Policies for using the Magic the Gathering card frame

[mysticmind]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of printing a promotional card in the Magic card frame. I've been searching for a good policy-document, but I couldn't find one regarding card frames so far. Will there be any problems if you print promotional cards in the Magic card frame and hand them out (without selling of course)?

[Huggybaby]

You'd have to ask WOTC about that.

[GeoffW]

I'm 99% sure that doing this would be a breach of copyright (quite simply because you're copying the card frame), so you'd have to ask Wizards for permission to copy it first. Unfortunately from what I hear they're very likely to just say 'no'.

Another approach would be do design your own 'Magic style' frame in which case you may be able to avoid the need for permission - but be very careful about things like card names and the trademarked mana symbols etc.