The WordPress Foundation has secured European Union trademarks for “Managed WordPress” and “Hosted WordPress,” marking a significant milestone in its global push to tighten control over how the WordPress name is used by hosting companies.

In July 2024, the foundation filed applications for both phrases in multiple jurisdictions, including the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

This week, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) granted registration for both marks. As one of the world’s largest digital markets, the EU represents a significant win in the foundation’s trademark enforcement campaign.

The WordPress Foundation owns and manages trademarks for the WordPress name, logos, and related brands, while Automattic retains exclusive commercial rights to the WordPress trademark.

The EU registrations follow successful applications in the United Kingdom and Australia last month. Together, these moves reflect a growing shift toward stricter enforcement of WordPress-related trademarks — a shift that first raised concerns in October, when it became widely known that the foundation had filed for additional marks.

At the time, many business owners raised concerns that securing exclusive rights over the widely used phrases could restrict how hosting companies describe their services. That same month, Automattic published a legal guide outlining how hosting companies could use WordPress trademarks in branding and marketing.

As part of Automattic’s broader efforts to crack down on unauthorized commercial use, WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg and WordPress Executive Director Mary Hubbard are now personally vetting all WordCamp sponsors for trademark compliance.

Other trademark applications still under review

While the foundation has successfully registered the terms in the EU, UK, and Australia, applications in other jurisdictions are still in progress.

In the United States, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued an office action on February 4, requesting that the foundation disclaim exclusive rights to the words “Managed” and “Hosted” apart from the full phrases.

In New Zealand, the applications have entered the opposition period, while in Canada, they are yet to be examined

The enforcement push is already showing up in search results. Google either term and you’ll mostly see Automattic-owned platforms — though WP Engine is still running ads in Australia, even with the trademarks now registered here.

In recent months, Automattic has also asked several hosting companies to update their website copy and advertising to ensure it doesn’t violate the new trademark registrations, according to sources.

The dispute over trademark enforcement went public last September when Matt Mullenweg accused WP Engine of exploiting WordPress while failing to contribute back. Automattic followed with a cease and desist letter, demanding WP Engine stop using the WordPress and WooCommerce marks and pay compensation. WP Engine responded by filing a lawsuit, alleging trademark abuse and anti-competitive behavior. A jury trial is set for February 2027. 

Image credit: Gianni Vascellari.