Digital signatures - seamlessly integrated into our contract management software

A digital signature replaces the traditional signature on paper and serves as a legally binding consent that is given online. It enables the signatory to be clearly identified and guarantees the integrity of the signed document. A digital signature is often protected by encryption procedures that ensure that the document cannot be altered once it has been signed. This electronic signature is therefore ideal for contracts and other documents that are concluded online.

Yes, digital signatures are generally legally valid in Germany due to their freedom of form. In most cases, digital signatures are therefore just as binding as handwritten signatures, as long as there is no special formal requirement to the contrary.

Advanced (AdES) and qualified electronic signatures (QES) can be used for higher security requirements. The legal recognition of these signatures is based on security functions such as a certificate and a detailed audit trail. These measures ensure the authenticity and integrity of the document and are the reasons why AdES and QES are also approved for sensitive contracts that require additional security.

Yes, there are clear legal regulations on digital signatures, in particular the EU's eIDAS Regulation (Electronic Identification and Trust Services for Electronic Transactions in the Internal Market). This regulation specifies which standards are required for electronic signatures to be recognized as legally valid.

At ContractHero, the electronic signatures - both the advanced (AdES) and the qualified electronic signature (QES) - comply with these eIDAS requirements. The eIDAS Regulation requires that a digital signature must clearly assign the identity of the signatory and ensure that the signed document remains unchanged. It also stipulates that control over the signature lies exclusively with the signatory.

The qualified digital signature (QES) is the most secure and legally binding form of electronic signature. ContractHero's QES fully complies with eIDAS requirements and can therefore be used for almost all documents that require a high level of legal probative force. This signature clearly confirms the identity of the signatory and protects the document against subsequent changes.

Technically, the QES is based on a qualified certificate issued by a qualified trust service provider and a special signature creation device. A mathematical hash value ensures the immutability of the document and ensures that any manipulation is immediately recognizable.

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The Advanced Electronic Signature (AdES) offers a high level of security and is also less complex than the qualified signature. ContractHero's AdES is also eIDAS-compliant and can be used for most contracts that require a legally binding electronic signature. The AdES ensures that the identity of the signatory is clearly traceable, for example through authentication procedures such as cell phone verification.

While the AdES does not have the same high legal status as the QES, it still meets high security requirements and offers an efficient way to sign documents in a legally secure and trustworthy manner.

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A digital signature cannot be edited after completion. It serves as a protective mechanism and ensures that the document remains unchanged. The security of the signature is based on a certificate and a mathematical hash value, which make any subsequent changes to the document recognizable. The visible signature is merely a visual representation of the signatory's consent and does not play a significant role in legal validity - the actual security is guaranteed by the certificate and the hash value.

Digital signatures offer numerous advantages: they make it possible to sign documents in a legally secure manner from anywhere and at any time without having to send originals by post. The entire signature process takes place online, making the time-consuming sending of paper documents back and forth superfluous. Digital signatures save time, as documents can be signed in just a few clicks and a fixed signature sequence can be defined for the parties involved. The digital signature ensures that documents are legally valid and securely signed, enabling fast and efficient document management.

With ContractHero, contracts can be created digitally and then sent digitally for signature and signed securely by the parties involved. Both the advanced electronic signature (AdES) and the qualified electronic signature (QES) are available, so that a choice can be made depending on the security requirements. A signature sequence can also be defined so that the signature process is clearly structured for all parties. ContractHero enables seamless integration of the digital signature into the contract process and thus ensures smooth and legally compliant contract processes. Once signed, these contracts can be proactively managed and securely stored with ContractHero.