What is intended by a digital signature?

A digital signature are an electronic copy of a handwritten or physical signature that is used to electronically sign various legal documents, including applications for trademarks. A distinct digital fingerprint—also referred to as a hash—is produced by digital signatures and is a hash of the content of the document. The digital signature appended to the document is produced by encrypting this hash using the signer's private key.

Digital signatures are used to confirm the authenticity and integrity of a document without actually encrypting it. Once a digital signature is applied, any changes or tampering therewith the document will result in the application being immediately invalidated. The recipient must use the public key of the signer to decrypt the encrypted hash and match it with a newly computed hash of the file in order to access it. If both hashes match, it means that the signature's authenticity and the document's integrity are unaltered from the start.

What Is a Certificate with a Digital Signature?

A digital signature or digital certificate represents a sign that uses a secure key to verify the identity of the bearer. In a digital signature, asymmetric cryptography is employed to mimic the security features of handwritten signatures on paper. It works in a similar way to a passport or Aadhar card in that it lets the owner prove who he is.

Digital signature classes

When it comes to the authentication for electronic forms and documents, India offers several types of signatures that are digital, each with a distinct degree of security. The DSC classes are explained below.

• Class I DSC: This is rarely used for electronic filing and provides the least secure means of confirming the applicant's identity.
• Class II DSC: Used in some routinely submitted e-applications, it provides slightly more secure and efficient document origin and applicant identity verification than the class I digital signatures.
• Class III DSC: Most frequently used for important e-filing tasks such as business incorporation, Brand registration for taxes and returns, labor regulation logo registration and returns, e-tendering, etc., it provides the highest level of security in verifying the identity of the applicant and the provenance of documents.

The applicant may only utilize the Class II along with Class III signature digitally when electronically filing a trademark application. It guarantees that the filed paperwork and forms are genuine and that the applicant's identification has been confirmed. On the other hand, a Class III DSC is going to be best option to utilize if you follow professional advice because it provides the least possibility of submitting forged documents and forms.

For What Reason Does My Trademark Application Require a DSC?

Because the Information Technology, or IT, Act of 2000 mandates the use of digital signature on electronic documents to preserve their legality and privacy, you must have an authorized digital signature certificate in order to apply through the online registered brand / trademark application system.

Under the e-filing method, acquiring the Class 3 Signature by Digital Certification is required. Therefore, it is advised that the Class 3 DSC be obtained prior to trademark registration.

The positive aspects of DSC.

1. Certificates for digital signatures are legitimate legally.
2. DSCs are cost-effective and expedite the e-filing process.
3. DSCs lessen the possibility of copying or changing the original material.

The digital signature's function in a trademark application

Ensuring the validity, integrity, and security of the filed forms and documents is the primary goal of employing digital signatures for trademark applications. Several goals can be achieved by including digital signatures in the trademark e-filing process; some of the more important ones are listed below;