Agreements 101

A signatory is a person or entity authorized to sign a legally binding agreement on behalf of themselves or as an authorized representative of an organization. Learn the meaning of a signatory, their roles, and their legal responsibilities in agreements.

A countersignature is a secondary signature added to a legal document by a second person to confirm, verify, or authorize the first person’s signature. While the initial signature typically indicates a willingness to agree to terms or submit an application, the additional signature verifies the authenticity of the original signer, adds oversight or approval, helps prevent fraud, and completes the formal process.

Blackline shows final changes, redline shows all edits. This guide breaks down what blacklines and redlines in documents are, how they differ, and when to use each approach to improve your negotiation process.

Master the 10 essential contract examples (NDA, SOW, etc.) that power every business. Use Docusign templates to create and execute yours securely.

Learn how to add digital signatures in Excel and ensure your document’s authenticity and integrity.

The negotiation process typically consists of five stages: preparation, opening, clarifying goals, bargaining, and agreement (or lack thereof).