Patent ID: 7395503
Filing Date: 2008-07-01
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for signing an electronic document, the method comprising: establishing an electronic signature appearance for an electronic signature, where: determining a bounding region on the electronic document for the display of the electronic signature appearance; at the time of electronically signing the electronic document, previewing the electronic signature appearance in the bounding region, where the electronic signature appearance can be edited based on a user input after previewing the electronic signature appearance and before electronically signing the electronic document; and signing the electronic document with the electronic signature, the electronic signature appearance being included in the electronic document signed with the electronic signature; wherein, prior to validation of the electronic signature, a default validity graphic is presented in the first validity layer and if the electronic signature is validated then the electronic signature appearance dynamically changes to present a validity graphic in the first validity layer reflecting the validation and if the electronic signature is invalidated, then the electronic signature appearance dynamically changes to present an invalidity graphic in the second validity layer reflecting the invalidation.