Compliance with the e-signature laws is a very basic step in defining an electronic transaction system. Like paper documents, electronically signed documents can become the subject of a dispute. The facts surrounding the signature process must provide enough proof to uphold the transaction in the event of repudiation of an electronically executed contract. Compliance with ESIGN is necessary, but not sufficient.

An electronic signature performs a significant legal function in connection with electronic records and transactions. Signed records are intended to make many kinds of contracts enforceable and electronic signatures are critical to electronic commerce applications.

The E-Signature Laws

Ken Moyle, DocuSign's Chief Legal Officer, will be sharing his thoughts about electronic signature in relation to ESIGN and UETA on the DocuSign blog.