A detailed list of everything that's required for an electronic signature to be considered "legally binding", and how JuicedSign is fulfilling those requirements.
Electronic signatures have become an increasingly popular way to sign documents, especially as more and more business is conducted online. However, many people are unsure about the legal requirements of electronic signatures. In this blog, we will discuss the legal requirements of electronic signatures and how they compare to traditional signatures, along with how our soon to be released Add-on, JuicedSign, follows each of these practices.
What is JuicedSign?
Simply put, JuicedSign the very first of its kind; a comprehensive e-signature solution designed SPECIFICALLY for Quickbase. JuicedSign will allow you to get all your contracts, agreements, and other important documents signed electronically, without ever having to leave your application.
What Makes an Electronic Signature Legal?
There are a few legal requirements that must be met for an electronic signature to be considered valid and enforceable. We've listed those requirements below, as well as provided how JuicedSign meets them (when applicable).
1. Intent to sign: The person signing the document must have the intention to sign it. In other words, they must understand that they are signing a legally binding document, and they must intend for their electronic signature to serve as their signature on the document.
2. Consent to do business electronically: Before signing a document electronically, the person must consent to do business electronically. This can be done through a separate agreement or by clicking a button or checking a box on the document itself. The person must also be provided with the option to receive a paper copy of the document if they wish.
How JuicedSign follows this guideline: Once the JuicedSign agreement is opened by the recipient they are presented with a statement and a link to the terms and conditions page prior to being able to review and sign the document associated to the agreement. They MUST check a checkbox confirming that they have read the terms and conditions and that they intend to sign the agreement electronically. The recipient also has the ability to download the agreement if they opt not to use JuicedSign to electronically sign the agreement.
3. Identifiable signature: The e-signature must be identifiable and linked to the person signing the document. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as a typed or drawn signature, a digital certificate, or biometric data like a fingerprint or facial recognition.
How JuicedSign follows this guideline:
We offer 3 options for signing:
1. Draw a free-form signature
2. Select from a list of pre-drawn signatures
3. Upload a file with your signature
4. Tamper-evident technology: The e-signature must be protected by tamper-evident technology, which ensures that any changes made to the document after it has been signed can be detected. This can include things like encryption, digital timestamps, or audit trails.
How JuicedSign follows this guideline: We store the documents in encrypted format, capture timestamps as well as store audit logs throughout the entire signing process
5. Record retention: A record of the electronic signature must be retained for a specified period of time, depending on the type of document and the applicable laws and regulations. This ensures that there is a reliable record of the transaction in case it is ever called into question.
How JuicedSign follows this guideline: While we don’t have a set timeframe yet, we are able to store the info for as long as is required.
By meeting these requirements, an electronic signature can be considered legally binding. However, it is important to note that there may be specific laws or regulations that apply to certain types of documents or industries, so it is always a good idea to consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance.
If you're looking to stay up-to-date on the latest developments with the soon to be released JuicedSign, you can sign up for release notifications to be among the first to know when the feature becomes available. By signing up, you'll receive updates on the feature's progress and be notified when it's ready for use. Join us as we streamline the document signing process and make your business workflows more efficient. Sign up now and stay in the loop!