What proof of existence demonstrates
ExistBefore produces evidence that a specific sequence of bytes (identified by SHA-256) was registered at a specific time in the CertiSigma system. That is a narrow, technical fact — valuable for drafts, concepts, and pre-registration documentation.
What it does not demonstrate by itself
- Authorship — anyone who holds the file can attest the same hash.
- Copyright ownership — title and scope depend on jurisdiction and formalities.
- Exclusive rights — unlike a national or regional registration, a timestamp does not grant an IP monopoly.
How this differs from copyright registration
Copyright arises from creative work under applicable law; registration (where available) is a separate administrative step. ExistBefore is not a copyright office. It can support a timeline narrative as supporting evidence alongside other material — not as a substitute for legal advice or official filing.
Typical use cases
Brand names, logo drafts, slogans, contract versions, music sketches, and research notes — situations where you want a neutral, timestamped record before wider disclosure or formal steps.
Related reading
FAQ · Digital timestamping · How it works
The CertiSigma API can be embedded into legal, creative, and enterprise tools. API documentation →