The WordPress Foundation has filed trademark applications for the terms "Managed WordPress" and "Hosted WordPress," which could significantly impact web hosting services and plugins that utilize these phrases. The applications, submitted on July 12, 2024, aim to secure exclusive rights for these terms in various contexts, including web hosting, cloud services, and software related to website management. The foundation, a non-profit organization overseeing the open-source WordPress content management system, is pursuing these trademarks on an "Intent to Use" basis, indicating a genuine intention to use the marks in commerce. This move is intended to establish legal control over the terms, allowing the foundation to enforce their ownership and potentially require licensing fees from other entities that wish to use these phrases. The trademark applications have raised questions about the relationship between the WordPress Foundation and Automattic, the for-profit company that contributes to WordPress development. Automattic has previously sought licensing fees from competitors, such as WP Engine, for the use of WordPress-related terms, despite the assertion that such uses are fair under trademark law. This situation suggests that Automattic may have an agreement with the WordPress Foundation to enforce these trademarks. If the trademark applications are approved, web hosts using "Managed WordPress" and "Hosted WordPress" could face legal challenges or be required to pay for the right to use these terms. The trademark filing is a strategic move by the WordPress Foundation to maintain control over its brand and ensure that its terms are used appropriately in the marketplace. Following the approval process, there will be a period for third parties to file objections to the trademarks, which could further influence the outcome of this initiative.