Common Logo Rejection Reasons: Avoiding the Pitfalls of VMC Logo Submission

Submitting a logo for VMC is more than just uploading an image. Certification Authorities follow strict guidelines, and even small mistakes can lead to rejection. Below, we outline the most frequent reasons for logo rejection and how to avoid them.

A DMARC policy set to "quarantine" or "reject" at 100% is required. If your domain does not meet this requirement, your VMC application will be rejected.

The logo must be in SVG Tiny PS format, with a 1:1 aspect ratio and a transparent background. Common mistakes include using the wrong SVG type, non-square logos, or including unsupported features in the SVG file.

VMC requires that your logo be a registered trademark. If your trademark is not active or properly registered, your submission will be denied.

Your BIMI DNS record must be correctly set up and publicly accessible. Errors in the record, incorrect URLs, or missing HTTPS can all cause rejections.

A valid VMC from an approved Certificate Authority is required. If your certificate is missing, expired, or does not match your domain and logo, the application will fail.

• Ensure DMARC is set to enforcement: Set your DMARC policy to p=quarantine or p=reject for your domain.
• Validate your SVG logo: Use online tools to confirm your logo is in SVG Tiny PS format and meets BIMI requirements.
• Confirm trademark registration: Ensure your trademark registration is active and matches the logo used for BIMI.
• Set up your BIMI record: Create your BIMI DNS record exactly as specified in the official guidelines.
• Obtain your VMC: Acquire a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) from an authorized Certificate Authority and ensure all information matches your domain and logo.

Find more answers in our VMC and BIMI FAQ section.

Avoid common VMC logo submission pitfalls by ensuring your DMARC, SVG logo, trademark, and BIMI record are fully compliant before applying.