How it works

The Timestamp Authority creates a timestamp with the fingerprint, the authority's digital signature, and the current time.

The timestamp is returned to you as a certificate, for your safe keeping, verifying the file's existence at the moment of timestamping. This certificate is proof that the file has not changed since being protected

Important Considerations:

• You should include your name in the file that you timestamp, otherwise all that will be proven is that the file existed at a point-in-time.
• You must retain a copy of the file version you timestamped. A modified version will no longer have the same digital fingerprint so it will not be protected.
• You must retain a copy of the timestamp certificate to protect the authenticity of your records.

What you'll need to do

First, you'll need to have a digital file of your created works. If your work was not created digitally, this can be a scan, recording, or any other digital file that substantially represents your work. If you have a file on your computer that is unmistakably your work and includes your name, we can protect it with a timestamp.

Next, you'll need to make an account with DigiStamp. There is a minimum charge of $10 to use the service, but timestamps cost only $.40. Ten dollars allows you to protect 25 files of your work.

Now, you're ready to make your first e-Timestamp with our web applications, or other programs like Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Office.

Video demonstrations of how to use our web applications and the IP Protector are available.

An e-TimeStamp is a SecureTime certificate stating that a specific data file existed at a point-in-time. Every e-TimeStamp is created by an auditably locked-down FIPS-certified HSM. Independently verifiable evidence for $.40.

FAQ - How to copyright and protect from copyright infringement

How is copyright protection provided by an Internet / online notary?

Under the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, signed by 167 countries, all works are automatically protected from the moment they are created. This protection requires proof of creation; you must be able to prove that your work originated with you. Proving you had your work at the time of creation, before anyone in the world has seen it yet, is that proof. A trusted digital timestamp provides significant evidence for the creator.

Can I prove ownership of my work with a digital timestamp?

"Ownership" involves binding a person's identity and their content into the digital timestamp. A timestamp proves that your creative work existed at a point-in-time. We recommend the creator include their name in/on their work so that it is timestamped with your work. Consider if someone steals the music or art and the timestamp, by possession of these two things, does the thief prove it is theirs? Our recommendations for binding your name to your work are available here.

How often do I need to timestamp a file that I'm working on?

As often as you create, you timestamp your work. A creative work may undergo many revisions. Each time you feel your work has been significantly enhanced, you make a copy to a unique name. Then, digitally timestamp the file and it will be saved in its current status (no more changes to that copy). At a minimum, use a digital timestamp before you publish or send your work out to anyone.

Do I send you my work or do you keep a copy of it?

No, we do not need to see your work; you keep a copy of it and the digital timestamp. You retain complete confidentiality. Only the file's digital fingerprint is sent over the Internet. From the fingerprint, it is not possible to discover the contents of your file. More details here.

What's an example of using a timestamp to protect against copyright infringement?

To demonstrate a possible scenario: A graphic artist creates 50 "candidate logos" in a week. All the logos are saved in a single computer file and that file is timestamped. Next, the artist shows those 50 logos to a potential client at a meeting. The client does not purchase any of the work. Six months later, one of those logos appears on the client's web site without the author's permission. At this time, the author submits the government registration copies and $20 to register the copyright for the infringed logo. The artist can use the digital timestamp to prove that he had created this logo months before. The infringement case is easier to prove.

Doesn't the Copyright Law protect my work?

Yes, but how do you prove you created it first? A digital timestamp will give you unequivocal proof that the contents of your data file existed at that point-in-time. By also including your identity in the data file, you can provide additional evidence that the work is yours. The U.S. Copyright Law regulates the protection of authors, artists, musicians, photographers, and other creative people. According to the Law, the creator is the owner of the work.

How long does a copyright last?

This protection remains throughout the creator's life plus 70 years. More information here.

Do I need to apply for a copyright from the government?

No, a digital timestamp of your work serves as proof of your copyright. In the U.S., your work is automatically protected by copyright law from the moment of its creation. It is important to note that this protection is given without obtaining a registered copyright. Official registration may be made at any time within the life of the copyright. An official copyright registration (submit 2 copies of your work and $35 fee) is required if you need to bring a lawsuit for infringement in the U.S.

Is my copyright accepted throughout the world?

Protection against unauthorized use in a particular country depends on the national laws of that country. However, most countries offer protection to foreign works under certain conditions that have been greatly simplified by international copyright treaties and conventions. See more information here.

To see more questions and answers,click here.

Why you can trust it

DigiStamp provides strong legal evidence for authentication

Simply put, you need proof of what you've done and when you did it. Our service provides strong evidence for both.
In fact, we provide uniquely strong evidence, in part because we have implemented internationally standardized methods.

No one can use our service to produce a false timestamp. Even we can't produce false timestamps. If someone offered us a million dollars, we still couldn't produce a false timestamp.

Why not? A DigiStamp timestamp offers you three layers of security:

• An audit trail from two independent authorities proving that our equipment does exactly what we say it does.
• State-of-the-art software that meets the highest established standards.
• Uniquely customized hardware that cannot be tampered with.

Details on this security are available here.Details on why our product works are available here.

Our timestamps have not been successfully challenged in 10 years of operation. Many organizations have trusted us to protect intellectual property and records of great value to their operations.

Our customers include:

Details on this security are available here.Details on why our product works are available here.

Our timestamps have not been successfully challenged in 10 years of operation. Many organizations have trusted us to protect intellectual property and records of great value to their operations.