Introduction to the WordPress Trademark Dispute
The WordPress Foundation recently faced a setback in its attempt to trademark the phrases "Managed WordPress" and "Hosted WordPress." This development could have significant implications for the WordPress community, as it would have allowed the foundation to demand licensing fees from users of these phrases. An organization called Unprotected.org played a crucial role in challenging the trademark applications, and their efforts have sparked a heated debate about the leadership and direction of the WordPress open source project.
The Challenge to the Trademark Applications
Unprotected.org published documents showing that they had successfully petitioned the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to deny the trademarks. According to the USPTO decision, the WordPress Foundation must disclaim the wording "MANAGED" because it is merely descriptive of an ingredient, quality, characteristic, function, feature, purpose, or use of the applicant’s goods and services. This decision suggests that the phrases "Managed WordPress" and "Hosted WordPress" are too generic to be trademarked, as they simply describe a type of service rather than a unique brand or product.
Response from Automattic
Despite this setback, the WordPress Foundation remains optimistic about its chances of securing the trademarks. A spokesperson from Automattic, the company behind WordPress, commented that the trademark applications are still on track and that the USPTO’s decision was simply a clarification that the foundation is not getting exclusive rights to the words "managed" and "hosting" by themselves. This type of office action is common and not unexpected, and the applications remain under consideration at the USPTO.
Next Steps in the Dispute
The WordPress Foundation has three months to file a response to the USPTO’s decision, according to the documentation. The owner of Unprotected.org has hailed this development as a great victory for the WordPress ecosystem and has vowed to continue fighting for accountability and a change in leadership. This dispute has sparked a wider debate about the leadership and direction of the WordPress open source project, with some calling for a change in the leadership structure and others promoting alternative leaders, such as Joost de Valk.
Implications of the Dispute
The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the WordPress community, as it could affect the way that users and developers interact with the platform. If the WordPress Foundation is successful in securing the trademarks, it could lead to increased costs and restrictions for users and developers who want to use the phrases "Managed WordPress" and "Hosted WordPress." On the other hand, if the trademarks are denied, it could lead to a more open and collaborative approach to the development and use of the WordPress platform.
Conclusion
The dispute over the trademarks for "Managed WordPress" and "Hosted WordPress" is a complex and ongoing issue that reflects deeper tensions and debates within the WordPress community. As the WordPress Foundation and Unprotected.org continue to navigate this dispute, it is likely that we will see further developments and challenges in the coming months. Ultimately, the outcome of this dispute will depend on the decisions made by the USPTO and the actions taken by the WordPress Foundation and other stakeholders in the community.