In the world of open-source software, the balance between ownership, contribution, and community involvement is a delicate one. Recently, Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, made headlines over a decision related to WordPress’s copyright. The news sparked discussions within the developer and user communities, raising questions about the implications of copyright in open-source software. In this blog post, we’ll break down the situation, what this means for WordPress users, and how the platform’s open-source philosophy continues to shape the web.
What Happened: Matt Mullenweg and the Copyright of WordPress
WordPress, since its inception in 2003, has been an open-source platform, which means that its code is freely available to anyone who wishes to use, modify, or contribute to it. The platform is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which ensures that WordPress will remain free and open. However, recent events brought Matt Mullenweg’s decision to assert copyright ownership over parts of WordPress into the spotlight.
In simple terms, while WordPress is open-source and will remain free, the copyright of certain parts of the software is still held by Mullenweg and Automattic. This includes the WordPress trademark and some specific developments, like the Gutenberg editor, which Automattic has played a significant role in developing.
The news about Mullenweg taking back copyright over certain portions of WordPress code has sparked interest because it is unusual for the leader of an open-source project to emphasize their ownership of any part of the codebase. However, this action is not about changing WordPress’s open-source nature—it’s about ensuring the platform remains on its original path and continues to operate in the spirit of open collaboration.
What Does This Mean for Users and Developers?
For the average WordPress user, this move has minimal direct impact. WordPress is still free to use, and the GPL license ensures that users can continue to modify, distribute, and build upon the platform as they always have. The GPL guarantees that the rights to freely use and contribute to the WordPress code are upheld.
However, the copyright issue becomes more relevant in specific areas like the WordPress trademark and potential commercial uses of the platform’s name and core features. This means:
- Trademark Protection: WordPress remains open-source, but the WordPress name and logo are trademarked. This means that businesses, developers, and companies cannot use the WordPress name or branding without permission, especially for commercial purposes. The goal here is to protect the brand from misuse and prevent third parties from using the WordPress name in ways that could confuse or mislead users.
- Forking and Derivative Works: While anyone can fork (copy) the WordPress code and create their own versions or derivatives under the GPL, the trademark limitations prevent them from calling it “WordPress.” This protects the integrity of the WordPress brand, while still allowing developers the freedom to create their own variations, as seen with ClassicPress, a fork of WordPress that emerged after the introduction of the Gutenberg editor.
- Control Over Key Features: By asserting copyright over certain key parts of WordPress, such as the Gutenberg block editor, Mullenweg and Automattic retain influence over the direction of these features. This helps ensure that new developments stay aligned with the platform’s open-source goals while avoiding fragmentation.
Why Did Matt Mullenweg Reassert Copyright?
The move by Mullenweg to emphasize his copyright ownership has raised eyebrows, but the reasoning behind it is rooted in the desire to maintain control over how WordPress evolves. As one of the most popular content management systems in the world, WordPress is a target for commercial exploitation. By retaining copyright and enforcing trademark rules, Mullenweg ensures that WordPress’s core vision is protected.
Here are the key reasons behind this decision:
- Preventing Misuse: With more than 43% of the web powered by WordPress, the platform is a prime target for misuse. By retaining copyright, Mullenweg can prevent bad actors or commercial entities from taking advantage of WordPress’s open-source nature in ways that undermine the platform’s integrity or user trust.
- Steering Development: As the lead developer and CEO of Automattic, Mullenweg’s reassertion of copyright allows him to have a strong hand in guiding the future of the platform, especially when it comes to major developments like the Gutenberg editor and Full-Site Editing (FSE). This helps avoid splintering within the community and ensures that WordPress continues to innovate without losing its foundational principles.
- Protecting the Brand: WordPress’s global reputation as a reliable, open-source CMS is a valuable asset. Trademark protection allows Mullenweg to guard against companies or developers using the WordPress brand for their own gain, without contributing to the ecosystem.
The Role of Automattic in the WordPress Ecosystem
Automattic, the company Mullenweg founded in 2005, plays a pivotal role in the WordPress ecosystem. While WordPress.org (the open-source project) remains independent, Automattic operates WordPress.com, a commercial hosting platform for WordPress sites. Automattic also develops popular tools such as WooCommerce (for e-commerce), Jetpack (for site performance and security), and Akismet (for spam filtering).
This relationship between WordPress and Automattic is another reason for Mullenweg’s copyright assertion. As WordPress continues to grow, especially in the enterprise and e-commerce spaces, it’s crucial for Mullenweg to protect the core principles of the platform and ensure it remains open and free, despite Automattic’s commercial ventures.
What Can Users and Developers Expect Moving Forward?
WordPress users can rest assured that the platform’s open-source nature is here to stay. The GPL license, which is central to WordPress’s philosophy, guarantees that the code will always remain free to use, modify, and distribute.
For developers, the recent copyright discussions serve as a reminder of the importance of contributing responsibly to the WordPress ecosystem. As the platform evolves, there will be ongoing discussions about its future direction, especially as new features like Full-Site Editing (FSE) continue to roll out. Mullenweg’s leadership will ensure that WordPress remains innovative while maintaining its open-source roots.
For businesses using WordPress, this move emphasizes the need to respect trademark guidelines and recognize that while WordPress’s code is free, the WordPress brand is protected. Understanding these distinctions will help businesses use the platform ethically and in compliance with its guidelines.
Conclusion: A Balanced Future for WordPress
Matt Mullenweg’s recent move to assert copyright over parts of WordPress may have caused some concern, but it is ultimately a move to protect the platform and its users. WordPress remains an open-source powerhouse, driving innovation while staying true to its founding principles of accessibility and collaboration. For users and developers alike, the platform will continue to evolve, offering opportunities for creativity, customization, and growth—all within the framework of an open web.
As the internet continues to expand, Mullenweg’s decision underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of WordPress as it grows. The platform remains a beacon of open-source success, guided by the leadership of one of the most influential figures in web development today.
