In my personal experience, I have come across a situation where the name “snake” in reference to a game was actually trademarked. I remember doing a trademark search for the name “snake” and found that it was owned by Nokia for computer games. This means that Nokia has exclusive rights to use the name “snake” in the context of computer games.
However, it is important to note that the trademark disclaimer stated that no claim is made to the exclusive right to use the word “snakes” apart from the mark as shown. This means that others can still use the word “snakes” in their own computer games as long as it is not used in a way that infringes on Nokia’s specific trademark.
Based on this information, it seems that the actual concept or gameplay of the snake game itself is not copyrighted or trademarked. It is only the specific use of the name “snake” in the context of computer games that is trademarked by Nokia.
So, if you were planning to create a game that involves snakes but does not use the name “snake” in the same context as Nokia’s trademark, you should be okay. However, it is always a good idea to consult with a legal professional to ensure that you are not infringing on any existing trademarks or copyrights.
While the name “snake” in reference to a game is trademarked by Nokia, the actual gameplay or concept of the snake game itself is not copyrighted or trademarked. As long as you avoid using the name “snake” in a way that infringes on Nokia’s trademark, you should be able to create your own game involving snakes without any copyright issues.