Automattic has suspended CEO Matt Mullenweg, co-developer of WordPress. – GIGAZINE

In recent years, Mullenweg and Automattic have been embroiled in lawsuits and disputes, and at the time of writing, they are engaged in a legal battle with WP Engine, a competitor that provides web hosting services for WordPress.

The lawsuit stemmed from Mullenweg's claim that WP Engine was not contributing to the WordPress project but was profiting from it. Mullenweg demanded that WP Engine pay him 8% of its monthly revenue as royalties for using the WordPress brand.

Subsequently, in October 2024, WP Engine sued Automattic and Mullenweg. Automattic counter-sued in 2025. In February 2026, WP Engine claimed that Automattic had planned to demand royalties from 10 other competitors.

WP Engine sues Automattic, the developer of WordPress, and its CEO, Matt Mullenweg; the WordPress trademark dispute finally goes to court – GIGAZINE

Tensions are rising at Automattic over Mullenweg's methods. In 2024, Mullenweg notified employees who disagreed with him to accept severance pay and leave, resulting in 159 people leaving the company.

TechCrunch reports that ‘some people within Automattic have said they are 'overjoyed' and 'relieved' about the situation.’

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