# WP Engine Files Lawsuit Against WordPress Co-Founder: Claims Libel and Extortion! ⚖️ **URL:** \ **Category:** News & Articles\ **Tags:** tools, technology\ **Created:** [October 3, 2024, 5:46pm UTC](https://onehack.st/t/wp-engine-files-lawsuit-against-wordpress-co-founder-claims-libel-and-extortion/292685 "2024-10-03T17:46:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![TheJoker](https://onehack.st/user_avatar/onehack.st/thejoker/32/22660_2.png) [@TheJoker](https://onehack.st/u/TheJoker)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2024, 5:46pm UTC](https://onehack.st/t/wp-engine-files-lawsuit-against-wordpress-co-founder-claims-libel-and-extortion/292685/1 "2024-10-03T17:46:04Z")
**Summary:** 1. **Legal Action Initiated** WP Engine, a prominent web hosting provider, has launched a federal lawsuit against WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg and his company, Automattic, alleging libel and attempted extortion. 2. **Background of the Dispute** The lawsuit arises from a public disagreement regarding WordPress trademark usage and open-source licensing, which has escalated into serious legal allegations. 3. **Accusations of Misconduct** WP Engine claims that Mullenweg’s statement calling the company a “cancer to WordPress” on his blog constitutes an abuse of power, accusing Automattic of extortion and greed. 4. **Demand for Royalties** The conflict intensified when Automattic demanded 8% of WP Engine’s monthly revenue as royalties, alleging trademark infringement, which prompted WP Engine to issue a cease-and-desist letter. 5. **Multiple Complaints Filed** The lawsuit comprises 11 complaints, including slander and violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, highlighting the severity of the allegations against Mullenweg and Automattic. **Read more at:** [WP Engine Complaint PDF](https://wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Complaint-WP-Engine-v-Automattic-et-al-with-Exhibit.pdf)