For years, Paint.net was my trusted image editor on Windows. It struck the perfect balance—more features than Paint but much simpler than Photoshop or GIMP. Yet, it was odd that you couldn’t download it from Paint.net itself; you always had to go to GetPaint.net.
For 22 long years, the owners of the Paint.net domain held out, asking for a hefty price every time. But a recent mistake on their part allowed Rick Brewster, the developer behind Paint.net, to finally claim the website.
Brewster announced this win on social media. He went up against the previous domain owners after they redesigned their site to mimic the actual download page for Paint.net. This redesign resulted in misleading links and ads, which led Brewster to file a complaint citing copyright violation and domain squatting.
In December 2025, Brewster won the argument in court, reclaiming the Paint.net domain. Now, users can officially download the software directly from Paint.net, and all previous links on GetPaint.net will redirect to the new site.
As he transitions to the new setup, Brewster aims to ensure that users find everything in one spot. “There are 22 years of links out there that still need to work,” he explained. So, even as the site evolves, he’s focused on keeping it user-friendly.
Interestingly, Brewster’s journey sheds light on broader issues in the tech industry. Many developers have faced similar challenges in securing their domains. According to a recent study, nearly 70% of tech entrepreneurs encounter domain issues that delay their projects. It’s a tough landscape for coders trying to carve out their space. The battle for Paint.net’s domain highlights how important it is to protect intellectual property in today’s digital age. You can check out the new Paint.net site here: Paint.net.
This win not only means easier access for users but also reinforces the significance of standing up against domain squatting. With Paint.net on the right path, it’s exciting to think about what updates and features might follow under Brewster’s guidance.
