In a recent ruling, a judge has granted WP Engine’s request for a preliminary injunction in its ongoing dispute with Automattic and Matt Mullenweg. The decision comes after the judge determined that WP Engine would face irreparable harm if the injunction is not granted. The court has now ordered Automattic and Mullenweg to restore the situation to how it was on September 20, 2024, within the next 72 hours.
The Court’s Ruling
The judge’s decision was a significant win for WP Engine, marking a defeat for Mullenweg and Automattic. The ruling addressed several key areas, including WP Engine’s access to WordPress.org and its control over the Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin. The court also ordered the removal of WP Engine customer data from the wordpressenginetracker.com site.
Automattic responded to the ruling by emphasizing that it was a preliminary order made without full discovery and that they plan to file counterclaims against WP Engine. Meanwhile, WP Engine expressed gratitude for the ruling, which they believe will restore stability to the WordPress ecosystem.
Key Points from the Judge’s Analysis
The court’s decision was based on six key points, labeled A to F:
- Success on the Merits:
WP Engine’s claim of tortious interference was upheld. The judge dismissed the defendants’ argument that their actions were justified. - Irreparable Harm:
The court found that WP Engine had successfully demonstrated that they would suffer irreparable harm if the injunction was not granted. The defendants’ counterarguments were deemed unconvincing. - Balance of Equities:
The judge evaluated the impact of the injunction on both parties. They concluded that WP Engine had a strong case for the injunction, while Automattic and Mullenweg would not suffer significant harm from restoring the status quo. - Public Interest:
The judge also considered the broader impact of the case on the public. They noted that millions of websites rely on WordPress and its plugins, and disrupting this stability could harm businesses and users alike. The court ruled that public interest favored granting the injunction. - Bond:
Automattic and Mullenweg argued that WP Engine should post a bond of $1.6 million to cover any potential damages. However, the judge sided with WP Engine and stated that reverting to the status quo would not harm the defendants. - Scope of Injunction:
The court issued a clear order for the defendants to take action within 72 hours. They were instructed to restore WP Engine’s access to WordPress.org, remove customer data from the WP Engine Tracker, and undo any changes made since September 25, 2024.
Immediate Impact on WP Engine and Automattic
The court’s injunction will take effect immediately and will remain in place until a final judgment is made after the trial. The ruling is seen as a victory not just for WP Engine, but for the broader WordPress community, as it ensures the continued stability of the platform and its ecosystem.
Many in the WordPress community have expressed support for WP Engine’s position, while some have criticized Mullenweg’s actions. While the conflict highlights tensions within the WordPress ecosystem, the judge’s ruling brings temporary resolution, ensuring the platform’s stability is maintained while the legal proceedings continue.