In what could be the beginning of a high-stakes tech industry rivalry, Figma has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Lovable. A rising no-code AI startup. The conflict centers around the use of the term “Dev Mode.” Which Figma successfully trademarked last year for a feature in its design software. Lovable recently launched a feature called “Dev Mode” for its own platform, prompting Figma to act.
While “dev mode” is a commonly used term in software, referring to a developer’s editing or debugging mode. Figma is claiming ownership of the specific shortcut term “Dev Mode.” This move has raised eyebrows, as the term “dev mode” is used by tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft. As well as many open-source projects long before Figma’s trademark. Figma’s attempt to lock down the term is viewed by some as an attempt to monopolize a term that has become so generic it might never have deserved a trademark in the first place.
Figma’s spokesperson clarified that the trademark applies specifically to the term “Dev Mode,” not the broader “developer mode.” However, this approach has drawn comparisons to attempts to trademark terms like “bug” in the context of debugging. A move that many would argue is too generic to claim as proprietary.
Despite the legal threat, Lovable’s co-founder and CEO, Anton Osika, remains resolute. The company has no plans to comply with Figma’s demands and plans to keep using “Dev Mode” for its new feature. This bold stance sets the stage for a potential legal battle. But Lovable’s relatively young and resource-limited position as a startup may make fighting Figma a costly affair. Especially as Figma gears up for its own IPO, having filed confidential paperwork this week.
Lovable’s “Dev Mode” feature is part of its broader push into “vibe coding”. A new way of building software where users describe what they want in a text prompt, and the platform generates the corresponding code. This innovative approach is quickly gaining traction, as it promises to simplify the design and coding process. Lovable positions itself as a competitor to Figma. Claiming that users can design with it “without tedious prototyping work in tools like Figma.” In fact, many startups are increasingly looking to Lovable as a faster. More intuitive alternative to Figma.
This trademark dispute is not just about intellectual property; it’s also a battle for market share in the rapidly evolving design space. Figma, which was valued at $12.5 billion last year. Figma is clearly feeling the pressure from Lovable and other upstarts threatening to disrupt its dominance. The cease-and-desist letter also serves as a reminder that Figma. Despite its size and resources, may be seeing a real challenge to its market leadership.
Figma has yet to send cease-and-desist letters to other large tech companies that use “dev mode,” like Microsoft. Stating that those companies operate in different product categories. But this move toward aggressively defending its trademark could be seen as Figma’s way of signaling its intent to protect its turf. Especially as it faces competition from newcomers like Lovable.
Lovable’s Osika hasn’t minced words in response to Figma’s actions. He has publicly stated that Figma should “focus on making their product great” instead of getting caught up in trademark disputes. Moreover, he is confident that Lovable is already winning customers away from Figma. And similar design tools built before the age of large language models (LLMs) and vibe coding.
The outcome of this legal battle may set important precedents for the future of the tech industry. Will Figma succeed in asserting control over a term that many consider too generic to own. Or will Lovable’s bold defiance prove that smaller, agile startups can outmaneuver established giants? The situation is still unfolding, but what’s clear is that the fight for the future of design software is far from over.
