That is, the copyright that arises when music is transferred from one format to another (from a master tape to a CD for example). The nature of the music usage can be varied – when promotional CDs are pressed, when videos are put onto the correct format for broadcasting, or when music is attached to television programming are just some examples of mechanical copyright.

For licensees, NORM takes the hassle out of getting a mechanical license, acting as a "one-stop shop" where those requiring a mechanical licence (or permission from the copyright owner to make reproductions) can make their application.