Automattic demanding that Automattic and its CEO Matt Mullenweg stop making and retract false, harmful and disparaging statements against WP Engine. In response to misinformation he has disseminated about the\u2026<\/p>&mdash; WP Engine (@wpengine) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/wpengine\/status\/1838350670564377051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">September 23, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"FAQ\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Why did WP Engine file a lawsuit against Matt and Automattic?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>WP Engine took legal action to protect our Company, customers, and the community of WordPress users from conduct that we believe violated the law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Did WP Engine sue WordPress.org?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No. WP Engine\u2019s lawsuit is against Matt Mullenweg and Automattic.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Why did WP Engine request a preliminary injunction?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Given Matt Mullenweg and Automattic\u2019s actions, WP Engine felt compelled to request a preliminary injunction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Court granted our request and brought back much-needed stability to the WordPress community.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Why does WP Engine believe the counterclaims against it are baseless?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>WP Engine\u2019s use of the WordPress trademark to refer to the open-source software is consistent with longstanding industry practice and fair use under settled trademark law, and we will defend against these baseless claims.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. What happened with ACF?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>WP Engine\u2019s ACF plugin was taken over without our consent.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The preliminary injunction issued by the Court restored WP Engine\u2019s access to and control of ACF.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6. What\u2019s next?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The legal case is continuing to progress through the legal system. The Court\u2019s Motion to Dismiss ruling permits the majority of WP Engine\u2019s claims, including the intentional interference, unfair competition, and defamation claims, to proceed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u25cf&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/support\/installing-and-updating-free-wp-engine-plugins-and-themes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Install and Update WP Engine Owned Plugins and Themes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u25cf&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Message-on-behalf-of-the-WP-Engine-team.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">All Customer email<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u25cf&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Z0j5PDk659\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cease and Desist<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u25cf&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Complaint-WP-Engine-v-Automattic-et-al.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Legal Complaint<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u25cf&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/10.18.2024-Preliminary-Injunction-Motion.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Preliminary Injunction<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u25cf&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/blog\/highlighting-wordpress-innovation-contribution\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WordPress Community Contributions<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u25cf&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/N.D.-Cal.-24-cv-06917-dckt-000180_000-filed-2025-10-07.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Second Amended Complaint<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/N.D.-Cal.-24-cv-06917-dckt-000174_001-filed-2025-10-03.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Exhibits<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u25cf&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2025-11-13-Motion-to-Dismiss-Dkt-207.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Motion to Dismiss Counterclaims<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u25cf\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WPE-TAC.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Third Amended Complaint<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Why did WP Engine file a lawsuit against Matt and Automattic?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"WP Engine took legal action to protect our Company, customers, and the community of WordPress users from conduct that we believe violated the law.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Did WP Engine sue WordPress.org?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"No. WP Engine\u2019s lawsuit is against Matt Mullenweg and Automattic.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Why did WP Engine request a preliminary injunction?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Given Matt Mullenweg and Automattic\u2019s actions, WP Engine felt compelled to request a preliminary injunction. 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