Electronic signature glossary

Signature levels

Electronic signature

The simplest level defined by the European eIDAS regulation (Article 3). An image of your signature pasted into a PDF counts as one. This level is not enough for the Guichet unique.

Where you come across it: a signature image pasted into a PDF, an “I sign” box on a website.

Advanced electronic signature

The advanced level meets 4 conditions (eIDAS regulation, Article 26):

• the signature is linked to a single person;
• it makes it possible to identify who signed;
• it is created with means that this person alone controls;
• any change to the document after signing is detectable.

This is the level the Guichet unique names. It is the one ClairSign applies.

Where you come across it: on the Guichet unique “Signature” screen, and on the signed document you receive from ClairSign.

Used in (articles in French): INPI power of attorney: who should sign the document?, · INPI patent filing: the electronic signature, · INPI dissolution and liquidation: signature and procedure

The third level defined by eIDAS

The regulation also defines the qualified electronic signature: an advanced signature created with an approved creation device and based on a qualified certificate. It has the same legal value as a handwritten signature across the European Union. ClairSign does not provide this level. To compare the three levels: simple, advanced or third level: what is the difference.

Where you come across it: in some public procurement contracts: see signing a public contract.

Electronic seal

The equivalent of a signature for a company (a legal entity), not for a person. The summary document must carry a person’s signature: a company seal does not replace the filer’s signature.

Where you come across it: in the Guichet unique message when the document was signed in the name of a company rather than a person.

Certificates and trust

Electronic signature certificate

An electronic attestation that links the signature to a person and confirms at least their name (eIDAS regulation, Article 3). It is what the Guichet unique reads to know who signed. Without a certificate, a signature is just an image.

Where you come across it: in the signature panel of your PDF reader, when you open the signed document.

Certification authority

The body that issues the certificate after checking the signer’s details. The Guichet unique checks which authority issued the certificate behind your signature.

Where you come across it: in the certificate details, from the signature panel of your PDF reader.

Used in (articles in French): Signing on INPI as an SCI: the manager’s guide, · Signing on INPI as an SAS: the president’s guide, · INPI electronic signature: the complete guide

European Union trusted list

Each Member State publishes the list of trust service providers it supervises; the European Commission publishes the list of those lists. The certificate ClairSign uses is issued by a certification authority on that list.

Where you come across it: on the European Commission website, where you can look up a provider.

Used in (articles in French): Signing on INPI as an SCI: the manager’s guide, · Signing on INPI as an SAS: the president’s guide, · INPI electronic signature: the complete guide

Date and time of signature

The date and time are recorded in the signature. They prove the certificate was valid when you signed: the signature remains verifiable after the certificate expires.

Where you come across it: next to the signer's name, in the signature panel of your PDF reader.

Signature inside the PDF (PAdES format)

The European format that places the signature inside the PDF file itself. In practice: if you save the signed document again, print it to PDF or compress it, the signature is broken. Upload the file you received, as is.

Where you come across it: when you save again, print to PDF or compress the signed document.

Used in (articles in French): Comparing electronic signature providers for the INPI, · INPI signature not working? Quick diagnosis and fixes

Signature panel (PDF reader)

The area of a PDF reader that lists the signatures in the file. For each one, it shows the signer's name, the date and time of signing, the authority that issued the certificate, and whether the document was changed after signing.

Where you come across it: in a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, when you open a copy of the signed document: the 3 checks of your signature.

Re-saved PDF

A signed document that software has saved again: “Save as”, print to PDF, compression, adding a page or a note. The file changes: the signature disappears or is reported as modified, and the Guichet unique (the INPI online portal) may reject the filing. Opening the file to read it does not change it.

Where you come across it: after a rejection by the Guichet unique: upload the file received by email again, as it is, without opening it in other software. To check the signature, open a copy instead: the 3 checks.

Evidence file

A PDF delivered with your signed document. It states who signed, when and with which certificate, gives the fingerprint of the document before and after signing, and lists each step in order: upload, payment, signature.

Keep it for yourself: it is useful if you are ever asked to prove the signature. Do not upload it to the Guichet unique: only the signed document is uploaded there.

Where you come across it: attached to the same email as your signed document, under the name evidence_…. See an example.

eIDAS regulation

Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 on electronic identification and trust services, amended in 2024 by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183. It sets the signature levels and their effects across the European Union.

Where you come across it: in the explanations of the Guichet unique and of signature providers.

Used in (articles in French): Signing on INPI as an SCI: the manager’s guide, · Signing on INPI as an SAS: the president’s guide, · INPI electronic signature: the complete guide

The Guichet unique

INPI Guichet unique

The online portal, run by INPI, through which company filings have gone since 1 January 2023: creation, amendment, closure, annual accounts filing. On the “Signature” screen it displays: It is an advanced signature based on a qualified certificate. What that means, in detail: what the Guichet unique requires.

Where you come across it: on procedures.inpi.fr, for every business formality.

Used in (articles in French): Signing on INPI as an SCI: the manager’s guide, · Signing on INPI as an SAS: the president’s guide, · INPI electronic signature: the complete guide

Summary document

The PDF that sums up your filing. You download it at the “Signature” step of the Guichet unique, sign it, then upload it in the same place. It is the only document ClairSign signs.

Where you come across it: in your downloads, under a name like Document_de_Synthese_J0…_v1.pdf. Where to find it, step by step.

Sign my document

Used in (articles in French): INPI electronic signature: the complete guide, · INPI power of attorney: who should sign the document?, · An alternative to FranceConnect for signing on the INPI portal

FranceConnect+

The enhanced version of FranceConnect, offered free of charge by the Guichet unique for signing. It needs a high-level digital identity: La Poste’s Identité Numérique, or France Identité. France Identité needs a chip ID card and a phone with contactless reading. Our FranceConnect+ guide.

Where you come across it: on the Guichet unique “Signature” screen: it is the free option offered by INPI.

Used in (articles in French): Signing on INPI as an SCI: the manager’s guide, · Signing on INPI as an SAS: the president’s guide, · INPI electronic signature: the complete guide

Validation code

A 6-digit code sent by email during signing. By entering it, you confirm that you are the one signing.

Where you come across it: in your inbox, while you sign on ClairSign.

Filer

The person who makes the filing and whose name appears on the summary document. They are the one who signs.

Where you come across it: on the summary document, and in the signature certificate.

Sources: Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 “eIDAS”, Articles 3 and 26 ,· Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 ,· “Signature” screen of the INPI Guichet unique (2026).