Resources / Proof & timestamping
17 articles in this category
Proof & timestamping
Legal value, retention, and verification: how the certificate works.
The heart of the matter: how to prove that a creation existed, when, and that it is yours. Here you will find guides by type of creation (logo, source code, manuscript, fashion, an idea you are about to pitch), comparisons with the Soleau envelope (the French IP office's dating service) and trademarks, and the legal value of a certificate.
Copyright arises without registration: proof is what makes the difference on the day of a dispute. These articles help you build it as you go.
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Building a solid evidence file: best practices
When to deposit, what to deposit and how to keep your files so that your proof of prior existence holds up the day you need it.
2 minFreelancer, agency, contractor: who owns the creation?
Paying for a creation is not enough to acquire the rights to it. What French law says, what a contract must include, and how to date deliverables.
2 minSoleau envelope and online alternatives: a comparison
Three ways to date a creation, with their strengths and limits. How to choose for your situation, and how to combine them.
3 minOnline proof of prior existence: how to choose a service
Nine criteria to compare proof of prior existence services, from the source of the date to insurance, with a comparison table.
5 minProtecting an idea before you pitch it
An idea alone cannot be protected. Its expression, its confidentiality and its date can. Good habits before presenting a project.
4 minProtecting a logo, a drawing or a photo
Copyright, trademarks, designs: what really protects a logo, an illustration or a photo, and how to prove they are yours.
3 minRegistering a trademark or timestamping: what's the difference?
A trademark protects a distinctive sign, timestamping proves a creation. Two tools that do not replace each other, but work together.
2 minProtecting your source code and software
What copyright protects in software, who owns the rights, and how to date each version of your code so you can prove it.
3 minProtecting a fashion design or a textile collection
Copyright, registered or unregistered designs: the protections available for a garment, a print or a collection, and the role of dated proof.
2 minCreating with generative AI: proving your human contribution
What remains protectable when you use AI, and how to document your own creative choices, step by step.
2 minProtecting a manuscript, a script or music
Before sending a text to a publisher, a script to a producer or a demo to a label, here is how to date your work and keep proof of it.
3 minSacem, SACD, ADAGP: what collecting societies do
Collecting societies collect and pay out your royalties. Ipocamp proves and defends your creations. Two different roles, and complementary ones.
3 minThe legal value of an Ipocamp proof
In civil matters, evidence is free-form. Secure timestamping provides the technical elements the judge examines.
2 minVerifying a certificate deposited by a third party
Verification is public and uses the certificate, the original file and the registry.
1 minThe glossary of digital proof terms
Prior existence, SHA-256 fingerprint, timestamping, unalterable registry, infringement, trade secret.
1 min