Not every form of electronic signing is a valid electronic signature. A sign or a combination of signs must satisfy statutory requirements to be valid. It is a valid electronic signature if it is a:

Sign which is typed; or Picture inserted in an appropriate place in a document and the signatory inserting the sign/picture intends that mark to authenticate the document.

Valid, and probably acceptable, electronic signatures, include a person:

Typing their name into a contract or email that includes the agreement’s terms;
Electronically pasting their signature, e.g. a .jpg or .png image, into an electronic version of the contract in the appropriate place;

Accessing a contract through a web-based e-signature platform and clicking to have their name, written in a typed or “handwritten” font, automatically added to the contract in the designated place;
Using a finger or e-pen with a touchscreen to write their name electronically in the appropriate place in the contract.

Legal documents require varying degrees of authentication. The more important the document, the greater the required degree of diligence.

Simple Contracts
You can execute a contract using an electronic signature, if the contract is not subject to specific statutory requirements.

Documents subject to statutory requirements
Some documents, such as contracts for land, are subject to statutory requirements. Here there is often a requirement for the signature to be in writing. However, if you insert an electronic signature with the real intention to authenticate the document, that is usually sufficient for a document to have been executed in writing and under hand.

Deeds
Deeds were initially excluded from execution by electronic signature. However the Law Commission’s view is now that an electronic signature is capable of executing a deed, provided that the person signing the document intends to authenticate the document and any execution formalities are satisfied. The requirement under the current law that a deed must be signed ‘in the presence of a witness’ does still require the physical presence of that witness. This is the case even where both the person executing the deed and the witness are executing or attesting the document using an electronic signature – both must be physically in the same room together at the time of adding the electronic signatures to the deed.

Company Seal
If a company is only authorised to execute deeds by affixing a seal, then the directors cannot validly execute documents using an electronic signature. Checking the company’s articles will go some way to satisfying due diligence.

Company Documents and Resolutions
Usually, the company’s constitutional documents state if an electronic signature is acceptable for the company’s board and general meeting minutes. If the company does not specify how to execute documents, the document containing an electronic signature is presumed valid, unless the contrary can be proven.

Must both parties use identical methods of signing? For instance, what happens if one party executes electronically, and the other party on paper? The answer is that the signatures are valid – the parties are not obliged to use the same technology.
What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?

An electronic signature is an electronic symbol attached to a document or other record, used by a person with intent to sign. In contrast, digital signatures guarantee that an electronic document is authentic. Both electronic and digital signatures can be binding.

Are electronically-signed documents admissible as evidence in court? Yes the courts in England and Wales accept documents executed by electronic signature. Banks in England should also accept e-signatures. Note, if English law does not govern the document, the jurisdiction may not accept electronically-signed documents.

Top tips to avoid problems with electronic signatures
Check if the person signing the document has a right to do so.
Check the person’s electronic signature is genuine in advance of the transaction.
Ensure electronic channels are secure, to prevent unauthorised third parties signing documents.
Ensure the document is actually witnessed, if required.

If you file an executed document at Companies House or other registry, ensure they accept electronic signatures before you sign, to avoid rejection.

Challenging the validity of an electronic signature
Unless there is evidence to the contrary, an electronic signature validly authenticates a document. The court uses the same test for a wet ink signature to authenticate an electronic signature.

The court’s test involves looking at evidence such as if the signatory accessed the document using his private email address or his own password. The court assesses authenticity on a case by case basis.

If the agreement is not validly executed it is void. As a result your business can lose suppliers, clients and valuable investment. If you are in any doubt our experienced corporate/commercial team will guide you swiftly and painlessly through the process.