Editing DMARC

Common Mark Certificates (CMC) for Google BIMI Adoption

Great news for businesses looking to showcase their brand logo in Gmail without the hassle of trademarking! Thanks to recent Google updates, brands can now use Common Mark Certificates (CMCs) to display their BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) logo.

Why is This a Game Changer?

Previously, Google required a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for logos to appear in Gmail inboxes, which also meant logos had to be trademarked. This was not only a lengthy process but could also be quite expensive. Now, with the introduction of CMCs, businesses can avoid the trademarking process, making it quicker and more affordable to display their logo in Gmail.

Google’s Role in Expanding BIMI Adoption

As an early adopter of BIMI, Google has been a leader in making it easier for brands to show their logos in email inboxes. Since launching the feature in 2021, Google’s continued updates have significantly broadened the BIMI adoption landscape.

Let’s take a look at the latest requirements for displaying your logo in Gmail.

Old Requirements:

• DMARC implementation at enforcement
• Brand logo in BIMI-compliant SVG format
• Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for your trademarked logo
• BIMI record configuration and logo upload

New Requirements:

• DMARC implementation at enforcement
• Brand logo in BIMI-compliant SVG format
• Either a Common Mark Certificate (CMC) or a VMC
• BIMI record configuration and logo upload

Summary of Google’s Latest BIMI Changes

Google now supports the use of Common Mark Certificates (CMCs) for displaying BIMI logos. For businesses using VMCs, Google is also expanding the visibility of the blue verification checkmark across mobile, desktop, and Gmail apps on both Android and iOS. This will be gradually rolled out over the coming weeks.

Key Benefits of Using Google CMCs

The main benefit of using a CMC for BIMI implementation is that you no longer need to trademark your logo, making the process much simpler and faster. CMCs are easier to obtain and a more accessible option for many brands.

What You Miss Out on with CMCs

Unlike VMC users, who get both their brand avatar and a blue verification checkmark, businesses using CMCs will only see their logo displayed. The verified checkmark feature is not available for CMC users.

What is a Common Mark Certificate (CMC)?

A Common Mark Certificate (CMC) is a digital certificate used to verify the authenticity and ownership of a logo, even if it hasn’t been trademarked. CMCs serve as a form of proof that a business has been using a logo for a minimum of one year, offering some credibility without the legal protection of a trademark.

How to Obtain a CMC for BIMI:

1. Logo Usage: Ensure you’ve been using your logo for at least one year.
2. Email Authentication: Your domain must have DMARC, SPF, and DKIM set up, with DMARC enforcement (p=quarantine or reject).
3. Apply via a Certificate Authority: CMCs can be acquired from trusted certificate authorities (CAs).
4. Logo Validation: Your logo will be validated, though this process is quicker and simpler than applying for a VMC.

CMC vs VMC: Which Is Right for Your Business?

Set Up BIMI with Powermail’s Hosted BIMI Service

Displaying your brand logo in emails boosts recipient trust and reduces concerns about phishing attempts. Powermail’s hosted BIMI service simplifies the entire setup process, ensuring your logo is displayed with ease—whether you’re using a CMC or VMC.

Our team of experts will handle everything, from DMARC enforcement to BIMI configuration, so your logo can appear in Gmail inboxes in no time. Take the hassle out of email authentication with Powermail’s seamless BIMI solution.

Contact us today to get started and display your brand logo in Gmail with ease!