Notepad++ Author Demands Rename of Unofficial macOS Port Due to Trademark Infringement

The creator of the popular open-source editor Notepad++ has raised concerns over an unofficial macOS port that misleadingly uses the project’s trademark and branding.

Don Ho, the original author and maintainer of the widely used open-source code editor Notepad++, has formally requested that an unofficial macOS port stop using the Notepad++ name and logo, citing trademark infringement.

According to a statement published on the official Notepad++ website, Ho noticed the emergence of a project called “Notepad++ for macOS” that is not affiliated with the main project. The port’s website closely mimics the official Notepad++ design, its download page lists the software as “Notepad++ 1.0.5”, and the project information page even credits Don Ho as the author.

The macOS port was developed by a third-party with assistance from the Claude AI coding assistant. While the code itself is a fork of the open-source Notepad++ project, the repository and website do not clearly disclose that it is an independent, unofficial effort. As a result, several social media posts, blogs, and tech publications have incorrectly presented the port as an official addition of native macOS support to Notepad++.

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In his statement, Don Ho clarified:

“Such actions mislead users and create the impression that the macOS port is part of the official project and was created with my participation and knowledge.”

Ho emphasized that he is not against community forks or efforts to bring Notepad++ to new platforms. He welcomed the technical work done to adapt the editor for macOS and acknowledged that it could benefit many users. However, he firmly objected to the use of the Notepad++ trademark and logo in a way that suggests official endorsement.