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E-Signature News

Latest global legal news on e-signatures, digital contracts, and compliance. Curated by SignatureAPI.

  • 2024-10-24

FDA Finalizes Part 11 Electronic Signature Guidance for US Clinical Investigations

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently finalized updated guidance addressing the use of electronic signatures and records in clinical investigations, as detailed in an article by Cooley LLP. This guidance clarifies compliance requirements for electronic records and signatures, reflecting technological advancements and increased reliance on digital health tools. The FDA’s updated approach includes considerations for international studies and emphasizes the integrity and accountability of electronic data.

  • 2024-09-06

Thailand Issues ETDA Guidelines for Electronic Transactions

Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) recently published guidelines designed to standardize electronic transactions and electronic contracts (e-Contracts). According to an article by Panisa Suwanmatajarn at The Legal Co., Ltd., these guidelines clarify the processes for creating, maintaining, and converting electronic contracts, specifically highlighting acceptable practices for electronic signatures and seals. The guidelines aim to ensure the reliability, accessibility, and legal validity of e-Contracts in compliance with Thailand’s Electronic Transactions law, reflecting growing technological adoption within commercial transactions.

  • 2024-08-26

Argentina Updates Digital Signature Regulations

Argentina recently issued Decree 743/2024, modifying the country’s digital signature regulations, according to an article by Damaso Pardo at Bruchou & Funes de Rioja. The decree adjusts procedures for issuing, renewing, and revoking digital certificates, notably removing the previous requirement of physical presence at a Registration Authority. The changes are part of Argentina’s broader efforts to modernize state administration, emphasizing transparency, administrative efficiency, and wider digital access.

  • 2024-08-20

Germany Proposes Easing Written Form for Commercial Leases

Germany is considering significant reforms to its written form requirement for commercial lease agreements, according to an article by Dr. Jan Gernoth and Dr. Johanna Mayer at Paul Hastings LLP. Currently, German law mandates handwritten signatures on commercial leases exceeding one year, making electronic signatures insufficient in practice. The government’s proposed legislation aims to permit electronic documents, such as emails or digitally signed PDFs, simplifying lease transactions and reducing bureaucratic burdens, although specific risks remain regarding document completeness.

  • 2024-05-23

CJEU Clarifies Electronic Signatures' Probative Value in the EU

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) recently addressed critical questions regarding the legal effect and probative value of electronic signatures in judicial proceedings, according to an article by Filip & Company. Specifically, the Court interpreted Regulation No 910/2014 (eIDAS), clarifying that national courts cannot dismiss electronic signatures’ validity solely due to their electronic form, emphasizing the equivalence between qualified electronic signatures and traditional handwritten signatures under EU law.

  • 2024-04-24

Modernizing E-signature Laws in India

India’s electronic signature regulations, originally established under the Information Technology Act, 2000, are under review as the country aims to advance its digital economy. According to an article by Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., ongoing revisions through the proposed Digital India Act seek to align India’s e-signature framework with current technological capabilities and international practices. This modernization initiative addresses legal gaps, promotes broader electronic contract use, and supports the government’s vision for expanded digital transactions, reflecting India’s increased reliance on electronic authentication methods.

  • 2024-03-25

EPO to Accept Electronic Signatures from April 2024

From April 1, 2024, the European Patent Office (EPO) will accept electronic and digital signatures for assignments and declarations, significantly changing its longstanding practice of requiring wet-ink signatures. According to an article by Michael Nielsen at Berggren, electronic signatures, including simple text strings, will be valid, provided certain basic criteria, such as legibility and secure electronic filing, are met. However, existing signature requirements, including mutual signatures for assignments, remain unchanged.

  • 2024-03-22

USPTO Adopts Electronic Signature Rules for Patent Correspondence (US)

The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has updated its signature requirements to allow electronic signatures for patent-related documents, as detailed in an article by the Patent and Trademark Office at Federal Register. The rule specifies criteria for the acceptance of electronic signatures, aiming to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure security in patent correspondence. The rule became effective on March 22, 2024, reflecting broader trends in digital transformation within legal and governmental procedures.

  • 2024-03-14

Understanding Electronic Signatures in France

Electronic signatures have become increasingly important in legal practices, particularly in France, where their validity and use are governed by specific regulations. An article by DSM Avocats à la Cour examines the legal framework surrounding electronic signatures, highlighting essential requirements for compliance, security measures, and varying levels of legal assurance recognized under French law. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for legal professionals who handle digital documentation, as electronic signatures continue to shape contract management and authentication practices within France’s digital transformation in the legal sector.

  • 2024-03-02

Vietnam's Law on E-Transaction 2023 and Individual Electronic Signatures

Vietnam’s Law on E-Transactions 2023 introduces important changes concerning electronic signatures used by individuals, as discussed in an article by Trinh Phuong Thao at Venture North Law. The new regulation classifies electronic signatures into categories such as specialized signatures and public digital signatures, potentially limiting personal self-generated methods. Additionally, verification processes like OTPs and scanned signatures receive new legal interpretations, impacting how individuals may legally execute electronic transactions in Vietnam.

  • 2024-02-22

Best Practices for Electronic Signatures in US Digital Transformation

Electronic signatures play a critical role in digital transformation efforts, offering efficiency but also requiring careful legal consideration. An article by Margo Tank, Vinny Sanchez, Elizabeth Caires, and Emily Honsa Hicks at DLA Piper outlines key best practices to manage the associated legal risks, emphasizing compliance with relevant US laws such as the ESIGN Act and UETA. The authors highlight the importance of contractual clarity and regulatory awareness for businesses navigating electronic signatures within their broader digital strategies.

  • 2024-02-15

Transitioning to eSignatures for Employment Documents in Central Europe

Electronic signatures have become an essential component in the digital transformation of HR processes across Central Europe, driven by remote work trends intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. As discussed in an article by Deloitte, organizations are increasingly adopting eSignatures for employment documents to streamline operations, enhance flexibility, and maintain legal compliance. The shift represents a broader global movement towards digital solutions, impacting how employers manage document workflows and employee relations.