The iconic Pac-Man, chomping his way through ghosts and pellets, is instantly recognizable. But does that mean his image is protected by copyright? The short answer is a resounding yes! Namco, the creator of Pac-Man, holds significant copyright over the character's design and the game itself.
Copyright law protects original works of authorship, including visual representations like Pac-Man's distinct shape and features. This prevents others from commercially exploiting or copying the character's likeness without permission. Using the Pac-Man icon on merchandise, in other games, or even in advertising without proper licensing could land you in legal hot water.
While fan art and personal use are often tolerated, using the Pac-Man icon for profit without Namco's consent is a definite no-go. So, before you try to cash in on the yellow, pellet-munching hero, remember that Pac-Man's image is under copyright protection!
