Brand Security
FAQ
This section contains frequently asked questions and answers regarding applications for BIMI/VMC and GMO Brand Security Seal.
Trademark
- Are there any specific rules for the trademark being applied for?
- It must match the brand mark displayed on the website.
- If there is no registered trademark in Japan, but one is registered overseas, is it possible to apply using the overseas registered trademark?
- It is possible to apply using an overseas registered trademark. As long as the trademark is registered in a country or region that is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), there is no problem.
- Are there any specifications for the class or designated goods/services?
- There are no specific designations. The important factor is that the trademark is registered.
- What information is required for the registered trademark?
- The registration number and the trademark registration certificate are required.
- If multiple trademarks are to be applied for, can they be grouped together in one application?
- Each trademark requires one VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) document. For example, if there are three trademarks, three separate VMCs will be issued.
- The trademark is currently under application but has not yet been registered. Is it possible to apply?
- Only registered trademarks can be applied for. Therefore, the application can only be submitted after the trademark has been officially registered.
- The logo I want to apply for is currently being used with permission from Company A and Company B.
Do I need a trademark usage license from both parties? - If there are multiple rights holders, you are required to obtain a trademark usage license from all of them.
If the trademark usage license agreement (such as a contract) cannot be disclosed to a third party, please use our provided format or submit a document that clearly shows the contents of the license.
SVG data
- What is "SVG data"?
- "SVG data" (file) stands for "Scalable Vector Graphics", which is a text-based vector format used for images in websites and applications. It is a logo format that can be scaled without losing image quality.
- What is the target for submitting "SVG data"?
- The SVG data submitted must match the registered trademark for which you are applying for a VMC.
- Are there any requirements for the "SVG data"?
- The data must meet the following requirements:
https://bimigroup.org/svg-conversion-tools-released/
Certified copy of the company registry
- Is it possible to submit a scanned PDF?
- Yes, submission in PDF format is possible.
- Is there a deadline for submitting documents?
- Documents must be submitted within 3 months from the date of application.
Balance certificate
- Do I need balance certificates from all the banks I use?
- A balance certificate from one bank is sufficient.
- Is there a deadline for submitting documents?
- Documents must be submitted within 3 months from the date of application.
Tax certificates
- How many years' worth of tax certificates should be prepared?
- Please prepare tax certificates for the last 3 years.
- I cannot submit tax certificates for the past 3 years because my company is new.
- If the company has been in operation for less than 3 years, you generally cannot apply for a VMC.
However, if the company was split or has a history of less than 3 years, please provide documents proving this fact along with tax certificates from before the split. - Due to a group join, the accounting period has changed, and I cannot provide tax certificates for the past 3 years.
- Please submit the tax certificates for the past 3 years along with the tax certificates from before the group join (before the name change).
- What type of tax certificate is required?
- You may submit either "Type 1" or "Type 2" tax certificates; one is sufficient.
- It is necessary to specify the tax item for the certificate. Which tax item should I choose?
- Please select corporate tax (法人税).
- Is there a deadline for submitting documents?
- Documents must be submitted within 3 months from the date of application.
Invoice from a telephone company
- What should I do if the phone number is not listed on the invoice?
- Please provide both the invoice and a screenshot of the contract page.
- What should I do if there is no landline?
- Please contact us individually.
- Is there a deadline for submitting documents?
- Documents must be submitted within 3 months from the date of application.
Proof of employment
- Is it okay to use our own format?
- That is acceptable.
- Is there a specific position required for the contract signer or certificate approver?
- Both must be at the manager level (or higher).
- What should I do if the contract signer or certificate approver is an executive?
- In this case, submitting only the registered certificate will be sufficient.
- Is there a deadline for submitting documents?
- Documents must be submitted within 3 months from the date of application.
Personal identification documents
- What types of identification documents are required?
- You need to provide one of the following: passport, My Number card, or driver’s license.
- When is the identification document needed? Do I need to submit a scanned copy in advance?
- No prior submission is required.
You will need to present the document during the interview with the certification authority. - Is there a specific position required for the contract signer or certificate approver?
- Both must be at the manager level (or higher).
- It says contract signer or certificate approver; is either one sufficient?
- Yes, either one is sufficient.
However, the person attending the interview with the certification authority will need to provide their identification document.