Question 1

Why use a digital signature?

Accepted Answer

Because it is faster and better for the environment. By signing digitally, our customers say that we save them up to 45 minutes work per contract, spare them unnecessary paperwork and secure they have there contracts returned with a signature within maximum 24 hours after being sent.

Question 2

How does your signature work?

Accepted Answer

It is important for us that we have a quick and seamless digital signature that is easy to use without compromising security and legal validity. Visit the Help Center to learn how it works in practice.

Question 3

Are digital signatures valid in the European Union?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The first electronic signature directive was published by the European Commission at the end of 1999. Because it was directive and not a regulation — many European countries interpreted the law in their own ways, which became a patchwork of different laws. Some EU members adopted very strict laws and others made it more liberal. Also, the members of the European Union did not recognize each other's electronic signature laws. That caused a lot of confusion and The European Union could not move forward towards a united solution.

Everything changed when in 2011, the European Commission decided to repair the law and create a united European digital market. After reviewing the Electronic Signature laws in European Union countries, in 2014 the European Commission adopted a new regulation termed eIDAS. The goal of the new law was to ensure security and confidence in Electronic signature, therefore creating mutual Electronic signature recognition system through all the members of the European Union. eIDAS regulation took effect on July 2016 meaning that it is not directive for interpretations and modifications. It is a single standard regulation which is effective in 28 European Union member states and Switzerland.

Question 4

Are digital signatures valid in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since the passage of the United States Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act in 2000, digital signatures have been legal in every state where federal law applies. When it does not, most states in the United States have adopted the Uniform Electronic Transaction Act. It means that a contract or signature may not be denied legal effect, validity, or enforceability solely because it is in electronic form.

Question 5

What is the difference between a simple, a qualified and an advanced electronic signature?

Accepted Answer

There are basically three types of digital signatures:

Simple electronic signatures  are basic electronic data that is logically associated with other electronic data and used as a signatory. For example, you could use your name to sign an email. That would be a simple signature.

Advanced electronic signatures  are uniquely linked to and capable of identifying the signatory. They are also linked to documents in a way that any subsequent change of the data is detectable.‍

All Contractbook's signature types are categorised as Advanced Electronic Signatures as they satisfy all the requirements under Article 3(11) of eIDAS.

Qualified Electronic Signatures  are advanced electronic signatures that are created by a qualified signature creation devices, based on a qualified certificate for electronic signatures. Contractbook does not offer a Qualified Electronic Signature.

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