Summary
The general consensus across various sources, including email marketers, experts, and official documentation, emphasizes that a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) SVG logo should closely, if not exactly, match the registered trademark. Certificate Authorities (CAs) rigorously validate logos, so even slight variations can be risky. Color might be an exception if it isn't explicitly part of the trademark. The specifics of the trademark description and the requirements of the trademark authority play crucial roles in determining acceptable variations.
Key findings
- Exact Match is Key: Most sources advise that the VMC SVG logo should be an exact replica of the registered trademark.
- CA Validation is Strict: Certificate Authorities (CAs) perform thorough validations, increasing the risk associated with logo variations.
- Color Flexibility: There might be some leniency with color if it isn't a defined characteristic of the trademark.
- Trademark Authority Matters: The specific requirements of the relevant trademark authority must be closely followed.
Key considerations
- Review Trademark Details: Thoroughly examine the trademark documentation, paying attention to the mark's description, to identify potential areas for variation.
- Understand CA Guidelines: Become familiar with the validation guidelines of the specific Certificate Authority that will be issuing the VMC.
- Assess Risk Tolerance: Acknowledge that even what seems like a minor variation carries some risk of rejection by the CA.
- Consider Regional Differences: Keep in mind that trademark regulations can vary across different regions, influencing validation criteria.
- Registered Trademark is Required: A registered trademark with a government trademark authority is essential for VMC eligibility.
What email marketers say
11 marketer opinions
The consensus among email marketers and experts is that a VMC SVG logo should closely, if not exactly, match the trademarked logo. While some flexibility may exist regarding aspects not explicitly defined in the trademark (like background color), variations are generally discouraged due to strict validation processes by Certificate Authorities. The specifics of the trademark documentation, especially concerning color, and the requirements of the relevant trademark authority are critical factors.
Key opinions
- Exact Match: Most sources suggest the VMC SVG logo should be an exact match to the registered trademark.
- CA Validation: Certificate Authorities (CAs) rigorously validate the logo, making even slight variations risky.
- Color Considerations: Color might be flexible if it's not a defined feature of the trademark.
- Trademark Authority: Specific requirements vary by trademark authority, necessitating careful review.
Key considerations
- Trademark Documentation: Carefully review trademark documentation, particularly the description of the mark, to determine permissible variations.
- CA Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the specific validation guidelines of the Certificate Authority you choose.
- Risk Tolerance: Understand that even seemingly minor variations carry some risk of rejection by the CA.
- Regional Differences: Trademark regulations and enforcement may differ across regions, impacting validation criteria.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks says that if the background color wasn't part of the trademark description, you can change it. Also that it depends on the description of the trademark in the USPTO document
19 Nov 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from Twitter explains the VMC logo should be the spitting image of your trademark.
1 Jan 2023 - Twitter
What the experts say
1 expert opinions
An expert from Spam Resource states that using a VMC requires the logo to be a registered trademark and the SVG version must visually match the registered trademark.
Key opinions
- Registered Trademark: A registered trademark is a prerequisite for VMC usage.
- Visual Match: The SVG logo needs to visually match the registered trademark.
Key considerations
- Trademark Registration: Ensure the logo is officially registered with the appropriate trademark authority.
- SVG Accuracy: Create the SVG logo to accurately reflect the registered trademark.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that to use a VMC, the logo must be a registered trademark and the SVG must visually match the registered trademark.
11 Nov 2024 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
DigiCert, Sectigo, and GlobalSign documentation all highlight the requirement that the SVG logo used for a VMC must precisely match the registered trademark with the relevant trademark authority. Furthermore, Sectigo specifies the trademark must be registered with a government authority.
Key findings
- Exact Match Required: The VMC SVG logo must exactly match the registered trademark.
- Registered Trademark: The logo must be a registered trademark with a government authority.
- VMC Validation: VMC validation processes verify the match between the registered trademark and the SVG logo.
Key considerations
- Trademark Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to trademark guidelines when creating the SVG logo.
- Validation Process: Prepare for a validation process that will confirm the accuracy of the SVG logo against the registered trademark.
- Government Authority: The trademark must be registered with a government trademark authority.
Technical article
Documentation from DigiCert states that to meet VMC requirements, the logo in your SVG file must exactly match the trademarked logo you registered with your trademark authority.
30 Nov 2024 - DigiCert
Technical article
Documentation from GlobalSign says that for VMC validation, the registered trademark image must match the SVG logo submitted.
8 Jan 2024 - GlobalSign
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