Automattic has agreed to remove the WP Fusion Lite Plugin from WordPress.com following a Cease and Desist letter filed by the plugin’s creator Jack Arturo on October 12, 2024. The letter accused Automattic and WordPress.com of unauthorized trademark usage by displaying the plugin on WordPress.com.
WP Fusion Lite is a WordPress plugin that connects WordPress websites to popular CRM systems and marketing automation tools. It has over 5,000 Active Installs in the WordPress.org Repository.
Jack Arturo, founder of Very Good Plugins LLC and creator of WP Fusion plugin, filed the Cease and Desist letter stating: “As the owner of the federally registered trademark WP FUSION (U.S. Registration No. 6,052,437), which was registered on May 12, 2020, and is associated with software services including website integration with customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation systems, I believe that your continued use and distribution of the plugin under the WP Fusion name is a clear infringement of my exclusive trademark rights under U.S. law.
The plugin you are hosting creates a likelihood of confusion, mistake, or deception regarding the source, sponsorship, or affiliation of the WP Fusion brand, which could damage the reputation and goodwill associated with my brand. Please be advised that I will vigorously defend my trademark rights to the fullest extent of the law.”
The letter included three key demands:
Immediately remove the “WP Fusion Lite” plugin from WordPress.com. Cease any use of trademarks, logos, or names confusingly similar to WP Fusion. Provide written confirmation within ten business days that these actions have been taken.
He also warned that if the above requests are not met, he would “pursue all available legal remedies, including but not limited to seeking injunctive relief, damages, and attorney’s fees for trademark infringement.”
Automattic’s Response on October 18, 2024
Automattic responded, saying