The creator of the open code editor Notepad++ raised concerns over an unofficial port called “Notepad++ for macOS,” which was using the Notepad++ trademark and project logo without authorization. The port, unrelated to the main project, mimicked the design of the official Notepad++ website, labeled itself as “Notepad++ 1.0.5” on the download page, and credited the creator of Notepad++ on its project information page. This deceptive practice misled users into believing that the macOS port was an official extension of the original project.
The macOS port was developed by a third-party enthusiast using the Claude AI assistant without clarifying that it was an independent project. Consequently, many social media posts, blogs, and online articles erroneously portrayed the port as an official macOS support version of Notepad++, when in reality it was a separate entity unaffiliated with the original developers.
In response, Don Ho, the author of Notepad++, urged the cessation of the unauthorized use of the Notepad++ logo and requested renaming the port to avoid misleading users. While Don Ho welcomed efforts to adapt the code for macOS, he emphasized the importance of distinguishing between official projects and forks of open source code to prevent user confusion. Don Ho clarified that while he supported the creation of forks, users should not mistake them for being associated with the original projects.