American Mah Jong Copyright: Can You Copy the NMJL Card?
- Tamara Pester
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
The TLDR: Mah Jongg & Copyright in Plain English
Yes, the National Mah Jongg League (NML) holds registered copyrights on its annual card, and copying it—even for a friend—is likely copyright infringement. An IP lawyer breaks it down.
The game of Mah Jongg (aka mahjong or Mah Jong) — particularly the American version, which I learned in the winter of 2024-2025, is so challenging and interesting. Even more fascinating to me as an intellectual property (IP) lawyer are the questions involving Mah Jong copyright issues.
A Brief History of the Game
American Mah Jongg is based on the traditional Chinese game, which dates back to the 1800s. The essence of the game is simple: you play with tiles that come in different suits, and the goal is to form winning combinations. In the Chinese version, suits are typically red (cracks), black, blue (dots), and green (bamboos).
The Unique Twist in American Mah Jongg
What sets American Mah Jongg apart is that the winning combinations change each year, determined by the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL). Each year, they release an official card listing valid combinations for that season. Right now, we’re playing with the 2024 card, but I've already gotten my hands on the 2025 card — which costs about $14 (the larger size is slightly more expensive).
The Challenge: Learning New Combinations
Mahjong is a great mental exercise. Once you master the current year's card, you get comfortable knowing the possible hands you can aim for. But when the new card comes out, you start from scratch—making the transition fun but tricky.
One of my fellow players has a mother-in-law in her late 80s who plays several times a week. She memorized the 2025 card by late spring—a testament to how sharp this game can keep you!
Mahjong, Snacks, and... Copyright Infringement?
Now, let’s talk about an unexpected twist in the world of Mah Jongg. Picture this: you're setting up a game, deciding on snacks, and someone says: "Oops, I forgot my card. Can someone make me a copy?"
This got me thinking: Does the NMJL actually own the rights to those combinations? If someone photocopies it, is that Mah Jong copyright infringement? So I looked into the Mah Jongg legal issues.
IP Lawyer Asks: Can a Mahjong Card Be Copyrighted?
Under U.S. law, lists of names/numbers and methods of game play are not copyrightable. (Though you can trademark a game’s name.) But creative elements like written rules, designs, and layouts can qualify.
So, I searched the U.S. Copyright Office database. And yes—the National Mah Jongg League has registered copyrights for their cards, including the 2025 version. I even found registrations going back to 1982!
Why Copyright Registration Matters
Once a work is registered, the copyright holder can pursue legal action, including statutory damages.
That means the NMJL has the right to go after those who distribute unauthorized copies of their card—even if it seems harmless.
Mah Jong copyright infringement: Knockoff Cards and Legal Risks
If you’ve browsed Amazon, you may have seen unofficial Mah Jongg cards sold with other game accessories. These often feature slight changes to layout, fonts, or colors. But even small changes might not be enough to dodge infringement claims.
Since the NMJL is the exclusive seller of the official card, they could pursue enforcement—especially against repeat or commercial offenders. And statutory damages? They can exceed $25,000 per violation.
Borrowing vs. Copying
Does this mean NMJL is going to sue your friend who forgot their card? Probably not. Borrowing a legally purchased card is totally fine. But photocopying it for someone else? That’s technically infringement. Copyright gives the creator of a work a bundle of rights, including the exclusive rights to copy and distribute. As an IP lawyer, I gently discourage friends from making copies. It’s not about being the copyright police—it's about respecting the rules of a game we love.
Final Thoughts
Mah Jongg is a rich, strategic, and joyful game—whether you play online or in person. It sharpens the mind, fosters connection, and… apparently offers some thought-provoking legal twists.
If you're passionate about Mah Jongg, reach out—I'm always up for a game! Until next time, happy playing.
FAQs
Can I make a photocopy of the Mah Jongg card for a friend? No. Even if you mean well, making a copy likely infringes the National Mah Jongg League's registered copyright.
Is it okay to design my own Mah Jongg card for teaching or fun? Only if it's clearly different from the NMJL version. Even then, be cautious—derivative works can also raise legal issues.
Has anyone been sued for copying the card? There are no widely reported lawsuits, but enforcement is still possible. It's best to use official cards purchased directly from the NMJL.