Massachusetts General Laws

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 266, § 143 (2026)

Definitions applicable to Secs. 143A to 143H

✓ text as last checked Sept. 2026 (this copy records no edition or section history)
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Section 143. As used in sections 143A to 143H, inclusive, the following words shall have the following meanings:

''Article'' or ''recorded device'', the tangible medium upon which sounds or images are recorded or otherwise stored, and shall include any original phonograph record, disc, wire, tape, audio or video cassette, film or other medium now known or later developed on which sounds or images may be recorded or otherwise stored, or any copy or reproduction which duplicates, in whole or in part, the original.

''Audiovisual recording function'', the capability to record or transmit visual images or soundtrack, including any portion thereof, from a motion picture.

''Motion picture theater'', movie theater, screening room, or other venue if used primarily for the exhibition of motion pictures.

''Owner'', the person or other entity who owns a master phonograph record, master disc, master tape, master film or other device used for reproducing recorded visual images or sounds on a phonograph record, disc, tape, film, video cassette or other article on which visual images or sound is recorded, and from which the transferred recorded images or sounds are directly or indirectly derived.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 1 case, 1981–1981 · leading case: Commonwealth v. Yourawski, 425 N.E.2d 298 (Mass. 1981).
Commonwealth v. Yourawski, 425 N.E.2d 298 (Mass. 1981). “” 3 Under G. L. c. 266, § 143, inserted by St. 1973, c.”
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