Copyright Issues In America's Fast-Growing Mah Jongg Craze

American Mah Jongg is currently experiencing a remarkable resurgence across the United States. Once associated primarily with retirees and family gatherings, the game has found a new audience through social media, local clubs, and trendy cafés. As the game gains new enthusiasts, many are discovering that American Mah Jongg differs from traditional Mahjong in several respects, including one feature that gives rise to an interesting copyright question.

American Mah Jongg has an official annual card, specifically referred to as the Official Standard Hands and Rules. Unlike traditional Mahjong, American Mah Jongg is played using this card, which is published each year by the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL), a nonprofit organization founded in 1937 to promote standardized play. Rather than relying on a fixed set of winning patterns, American Mah Jongg uses a new annual card each year listing the official winning hands for that season. Throughout the game, players continually refer to the