What is a VMC?

A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is a digital certificate used in email authentication to verify ownership of a brand’s logo, enabling it to be displayed in recipients’ inboxes through BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification). VMCs act as a trust signal, proving that the logo belongs to the sending domain and ensuring only authenticated emails display it. This enhances brand visibility and protects against phishing by reassuring recipients that the email is legitimate.

How Does a VMC Work?

VMCs integrate with email authentication protocols to enable logo display. Here’s the process:

1. Obtain a VMC: A domain owner applies for a VMC through a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), such as DigiCert or Entrust. The CA verifies the applicant’s ownership of the logo, often requiring proof of trademark registration.
2. Publish BIMI Record: The VMC is referenced in the domain’s DNS as part of a BIMI TXT record (e.g., default._bimi.example.com). This record also includes a URL to the logo file (in SVG Tiny P/S format) hosted via HTTPS.
3. Email Authentication: The email must pass DMARC checks, which rely on SPF and DKIM, with a DMARC policy of “quarantine” or “reject” enforced at 100%. This ensures the email is from an authorized sender.
4. Logo Display: If the email passes authentication and the VMC is valid, participating email clients (MUAs) (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) display the verified logo next to the email in the inbox, often with a trust indicator like a checkmark.

The VMC essentially acts as a cryptographic proof of logo ownership, similar to how an SSL/TLS certificate secures a website.

Why VMCs Matter

VMCs offer significant benefits for businesses and email security:

• Brand Recognition: Displaying a verified logo in inboxes reinforces brand identity, making emails instantly recognizable and increasing open rates.
• Phishing Protection: By tying logo display to strict DMARC authentication, VMCs prevent impostors from using your logo in fraudulent emails, safeguarding customers.
• Customer Trust: A verified logo signals legitimacy, especially for industries like finance or retail, where phishing is rampant.
• Competitive Edge: As BIMI adoption grows, VMCs position brands as forward-thinking, leveraging cutting-edge email standards to stand out.

Things to Keep in Mind

Implementing VMCs requires careful planning:

• DMARC Prerequisite: A VMC won’t work without a fully enforced DMARC policy (“quarantine” or “reject”). Ensure SPF and DKIM are correctly configured first.
• Trademark Verification: Obtaining a VMC often requires a registered trademark, which can involve legal costs and time. Some email clients, like Gmail, mandate VMCs for BIMI, while others (e.g., Yahoo) may allow Common Mark Certificates (CMCs) or no certificate for testing.
• Limited Support: Not all email clients support BIMI or VMCs yet. Adoption is growing, but check compatibility with your audience’s email providers.
• Logo Specifications: The logo must be a square SVG Tiny P/S file, hosted securely. Incorrect formatting can prevent display.
• Ongoing Maintenance: VMCs have expiration dates (like SSL certificates) and must be renewed to maintain functionality.

Wrapping Up

A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is a powerful tool for enhancing email branding and security, allowing businesses to display their verified logo in inboxes via BIMI. By tying logo display to robust DMARC authentication, VMCs protect against phishing while boosting brand visibility and trust. For organizations aiming to elevate their email presence, implementing a VMC is a strategic step toward a more secure and recognizable digital identity.