Copyright, Fair Use & Teaching Mah Jongg: What Instructors Need to Know (Article 256)

As a mah jongg instructor, it’s important to understand how copyright law applies when you use or share materials when teaching others about the game. Here are the essentials:

Fair Use in Education

U.S. copyright law allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission under fair use—especially in nonprofit, educational settings. However, not all teaching uses automatically qualify. Courts look at four main factors:

1. Purpose of Use: Educational, nonprofit, and transformative uses (like commentary or critique) favor fair use.
2. Nature of the Work: Factual or published works are more likely to be fair use than creative or unpublished ones.
3. Amount Used: Using smaller, necessary portions supports fair use—avoid using large or central parts of a copyrighted work.
4. Effect on the Market: If your use could replace the original and harm its sales or licensing potential, it’s less likely to be fair use.

Tip for Mah Jongg Instructors: Sharing a short excerpt of a book to critique a rule or strategy is likely fair use. Scanning and distributing an entire manual is probably not.

Face-to-Face Teaching Exemption (Section 110(1) of the U.S. Copyright Act)

In a live, in-person classroom, instructors can legally use copyrighted materials without needing permission, including reading from a rulebook or showing visual materials, so long as it’s part of routine, nonprofit instruction.

Online Teaching Considerations

Online or recorded sessions have stricter rules. You may need to:

• Use only portions of copyrighted works.
• Secure permissions or licenses when necessary.
• Use your own materials or those in the public domain when possible.

Accessibility Requirements

If you’re offering mah jongg instruction to the public—primarily through digital formats—make sure your content is accessible to those with disabilities. This includes:

• Adding captions or transcripts to videos.
• Using screen-reader-friendly formats for documents.
• Following accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act).

Special Laws for Accessible Copies

Amendments to U.S. copyright law (e.g., PL 104-197) allow for reproducing and adapting works specifically for individuals with disabilities. If you’re making materials accessible for a student with a print disability, you’re generally allowed to do so without violating copyright.

References

1. Fair Use | Copyright at UC
2. Teaching and Fair Use | Copyright at UC
3. Face-to-Face Instruction Exception (Section 110(1)) | Western Oregon University
4. Accessibility and Copyright | Iowa State University
5. Copyright Law Amendment (1996) PL 104-197 | Library of Congress

Disclaimer

The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.