partnership between automattic and react js comes to a haltDue to legal concerns, Automattic has decided to quit using Facebook’s product, React.js. Automattic is a web development brand founded in 2005. It is commonly known as the corporation behind WordPress.com, a hosting service provider. The company focuses on making the Web a better place by providing affordable and market-driven platforms such as blogging. According to Matt Mullenweg, the Founding Developer, Automattic started using React from 2015 and there were no legal issues then.

In the past two years, there were no legal concerns from the developers and that’s why the partnership was impeccable. The Calypso update from wordpress.com came into perception in 2016. At this time, the legal fraternity at WordPress.com saw no legal worry. The developers liked the service from React so much that they planned to use it in a bigger update known as Gutenberg. However, following legal concerns in respect to the patent ownership, Automattic plans to stop its relationship with React.

Here are the major concerns of the unfolding of the deal.

1. Patent Specifications

Following the decision to halt the deal, the Apache Software Foundation has forbidden the employment of React in its projects on the basis that invokes a patent specification that transfers risks to customers. The specification affects Facebook’s individual patent and its aims to protect the brand (Facebook) from patent litigation. According to Matt, Automattic has no problem with the specification or patent clause. The company believes that long-term consistency is important than a short-term achievement.

With Core, the brand looks at long-term results and giving the customer consistent service. This means reflecting on the legalities of the patent and the general market. However, the move is expected to be a slow but effective one. The founder is not for the idea to let the stakeholders inherit the patent. This means that they have to take all the legal steps to make sure the patent specifications are clear and their market performance is not affected by legal concerns.

2. Re-code Calypso while Delaying Gutenberg

The decision to quit the partnership will affect other major brands such as Gutenberg and Calypso. When asked, Matt says, “The move is bound to delay Guttenberg for a few weeks and this may result in a change of the brand release, possibly next year.” Matt, however, sees sense in delaying Guttenberg and facilitating g a re-code of Calypso. To him, the idea is worth it. Automattic is okay with delaying the update and release even if it means rewriting the Code in order to achieve legal certainty and compliance. The brand believes in operating in a healthy and law compliant market. For them, it fits better to delay but eventually achieve satisfactory results for all parties.

3. Facebook to Fight its Battle

Mr. Mullenweg had this to say about the whole saga, “The Facebook clause is clear and the brand has been a better and effective contributor. However, we have many problems to tackle and it’s not upon us to convince the globe that the Facebook patent clause is okay.” According to the founder, he believes that Facebook has the primary obligation of enlightening its supporters and subscribers that there is no problem with the patent’s clause.

At least from where they stand, the idea will be delivered to the right market target and from a relevant source. React is a very integral pillar and dropping the partnership deal is not easy for Automattic. However, the company has to take regular strategic decisions for the benefit of the brand. Automatic believes that if Facebook is able to manage their patent issue, then there is the possibility of a future reunion. The brand is able to focus on the major online market contributors such as CMC Markets for effective service delivery.

Conclusion

Generally, the decision to bring to a halt the partnership deal between Automattic and React is good for both brands. Automattic considers working in a legal compliant system as effective and healthy for the customers. The patent clause is a war that Automattic has withdrawn as it allows Facebook to fight. It believes that the war belongs to the social network and they should take charge. If all the legal issues are addressed, then Automattic can successfully carry partnership deals with Facebook and other social platforms.