Evidence File

An Unassailable Evidence File for Every Signature

Every signature on HelloWeSign automatically generates a complete evidence file. In case of dispute, you have all the cards in hand.

The problem

In case of dispute, without evidence you are vulnerable

Electronic signature without traceability is worth very little before a judge. Here's why the evidence file is essential.

Signature contestation

Without proof of the signer's identity, the precise date and document integrity, your opponent can contest the signature and have it annulled.

Document alteration

How do you prove the document wasn't modified after signing? Without a digital fingerprint, any modification goes unnoticed and can be denied.

No digital witness

A signature on a simple PDF says nothing about the conditions under which it was applied. You need a trusted digital third party.

The solution

An automatically generated evidence file

Upon completion of each signature, HelloWeSign automatically generates a complete traceability PDF, downloadable at any time.

Step 01

Signature completed

As soon as the last signer validates their signature, the evidence file generation process is triggered automatically, without any action on your part.

Step 02

Automatic file generation

HelloWeSign compiles all data collected throughout the process: views, OTP sends, validations, signatures, IP addresses, timestamps.

Step 03

SHA-256 fingerprint calculation

A SHA-256 cryptographic fingerprint is calculated for the original document and for the final signed document. Any subsequent modification will be immediately detectable.

Step 04

Secure 10-year retention

The original document, signed PDF and evidence file are stored in our secure infrastructure for a minimum of 10 years.

Key features

What each evidence file contains

Precise timestamp

Each event is timestamped to the millisecond in UTC (ISO 8601): document opening, OTP sending, validation, signature application.

IP address recorded

The signer's IP address is captured at each key step of the process. It geographically locates the action and helps prove identity.

SHA-256 fingerprint

The cryptographic fingerprints of the original and signed documents are calculated and recorded. Any alteration is instantly detectable.

User Agent

The browser and operating system used by the signer are recorded. This information completes the technical portrait of each signature.

Geolocation

When the signer authorizes it, geolocation is captured and recorded in the evidence file to further strengthen identification.

Downloadable evidence PDF

The evidence file is available as a downloadable PDF from your dashboard at any time. Printable, presentable in court.

Use cases

When the evidence file makes all the difference

Litigation

In case of dispute, your lawyer will have a complete evidence file: who signed, when, from which device, with what identity verification.

  • Contract contestation
  • Wrongful termination
  • Debt recovery

HR files

Employment contracts, amendments and termination agreements signed with HelloWeSign are protected by an evidence file archived for the entire legal duration.

  • Labor court disputes
  • Dismissal contestation
  • Non-compete clauses

Notarial and legal acts

Legal professionals use the evidence file to document their clients' informed consent and prove the regularity of the act.

  • Representation mandates
  • Private deeds
  • Divorce agreements
Benefits

The legal strength of the evidence file

Maximum legal security

The evidence file constitutes a body of concordant evidence that together establishes the indisputable validity of the electronic signature.

Article 1366 of the Civil Code

The evidence file meets the requirements of Article 1366 of the French Civil Code, which recognizes the value of electronic writing under conditions of identification and integrity.

eIDAS compliance

The eIDAS regulation requires traceability to recognize the legal value of an electronic signature. Our evidence file meets these requirements.

Long-term retention

Documents and evidence files are retained for a minimum of 10 years, well beyond the statute of limitations for most legal acts.

Document integrity

SHA-256 fingerprints guarantee that neither the original document nor the signed document have been modified after being recorded in our system.

Irrefutable evidence

The combination of timestamp + IP + OTP + SHA-256 + user agent constitutes a set of technical and factual evidence that withstands judicial contestation.

French and European legal references

HelloWeSign relies on the eIDAS Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions, as well as Article 1366 of the French Civil Code which recognizes the value of electronic writing provided the author is identified and the document's integrity is guaranteed. Our evidence file meets both of these cumulative requirements.

Protect every signature with a complete evidence file

Automatically generated. Downloadable at any time. Admissible in court. Try for free now.