# VMC vs CMC

> The two certificates that put your logo in the inbox, what each shows in Gmail, and what each requires.

Inboxes only show your logo if it's backed by a mark certificate. There are two kinds.

| | Logo + blue checkmark | Logo only |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | [VMC](https://getverifiedinbox.com/docs/glossary.md#vmc) (Verified Mark Certificate) | [CMC](https://getverifiedinbox.com/docs/glossary.md#cmc) (Common Mark Certificate) |
| Your logo in Gmail | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gmail's blue checkmark | ✓ | — |
| Registered trademark needed | Yes (USPTO in our first release) | No |
| Logo in public use | — | At least 12 months |
| Email security settings | Same for both | Same for both |
| Our plan | $1,499 / domain / year | $899 / domain / year |
| Issuer fee (separate) | est. ~$1,350 / year | est. ~$950 / year |

## Logo + blue checkmark (VMC)

A VMC proves your logo is a [registered trademark](https://getverifiedinbox.com/docs/glossary.md#trademark) owned by your company. Gmail shows your logo and a blue checkmark next to your name; tapping it explains that the sender has verified they own the domain and the logo.

You need:

- Your own domain.
- A registered trademark for the logo you want to show. We check the US trademark office ([USPTO](https://getverifiedinbox.com/docs/glossary.md#uspto)); see [Trademarks](https://getverifiedinbox.com/docs/trademarks.md).
- Email security settings at "enforcement" (we guide you through a [safe rollout](https://getverifiedinbox.com/docs/glossary.md#dmarc-rollout)).

## Logo only (CMC)

A CMC is for companies whose logo isn't a registered trademark yet. Gmail shows your logo, but **no checkmark**.

You need:

- Your own domain.
- Proof your logo has been used publicly for at least 12 months ([prior use](https://getverifiedinbox.com/docs/glossary.md#prior-use)). We check public web archives of your website for you.
- The same email security settings as a VMC.

## Which should I choose?

- **You have a registered trademark:** VMC. The checkmark is the strongest trust signal.
- **No trademark, but your logo has been public for a year:** CMC now. You can [file a trademark](https://getverifiedinbox.com/docs/trademarks.md#trademark-filing-service) and move to a VMC once it's registered.
- **New logo, no trademark:** you're not eligible yet. See [Eligibility](https://getverifiedinbox.com/docs/eligibility.md) for what to do meanwhile.

The free check makes this decision for you and explains why.