Is pac-man still protected by copyright? [closed]

Question

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

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 2

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.