FAKE NOTEPAD++ FOR MAC SPARKS TRADEMARK FIGHT

INDUSTRY DESK■ 1 MIN READ

MON, MAY 4, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 2 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE

A counterfeit version of Notepad++ has appeared on macOS, prompting the official project to issue a trademark violation notice. The fake application misuses the Notepad++ brand despite the original software never officially releasing a Mac version.

The Notepad++ team discovered an unauthorized macOS application bearing their trademarked name and branding. The fake app capitalizes on the popularity of the legitimate code editor while creating confusion among users seeking the Windows-only original. Notepad++ has been a Windows staple for nearly two decades but has never had an official macOS release. The counterfeit application exploits this gap, potentially compromising user security and diluting the brand. The project published a formal notice of trademark infringement, urging users to avoid the fake version. The incident highlights ongoing challenges with app store enforcement and brand protection across platforms. Users seeking Notepad++ alternatives on macOS are directed to legitimate options or the official Windows release via virtualization. The team recommends downloading only from notepad-plus-plus.org to ensure authenticity.

■ SOURCES

► Hacker News ► Hacker News

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FAKE NOTEPAD++ FOR MAC SPARKS TRADEMARK FIGHT

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