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Certyneo

Electronic signature Agencies United Kingdom

Sign quotes, service agreements and rights assignments electronically.

Certyneo lets UK communications, advertising and marketing agencies sign quotes, service agreements, rights assignments and approvals electronically. Compliant with UK eIDAS and the Electronic Communications Act 2000, hosted in the EU.

Jurisdiction
United Kingdom (GB)
eIDAS framework
UK eIDAS (retained) + Electronic Communications Act 2000
Hosting
European Union (IONOS)

Agencies use cases in United Kingdom

Service agreements and retainers

Agency service agreements and retainers are form-free and signed with AES in minutes. The client signs via a link; the audit trail records the scope and time, decisive in disputes.

Copyright and image rights assignments

Assign copyright (note: must be in writing and signed, CDPA 1988, s. 90(3)) and clear image rights digitally. Certyneo records the scope and extent of the assignment with integrity, protecting against later licensing disputes.

Approvals and sign-offs in bulk

Collect approvals (proofs, sign-offs) digitally, with a defined order and reminders. Each approval is captured with a timestamp — a solid evidence base for complaints.

DocumentsAgenciessignals in line

The documents that the sector most often signs with Certyneo:

  • Quotes
  • Service agreements / retainers
  • Rights assignments (image, copyright)
  • Approvals / proofs
  • Non-disclosure agreements (NDA)
  • Freelancer contracts

What signature level should I choose?

The eIDAS Regulation defines three levels of electronic signature, which Certyneo covers and adapts to the required level.

The following shall be added:

For documents with low stakes (currency, purchase orders): immediate implementation.

The following is the list of the categories of products:

Linked to the signer with an SMS OTP and an audit trail. Recommended standard for most contracts.

Recommended level for this sector

Qualified (QES)

The legal equivalent of a handwritten signature, with qualified certificate, for the most sensitive documents.

Agency contracts are form-free — the advanced signature (AES) offers the best balance of evidence and speed. Copyright assignments must be in writing and signed (CDPA 1988, s. 90(3)).

British legal framework

Form-free agency contracts

Agency service and consultancy contracts have no statutory form requirement and can be concluded electronically. The advanced signature (AES) of Certyneo provides identity and integrity assurance under UK eIDAS.

Copyright assignment must be in writing (CDPA 1988, s. 90(3))

An assignment of copyright is not effective unless in writing and signed by or on behalf of the assignor (CDPA 1988, s. 90(3)). An electronic signature satisfies this; Certyneo records scope, duration and extent of the assignment with integrity.

How to sign a document in 4 steps

  1. 1

    Import your document

    Download a PDF or start from a template, and then place the signature, preface and date fields.

  2. 2

    Add the signatories

    Enter the recipients and the order of signature; each person receives a secure link via e-mail.

  3. 3

    Every sign in line

    Signers authenticate themselves (OTP e-mail or SMS) and sign from a computer or mobile phone, without creating an account.

  4. 4

    The Court of Justice has consistently held that the Commission's

    The signed document and its eIDAS evidence file are timestamped and archived.

Official legal sources

The applicable legal references, which can be found on the official websites:

Frequently asked questions — Agencies United Kingdom

Are electronically signed agency contracts valid in the UK?

Yes. Service agreements are form-free and can be concluded entirely electronically. The advanced signature (AES) of Certyneo evidences identity, time and integrity and is admissible as evidence.

How do I secure assigned copyright and image rights?

An assignment of copyright must be in writing and signed (CDPA 1988, s. 90(3)); an electronic signature satisfies this. Certyneo archives the assignment with integrity, a timestamp and an eIDAS evidence report, evidencing its scope and extent.

Can I record client approvals?

Yes. Approvals of proofs and sign-offs are collected via a link and recorded with a timestamp, IP and OTP. That is a solid evidence base for complaints over deliverables or deadlines.

Going further

Get started in United Kingdom today

Permanent free plan (5 envelopes / month), no credit card required. eIDAS compliant, EU hosting, audit trail included.