Automattic Resumes Contributing to WordPress Project

Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, has announced the resumption of its contributions to the WordPress open-source project. This follows a brief pause announced last month, where the company stated that WordPress 6.8 would be the final major release of 2025.

In a blog post titled "Returning to Core," Automattic expressed its renewed commitment to the project. The company plans to contribute across key areas including WordPress Core, Gutenberg, Playground, Openverse, and WordPress.org. Automattic emphasized its mission to democratize publishing.

The company stated it used the pause to strategically rethink its approach and gain a deeper understanding of how WordPress is used. Automattic now aims to help WordPress "grow and thrive," noting its current market share of 43% of the web.

Internal Discussions and Speculation

Internal discussions reveal Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg's desire to release WordPress 6.9 this year, featuring an admin refresh and integration with the newly formed AI team. This aligns with the recent announcement of WordPress's dedicated AI team.

While the official reason for the renewed commitment is strategic reassessment, speculation abounds. Some theories suggest external pressure or a realization that the pause negatively impacted Automattic's reputation. Others link the decision to the ongoing legal dispute with WP Engine.

Ongoing Legal Battle with WP Engine

Automattic's lawsuit against WP Engine stems from Mullenweg's belief that the hosting company profits from WordPress without contributing sufficiently to the open-source project. He has accused WP Engine of being a "threat" to the WordPress community and benefiting from brand confusion.

The lawsuit centers on trademark usage, with Mullenweg arguing WP Engine should either pay licensing fees or increase its open-source contributions. WP Engine has countersued, arguing that it doesn't require a license and that Automattic misunderstands trademark law.

This renewed commitment to WordPress follows Automattic's recent layoffs of 16% of its staff, a move attributed to the need for increased agility, productivity, and profitability.

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