Feature Request: Add Name-Quality Checker for Plugin Trademarks & Confusing Similarity

[davidperezgar]

I would like to propose a new feature for the Plugin Check Plugin (PCP): a name-quality checker that helps plugin authors choose appropriate, non-problematic names before submitting to the Plugin Directory.

Problem

Plugin authors often unintentionally choose names that:

• Contain protected trademarks (e.g., “WordPress,” “WooCommerce,” major brand names)
• Are confusingly similar to existing plugin names in the directory
• Do not follow the WordPress plugin naming guidelines
• Could create brand conflicts or user confusion

These issues frequently lead to time during plugin review, which could be prevented early with automated guidance.

Proposal: Name-Quality Checker

Add a module or function in PCP that analyzes the plugin name defined in the main plugin file and reports:

1. Trademark Conflicts

• Detect use of known restricted trademarks (WordPress, WooCommerce, Jetpack, etc.).
• Optionally allow a configurable list of additional trademarks.

2. Similarity Check Against Existing Plugins

• Compare the declared plugin name with existing names in the Plugin Directory API.
• Warn when a name is overly similar (e.g., "SEO Booster Pro" vs. "SEO Booster").

3. Compliance with Naming Guidelines

Check for:

• Use of “WordPress” instead of “WP”
• Use of brand names as prefixes
• Overly generic names
• Excessive keyword stuffing

4. Actionable Suggestions

• Recommend alternative naming approaches.
• Highlight conflicts with links to relevant guidelines.

Benefits

• Reduces plugin review rejection rate
• Helps developers choose clear, unique, policy-compliant names
• Improves the overall quality and clarity of the Plugin Directory