Is pac-man still protected by copyright

Question

Hello,

I am planning to write and distribute a pac-man like game. So I would like to know if It is still protected by copyright.

Can I use the word pacman in the title ? What are the limits that I will have ?

PS. I can conclude from the first answers that I can't use the name and may be a very similar art work. If I keep that in mind, will I have any trouble. And I don't want to do something unethical, is it unethical to write a pac-man like game ? I see tons of them on the internet.

Answer 1

A visit to Namco will show you they are still actively promoting it by porting it to new platforms, as well as continuing to develop it as a franchise.

So the answer is: No. No. Also, no.

Answer 2

It's a matter of trademarks, not copyright. Trademarks don't run out, though they must be continually used. I'm pretty sure Pacman would be considered to be in use, as it's a very well-known brand.

So you'll have to use a different name.

Answer 3

I think no??? since this is game we are seeing since childhood so , you cannot use its name. And its the most popular game in world, just like mario, tetris etc. So better dont use names that exists from decades instead use some other similiar type names, if you want.