WordPress Legal Battle Escalates with Bizarre Pineapple Pizza Login Requirement
Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg adds a controversial login checkbox as tensions rise in the dispute with WP Engine over trademarks and open-source contributions.
Overview
- WordPress.org now requires users to affirm that 'Pineapple is delicious on pizza' to log in or create accounts, replacing a previous checkbox targeting WP Engine affiliations.
- The change follows a California court injunction mandating Automattic remove the prior checkbox and restore WP Engine's access to WordPress.org resources.
- The legal dispute began in September, with Automattic alleging WP Engine profits unfairly from WordPress's open-source project while contributing minimally.
- WP Engine countersued in October, accusing Automattic and Mullenweg of libel, slander, and unfair competition, while denying claims of trademark misuse.
- Critics within the WordPress community express frustration over Mullenweg's actions, citing concerns about professionalism, governance, and the platform's broader reputation.