The glossary of digital proof terms

Prior existence: the fact that a creation existed before another, or before a given date. This is what you seek to demonstrate in a case of copying.

SHA-256 fingerprint: a 32-byte string computed from a file. Unique and non-reversible: it identifies the file without revealing its content.

Timestamping: a date affixed by an independent trusted provider, attesting that a file existed at that moment.

Tamper-proof registry: a public log where an entry, once recorded, can no longer be modified or deleted — allowing a third party to verify it without going through us.

Infringement: the exploitation of a protected creation without its owner's authorization. It can be proven, and quantified as damages.

Trade secret: confidential business information protected by reasonable measures — which needs to be documented.