Do I need a trademark in every country for BIMI?
Summary
What email marketers say7Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Mailhardener explains that a trademark is required but does not specify needing one in every country. It focuses on the trademark verification mark (VMC) requirement.
Email marketer from Email on Acid initially stated you DO need a trademark in every country. Although this article is wrong, it is still a prevailing thought.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that you only need a trademark in one country for BIMI, as long as the trademark owner is the same as the VMC applicant.
Email marketer from Proofpoint (formerly Agari) explains that a VMC is tied to a registered trademark, and while it doesn't explicitly mention needing a trademark in *every* country, it highlights the importance of trademark validation for BIMI.
Email marketer from Validity explains that BIMI leverages a VMC, and this is linked to a registered trademark. The article explains the requirements, but it does not mention needing it in every country.
Email marketer from Reddit shares that you need to check the requirements of each individual mailbox provider. Some might require a trademark in specific regions. Check with Yahoo, Gmail, etc
Email marketer from Red Sift shares that BIMI needs a validated Mark Certificate (VMC), which is only issued to trademarked logos, but it doesn't say it needs to be trademarked everywhere.
What the experts say1Expert opinion
Expert from Word to the Wise Forums answers that generally a single trademark is sufficient to enable BIMI, so long as you can prove you own that trademark and the rights to display that logo.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from Entrust notes that BIMI requires a registered trademark and a VMC, but it does not explicitly state that the trademark needs to be registered in every country where the logo will display.
Documentation from DigiCert explains the VMC process, and it requires you to have an active trademark, but does not state it needs to be in every country.
Documentation from Sectigo shares that you need a VMC (Validated Mark Certificate) and a registered trademark to implement BIMI but doesn't explicitly state that the trademark must be registered in all countries.
Documentation from BIMI Group says a validated Mark Certificate (VMC) verifies the legal right to use the logo. Doesn't explicitly say every country but implies rights need to be proven.