As the name suggests, Reverend Notepad++ text editor started out as a more capable version of the classic Windows Notepad with features like line numbering and syntax highlighting. It was created in 2003 by Don Ho, who continues to be its main author and maintainer. Exclusive software for Windows throughout its existence (older versions of Notepad++ support OSes as old as Windows 95; the current version officially supports everything back to Windows 7).
I’m not a devoted user of the program, but I’ve been aware of its history, so I was surprised to see the news of a “Notepad++ for Mac” port. doing the rounds last weekas if it is a port of the original available from Notepad++.
Apparently, this news also surprised Hon, who claims Mac version and its author, Andrey Letov“they use Notepad++ trademark (name) unauthorized.”
“This is misleading, inappropriate and blatantly disrespectful to both the project and its users,” Ho wrote. “He’s already convinced people, including the tech media, that this is an official release. To be clear: Notepad++ has never released a macOS version. Anyone who claims otherwise is just using the Notepad++ name.”
Back and forth ascension
Further communication between Ho and Letov can be found in the Notepad++ GitHub thread, where Ho he said He had been contacted by Letov before Notepad++ for Mac was launched, but had not had time to respond.
“The problem is that using the official Notepad++ name and its logo gives the impression that your project is an official macOS version maintained or approved by the Notepad++ team, which is not the case,” Ho wrote in a letter to Letova, which he reposted on GitHub. “This is confusing for users (sic) and exposes both you and the project to trademark issues.”
