The recent legal and public spat between WordPress founder Matt Mullenweg and WP Engine, a prominent hosting company, has caught the attention of tech insiders. 

But what can this battle between two tech giants teach small business owners who aren’t in the web hosting business?

Plenty.

At its core, this controversy highlights issues of control, branding, customer trust, and the dynamics of partnerships—all of which are relevant to businesses of any size. Here are five key lessons small business owners can take away from the WordPress vs. WP Engine feud.

At first glance, open-source software like WordPress seems like a free-for-all paradise. Anyone can use it, and it powers over 40% of websites on the internet. But as this feud demonstrates, just because a tool is open-source doesn’t mean you have free reign over everything associated with it.

The conflict started when Mullenweg accused WP Engine of disabling a core WordPress feature (revision tracking) to save costs. This caused concerns around user data protection. It’s a reminder for small businesses to carefully understand the tools they rely on. Free or open-source solutions can come with strings attached, and if the technology changes, it can impact your business in ways you might not expect. Always stay informed about the software, platforms, or technologies you use and know where the lines are drawn.

WP Engine’s use of “WP” in its name is one of the core issues of the dispute. Many customers assumed WP Engine was directly affiliated with WordPress, which led to confusion. Mullenweg and the WordPress Foundation allege this misleading branding created a false association, prompting legal action and trademark arguments.

For small businesses, this is a powerful reminder: your brand identity must be clear, distinct, and consistent. If customers are confused about who you are or what you offer, it can erode trust—and even lead to legal trouble. Ensure that your branding and messaging set you apart and that you’re not unintentionally stepping on another company’s toes.

In response to the trademark battle, Mullenweg blocked WP Engine from accessing WordPress.org’s plugin and theme resources, which broke many websites and left some vulnerable to security threats. This decision caused frustration among WP Engine customers and other WordPress community members, as it disrupted their ability to keep websites functional and secure.

The lesson here for small business owners is simple but vital: never let internal disputes or business changes impact your customers’ experience. Even when facing tough decisions, your priority should always be maintaining the trust and satisfaction of your customers. When service disruptions or changes are unavoidable, communicate openly and provide solutions quickly.

WP Engine and WordPress have worked alongside each other for years, with WP Engine benefiting from the popularity of WordPress, and WordPress gaining users through WP Engine’s hosting services. But as this dispute shows, partnerships can go sour. What started as a collaborative relationship has now devolved into a public and legal feud, with both sides accusing each other of bad faith actions.

For small businesses, partnerships are often crucial to success. However, even the most mutually beneficial relationships can break down. Always have clear agreements in place and anticipate what could happen if things go south. This ensures that when conflicts arise, both parties know their rights and obligations. Protect yourself with strong contracts and contingency plans, so you're not caught off guard when partnerships face friction.

WP Engine ultimately had to clarify on its website that it is not directly affiliated with WordPress. This came after years of confusion where customers believed WP Engine was part of the official WordPress family. After the feud came to light, the hosting company updated its site to be more transparent, making it clear that its use of the WordPress trademark was only for identification purposes.

Transparency is key for small businesses to build and maintain customer trust. Being open about your partnerships, business practices, and product offerings helps create a trustworthy relationship with your audience. Don’t wait for a conflict or misunderstanding to make your business practices clear. Proactively communicate with your customers to avoid confusion and ensure they feel confident in choosing your products or services.

While your business might not be as large as WordPress or WP Engine, the lessons from their ongoing dispute are universally applicable. From understanding the tools you use to protecting your brand identity and maintaining transparency with your customers, these strategies can help you navigate your own business challenges.

Even giants like WordPress aren’t immune to the consequences of poor communication, blurred brand lines, or failing to prioritise customer experience. As a small business owner, you have the advantage of being nimble and responsive. Use that to your advantage by staying proactive, keeping your customers’ best interests at heart, and always preparing for the unexpected.

In the end, every business—big or small—has to balance growth, partnerships, and customer loyalty. How you handle those challenges can be the difference between long-term success and unnecessary headaches.