Legal Definitions - phonorecord

Definition: A phonorecord is a physical object that contains fixed sounds that can be heard, reproduced, or communicated directly or with the help of a machine. Examples of phonorecords include vinyl records, cassette tapes, and CDs. The term is commonly used in copyright law and is defined in the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976 (17 USCA § 101).

Examples:

• A vinyl record of The Beatles' "Abbey Road" album is a phonorecord.
• A cassette tape of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album is a phonorecord.
• A CD of Taylor Swift's "1989" album is a phonorecord.

These examples illustrate the definition of a phonorecord because they are all physical objects that contain fixed sounds that can be heard and reproduced. They are also all examples of media that have been used to distribute music to consumers.