WordPress's 2025 Saga: Controversies, Prospects, and Implications for Users
In the heart of Clerkenwell, London, lies KOTA, a creative digital agency that stands out for its versatility and commitment to finding the best solutions for each project.
The KOTA Approach
Every project at KOTA begins with a CMS discovery process. By analysing the project's unique needs, KOTA determines the most suitable platform, whether that's WordPress, Statamic, Storyblok, or another Content Management System (CMS). KOTA does not push one solution, but rather recommends the best fit, ensuring clients receive the optimal service.
Services Offered
KOTA's services extend beyond CMS selection, encompassing creative web design, web development, branding, and digital marketing. Some of their notable projects include the revamp of ISI Global's digital identity in 2025 and the reimagining of Futureform's traditional financial design in 2024.
The WordPress Drama of 2024
In 2024, the tech industry witnessed a significant controversy between Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, and WP Engine. The dispute started due to accusations of WP Engine profiting off WordPress and WooCommerce trademarks without contributing back to the ecosystem. Mullenweg publicly criticised WP Engine as a "cancer to WordPress," and the situation escalated, leading to lawsuits.
However, WordPress, which powers over 40% of the internet, remained largely unaffected for users and developers due to being protected under the GNU Public License. A dedicated website, wpvswpe.report, has been documenting the unfolding drama.
The Legal Battle
The current development in the dispute involves ongoing lawsuits after a judge allowed several claims to proceed. Allegations include Automattic covertly replacing WP Engine’s popular Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin with its own SiteOrigin Custom Fields (SCF) plugin without authorization, as well as claims of unfair competition, defamation, slander, and false advertising. Some serious antitrust claims by WP Engine were dismissed, but key counts remain active, potentially exposing Automattic to damages if WP Engine prevails.
Platform-Agnostic Approach in a Changing Landscape
Despite the ongoing legal battle between Matt Mullenweg and WP Engine, agencies like KOTA remain platform-agnostic, choosing the right CMS for each project based on functional requirements, budget, timescales, regulatory and compliance needs, and customer preference. KOTA helps clients make informed decisions by outlining the pros and cons of multiple viable CMS options.
Contacting KOTA
Interested clients can contact KOTA at hello@our website.co.uk. KOTA also offers free brief templates to help clients avoid miscommunication headaches, scope creep, expectation misalignment, and brand inconsistency.
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, KOTA's platform-agnostic approach and commitment to finding the best solutions for each project make it a reliable partner for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of web development and design.
