WordPress.org has introduced a quirky requirement for users to confirm their stance on pineapple as a pizza topping before accessing their accounts. This unusual move has emerged amidst a protracted legal dispute involving WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg and web hosting service WP Engine.
As highlighted by industry reports, the WordPress.org login page now features a mandatory checkbox stating, “Pineapple is delicious on pizza.” Users are unable to log in or create new accounts unless they check this box, a change that first appeared over the weekend. (Note: WordPress.com users are not affected by this change.)
The debate over pineapple on pizza has long been a lighthearted topic on the internet; however, the addition of this requirement appears to be a more serious commentary on the ongoing conflict. The checkbox was presumably added following a California District Court ruling last week, which granted WP Engine a preliminary injunction preventing Automattic from blocking its access to WordPress.org. The ruling also mandated the removal of a previous checkbox that required users to declare no affiliation with WP Engine.
Understanding the WordPress Conflict
The core of the WordPress controversy centers on alleged trademark infringement, with WP Engine and Automattic locked in an ongoing feud. Mullenweg has publicly criticized WP Engine, describing the company as detrimental to the WordPress ecosystem.
1. Mullenweg’s Critique of WP Engine
The discord escalated when Mullenweg criticized WP Engine in a blog post, calling it a “cancer to WordPress.” WP Engine, known for hosting WordPress-based websites, has faced accusations of negatively impacting the platform.
Mullenweg has pointed out WP Engine’s lack of contributions to WordPress development, contrasting it with Automattic’s significant contributions. He highlighted discrepancies in what each company gives back to the community.
2. WP Engine’s Response
In turn, WP Engine reacted by issuing a cease-and-desist letter to Mullenweg, alleging that he made false statements about the company and threatening legal repercussions. WP Engine also accused Mullenweg of attempting to force them into a licensing agreement for WordPress trademarks.
WP Engine contends that its use of WordPress trademarks falls under fair use and refutes the need for licensing. Their correspondence highlights what they describe as Mullenweg’s hypocritical stance on trademark protection.
3. Automattic Pushes Back
Automattic promptly countered with its own cease-and-desist order against WP Engine, demanding the cessation of any unauthorized use of WordPress trademarks. Automattic accused WP Engine of misleading users about their affiliation with WordPress.
Subsequently, Automattic amended its trademark policy to address WP Engine specifically, clarifying that “WP” is not trademarked but should not be used to create confusion regarding its association with WordPress.
4. The Legal Escalation
The situation escalated further when WP Engine filed a lawsuit against Automattic, alleging libel and unfair competition among other claims. WP Engine adjusted its branding to clarify that it is not affiliated with WordPress, while maintaining its right to utilize the platform’s resources under trademark law.
Automattic rebutted WP Engine’s claims, asserting that WP Engine retains access to WordPress resources and that their demands for licensing are legitimate given WP Engine’s financial success.
The Pineapple Pizza Requirement
The new pineapple pizza checkbox on WordPress.org has surfaced as a symbolic gesture in the ongoing legal battle. Initially mandating users to declare no affiliation with WP Engine, the checkbox was altered following the court’s injunction to reflect a culinary preference instead.
The rationale behind this unconventional requirement remains ambiguous, with no official comment from Automattic on its significance. Mullenweg’s decision to incorporate humor into a serious situation may simply reflect a lighthearted approach to a challenging legal landscape.
