MeshCore team splits as co-founder files trademark, uses AI code

The MeshCore open-source mesh networking project has fractured after co-founder Andy Kirby secretly applied for the MeshCore trademark on March 29 and began using AI-generated code from Claude Code without disclosure. The remaining core team—Scott, Liam, Recrof, FDLamotte, and Oltaco—discovered the trademark filing and attempts at dialogue broke down. Kirby now controls the original meshcore.co.uk domain and Discord server, while the team launched meshcore.io as the new official site. Kirby has allegedly copied the new site's look and feel using AI despite requests not to. The project, started in January 2025, has grown to 38,000+ nodes and 100,000+ active app users. The team emphasizes that the only official MeshCore source is the GitHub repository, to which Kirby never contributed. They continue firmware development and community management on the new platform.