The Repository reports that U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín reversed an earlier dismissal and revived four antitrust counts against Automattic and CEO Matt Mullenweg – monopolization, attempted monopolization, and two illegal tying claims – finding that WP Engine plausibly alleged Automattic used its control of WordPress.org to raise prices, degrade quality, and force competitors to pay for access that had been free. The order acknowledges the court now departs from its prior ruling, and the revived claims carry the risk of triple damages plus attorneys’ fees under the Clayton Act.
WP Engine's Antitrust Claims Against Automattic Are Back On After Judge Reverses Earlier Dismissal
The Repository reports that U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín reversed an earlier dismissal and revived four antitrust counts against Automattic and CEO Matt Mullenweg -- monopolization, attempted monopolization, and two illegal tying claims -- finding that WP Engine plausibly alleged Automattic used its control of WordPress.org to raise prices, degrade quality, and force competitors to pay for access that had been free. The order acknowledges the court now departs from its prior ruling, and the revived claims carry the risk of triple damages plus attorneys' fees under the Clayton Act.
Source: Therepository