Legal Validity of Electronic Signatures
Information on Legal Effect and Security Level of SignPik Electronic Signature Service
1Introduction
This document explains the legal validity, technical characteristics, security level, and usage precautions of electronic signatures provided by SignPik (hereinafter "Service").
Electronic signatures are legally recognized worldwide; however, standards and requirements vary by country. Please read this document carefully before using this Service.
This document does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a legal professional before using electronic signatures for important legal documents.
!Important Disclaimer
- SignPik provides a Simple Electronic Signature (SES) service.
- This Service is NOT a qualified electronic signature, government-issued digital certificate, or PKI-based signature service.
- Whether electronic signatures generated through this Service are legally valid may depend on various factors including the nature of the transaction, applicable jurisdiction, and consent of all parties.
- Users assume all legal risks and responsibilities associated with using this Service. SignPik shall not be liable for any damages arising from the non-recognition of electronic signatures' legal validity.
WARNING: This Service may not be suitable for documents requiring special legal formalities such as real estate transactions, wills, notarized documents, or government filings.
2What is an Electronic Signature?
An Electronic Signature is data in electronic form that identifies the signer and indicates their agreement to the content of a document. Electronic signatures serve as the electronic equivalent of physical signatures for signing, consenting to, or approving documents.
Types of Electronic Signatures (International Standards)
Simple Electronic Signature (SES)
Provided by SignPikEmail addresses, typed names, mouse/touch signatures, checkbox agreements, etc. Lowest technical security requirements but legally recognized in most commercial transactions.
Advanced Electronic Signature (AES)
Not ProvidedUniquely linked to the signatory, capable of identifying the signatory, created using signature creation data under the signatory's sole control, and linked to the document to detect any subsequent changes.
Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)
Not ProvidedBased on certificates issued by government-certified authorities. In the EU, equivalent legal effect to handwritten signatures. Highest level of legal protection.
3SignPik Electronic Signature System
SignPik provides a Simple Electronic Signature (SES) level service. This has sufficient legal validity for most general commercial transactions and informal contracts but may not be suitable for transactions requiring special legal formalities.
Features Provided by SignPik
Email address verification, unique signing link delivery, IP address recording
Mouse/touch-based handwritten signatures, text-based signatures, signature image upload
Detailed logging of all signing activities (timestamps, IP addresses, user agents)
Hash value generation and storage after signing, document tampering detection
TLS encryption in transit, AES-256 encryption at rest
Automatic generation of audit certificate containing all signature information upon completion
Features NOT Provided by SignPik
The following features are NOT included in the SignPik service:
- Qualified electronic signatures or government-issued certificate-based signatures
- Digital certificates issued by government-certified authorities
- PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) based signature verification
- Biometric identity verification
- Real-time video identity verification
- ID document-based identity verification
- Guarantee of legal validity of signatures in legal disputes
4Electronic Signature Legal Standards by Country
Below is information on electronic signature laws in major countries and the legal status of SignPik within each jurisdiction. This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.
Electronic Signature Act, Framework Act on Electronic Documents and Electronic Commerce
Ministry of Science and ICT, KISA
The 2020 amendment abolished the certified electronic signature system, giving all electronic signatures equal legal effect. However, specific authentication methods may be required where mandated by law.
ESIGN Act (2000), UETA (1999)
Federal Government, State Governments
Under the ESIGN Act, electronic signatures have the same legal effect as paper signatures. Some exceptions exist for real estate, wills, and family law documents.
eIDAS Regulation (2014/2016)
Supervisory authorities of each member state
Under eIDAS, SES is legally valid, but only QES has legal effect equivalent to handwritten signatures. SES can be used for most commercial contracts.
Electronic Communications Act 2000, UK eIDAS
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Post-Brexit, the UK maintains a similar framework to eIDAS. Electronic signatures can be used for most contracts.
Electronic Signature Act (2000), IT Written Document Batch Act
Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Justice
Under the Electronic Signature Act, electronic signatures that can verify identity are presumed to be authentic. Accredited electronic signatures provide higher legal reliability.
Electronic Signature Law (2004, amended 2015)
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
Trusted electronic signatures require certificates from certification authorities. Government-related documents have special requirements.
Electronic Transactions Act (ETA)
Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)
Legal validity of electronic signatures recognized under ETA. Secure Electronic Signatures have higher evidentiary value.
Electronic Transactions Act 1999
Federal Government, State Governments
Electronic signatures recognized for most commercial transactions. Some documents (wills, real estate) have varying state regulations.
PIPEDA, Provincial Electronic Commerce Acts
Federal Government, Provincial Governments
Federal and provincial laws coexist. Electronic signatures recognized for most commercial transactions.
Information Technology Act 2000
Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA)
2008 amendment introduced electronic signatures. Digital Signatures require certificates from certification authorities.
5Security Measures
SignPik ensures the reliability of electronic signatures through the following technical and administrative security measures:
Data Transmission Security
- All data transmission protected by TLS 1.2/1.3 encryption
- HTTPS enforced
- HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security) applied
Data Storage Security
- Stored data protected by AES-256 encryption
- Secure data centers based on AWS infrastructure
- Regular data backup and disaster recovery plans
Access Control
- OAuth 2.0-based user authentication
- Document access control through unique signing tokens
- Session management and automatic logout
Audit and Monitoring
- Detailed logging of all signing activities
- Collection of IP addresses, timestamps, and user agent information
- Abnormal activity detection and alerts
Document Integrity
- SHA-256 hash generation for signed documents
- Document tampering verification capability
- Original document preservation
6Audit Trail
SignPik records and preserves the following information for all signing processes:
- Document creation date/time and creator information
- Recipient addition/modification/deletion history
- Signature request delivery date/time
- Document viewing date/time and viewer IP address
- Each signature execution date/time and signer IP address
- Device information used for signing (User-Agent)
- Field input values and input times
- Document completion date/time
- Document download history
- Timestamps for all activities (UTC)
7Recommended Use Cases and Precautions
When SignPik is Suitable
- General commercial contracts (sales agreements, service agreements, etc.)
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Employment-related documents (employment contracts, policy acknowledgments, etc.)
- Internal approval documents
- Quotations and purchase orders
- Consent forms and acknowledgments
- Meeting minutes approval
- Policy agreements (privacy policy consent, etc.)
- Freelancer/vendor contracts
When SignPik May Not Be Suitable
- Real estate sale/lease contracts (some jurisdictions require handwritten signatures or notarization)
- Wills and inheritance-related documents
- Documents requiring notarization
- Government filings
- Court submissions
- Documents subject to financial regulations (securities trading, etc.)
- Medical consent forms (regulations vary by country)
- Official international trade documents
- Documents where law requires specific signature formats
If electronic signatures are needed for the above documents, please consult with a legal professional in the relevant jurisdiction and use qualified electronic signatures, notarization, or other legally recognized methods as necessary.
8User Responsibility
Users of this Service are solely responsible for the following:
- Determining whether this Service is appropriate for the intended transaction
- Verifying compliance with applicable laws and regulations
- Obtaining consent from all signing parties to use this Service
- Accuracy and legality of document content
- Verifying the authenticity of signers' identities
- Assessing and accepting legal risks related to electronic signatures
- Obtaining legal professional advice when necessary
- Proper storage and management of signed documents
9Company Disclaimer
- 1SignPik, its operating company, officers, employees, and agents make no warranties regarding the legal validity, validity, or enforceability of electronic signatures generated through this Service.
- 2SignPik shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from the use of this Service.
- 3If the legal validity of electronic signatures is not recognized or disputes arise, users must resolve such matters at their own cost and responsibility.
- 4This Service is provided "AS-IS" and disclaims all express or implied warranties, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.
- 5Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties, so the above exclusions may not apply to you. In such cases, liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.
10Legal Advice Recommendation
This document is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The legal validity of electronic signatures may vary depending on the country, type of transaction, type of document, and other factors. Before using electronic signatures for important legal documents, please consult with a legal professional in the relevant jurisdiction. SignPik does not provide legal services and shall not be liable for any damages arising from reliance on the content of this document.
11Contact
For inquiries regarding the legal validity of electronic signatures or this Service, please contact us at:
legal@signpik.com12Form Usage Notice
Disclaimer for all document forms provided by SignPik.
1Nature of Forms
These forms are provided for general reference purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.
2Modifications and Responsibility
The content of forms may be modified, supplemented, or deleted by users, and users are responsible for any modifications made.
3No Guarantee of Accuracy
We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or fitness for a particular purpose of the forms.
4Limitation of Liability
We are not liable for any damages arising from the use of these forms.
5Professional Consultation Recommended
We recommend consulting with legal, tax, or accounting professionals before entering into important contracts.
By using the forms, you are deemed to have agreed to these terms.
This document is effective from January 9, 2025. SignPik may modify this document without prior notice, and the modified document will take effect upon posting on the website.