Odoo Sign legality in the United Kingdom¶
Odoo Sign is your trusted partner for secure, efficient, and legally compliant electronic signatures in the United Kingdom.
Legal framework for electronic signatures in the United Kingdom¶
In the United Kingdom, electronic signatures are regulated under Electronic Communications Act (ECA), and the UK version of Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market (eIDAS) as amended by the Electronic Identification and Trust Services for Electronic Transactions (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/89) (the “UK eIDAS Regulation”). The law provides the foundation for the use and legal recognition of electronic signatures. The key points of the law include:
Legal recognition: electronic signatures are legally equivalent to handwritten signatures if they meet certain criteria.
Reliability and security: electronic signatures must be created with a secure method that can reliably identify the signatory and ensure the integrity of the signed document.
Digital signature certificates: the law recognizes digital signature certificates that serve as proof of identity of an individual for a certain purpose that can be used in special cases to provide additional security. These certificates are issued by Certification Authorities and are required by law for the signature of specific acts.
How Odoo Sign complies with the United Kingdom regulations¶
Odoo Sign ensures full compliance with the Electronic Signature Law of the United Kingdom by incorporating the following features:
Secure signature creation: Odoo Sign utilizes advanced cryptographic techniques to ensure the authenticity and integrity of electronic signatures.
Third-party signature authenticator: Odoo Online serves as an independent validation mechanism that adds an extra layer of security to the procurement process.
Audit trails: detailed audit logs are maintained to provide evidence of the signing process, including timestamps, IP addresses, and identity verification.
Cryptographic traceability and immutability: Odoo Sign ensures that any operation is logged securely. An audit log provides full transparency to all parties while preserving private data.
Multiple authentication means: authentication by SMS, email, geoIP or handwritten electronic signature.
Types of documents you can sign with Odoo Sign¶
Odoo Sign is versatile and can be used for a wide range of documents, including but not limited to:
Contracts and agreements: business contracts, employment agreements, and service contracts.
Financial documents: loan agreements, investment documents, and financial reports.
HR documents: employee onboarding forms, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and performance reviews.
Commercial transactions: purchase orders, sales agreements, and supplier contracts.
Potential exceptions¶
While Odoo Sign is broadly applicable, there are certain exceptions where electronic signatures may not be suitable or legally recognized in the United Kingdom:
Wills and trusts: documents related to inheritance, wills, and trusts often require handwritten signatures.
Real estate transactions: some property transactions may still require notarized handwritten signatures.
Government forms: specific government forms and applications may mandate physical signatures.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While Odoo Sign complies with the Electronic Signature Law of the United Kingdom, users should consult with legal professionals to ensure specific document types and use cases meet all legal requirements. Compliance with additional industry-specific regulations may also be necessary.
Last updated: June 19, 2024