Automattic challenges Automatic.css in WordPress trademark fight - what one letter could change

Key Details

• Automattic’s counsel objected to Geary’s use of “Automatic” for a CSS framework for WordPress page builders. Geary tweeted the letter, making the correspondence public.
• The letter states Automattic holds trademark registrations for the “Automattic” mark covering related software and services and cites its association with WordPress.com and related offerings.
• Automattic requested that Geary rebrand away from “Automatic” or anything similar to “Automattic,” proposing a discussion of logistics and a transition timeline.
• The letter argues the names differ by one letter and are phonetically identical, noting overlapping audiences as a risk for consumer confusion.
• Matt Mullenweg responded on X:

  “We also own automatic.com” and described the naming area as “fraught.”

• Geary responded on X:

  “AutomaticCSS is called ‘automatic’ because it’s the only CSS framework that does a lot of things automatically.”

Background

Automattic operates WordPress.com and contributes to the WordPress project. The company was founded by WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg.

According to the letter shared by Geary, Automattic’s concern is potential consumer confusion within the WordPress ecosystem. The correspondence requests a rebrand and suggests a call to coordinate a transition. Automatic.css is described as a CSS framework for WordPress page builders.

Sources

• Kevin Geary - post publishing Automattic’s letter on X: View post
• Matt Mullenweg - response on X: View post
• Kevin Geary - follow-up response on X: View post
• Automattic - company site: automattic.com