The IP creation date problem
Intellectual property disputes often come down to one question: who created it first? In the digital age, file creation dates are unreliable — they can be easily modified. Traditional methods like registered post or notarised deposits are slow and expensive. Qualified electronic timestamps solve this by providing instant, legally presumed proof of when a work was created.
Prior art in patent disputes
In patent law, prior art can invalidate a patent claim. If you can prove that a technology or design existed before the patent filing date, the patent may be invalidated. Timestamping your R&D documents, prototypes, and design files creates an unbreakable chain of dated evidence that satisfies patent offices and courts alike.
Copyright and design protection
Copyright protection begins at creation, but proving the creation date in court requires evidence. Timestamping source code, design files, manuscripts, and compositions at creation provides the evidence needed. Many creative agencies now timestamp every significant deliverable as standard practice.
Trade secret documentation
Trade secret protection under the EU Trade Secrets Directive requires showing that reasonable steps were taken to keep information confidential. Timestamping confidentiality agreements, access logs, and internal policy documents proves when protective measures were put in place, strengthening trade secret claims.