Abstract: A novel random copolymer containing, in specific ratios, methyl methacrylate units, aromatic vinyl compound units, methacrylic acid units, hexagonal anhydride units and hexagonal imide units of the formula ##STR1## has been found to have excellent optical properties, mechanical strength, heat distortion resistance, heat decomposition resistance and oil resistance, and have low water absorption. The copolymer can advantageously be employed as a material for parts of light electric apparatus, engineering plastics, lenses, optical fiber cables, and is especially useful as a material for a substrate of optical discs.