Dentons has launched a digital signatures tracker to help organizations track the legal regulation and effect of digital signatures across 18 jurisdictions in Latin America and the Caribbean.

COVID-19 has accelerated the need for digital technologies that allow companies to conduct business transactions in an environment where face-to-face dealings are restricted. Digital signatures may allow companies to finalize transactions in a remote working environment but it is essential that businesses first understand the legal effect of a digital signature, which may vary across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Dentons’ new digital signature tracker helps clients determine the legal ramifications of digital signatures. The tracker helps organizations answer key questions related to consent issued through different wet ink and digital signatures.  The tracker focuses on legal regulation, considerations when using different types of signatures, their weight as evidence, and legal effects of signatures issued with software like DocuSign or Adobe. The tool allows businesses to compare the different answers across 18 jurisdictions.

"Dentons' digital signature tracker helps companies navigate remote business transactions across Latin America and the Caribbean," said Eduardo Cárdenas, partner of Dentons’ Colombia office, who sponsored the project in the region. “The laws are relatively similar in all of our markets but there are differences that companies need to be aware of. Also, it is widespread that digital signatures have limited effects on certain businesses, for example those that seek to convey ownership of real estate where legal formalities do not accept them."

Dentons digital signature tracker is a starting point for any company looking to finalize transactions remotely. If you need assistance clarifying questions related to specific transactions, you can easily find the contact for the relevant jurisdiction in the tracker, which is available here.

About Dentons

Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com