Typed Signatures: Are They Legally Binding?

A typed signature is simply a name entered in a document, email, or form using a keyboard. While it may provide a level of personal identification, it lacks critical security measures that legally binding electronic signatures possess. Unlike digital or electronic signatures, a typed name can be easily forged, edited, or manipulated, making it unreliable for authentication purposes.

Electronic signatures (or e-signatures), as defined by laws such as the U.S. Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN Act) and the European Union’s eIDAS Regulation, must meet certain criteria to be legally binding. These include:

• Identification and Intent: The signature must be linked to a specific individual with their consent to sign. “Electronic Signature” – The term “electronic signature” means an electronic sound, symbol, or process, attached to or logically associated with a contract or other record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.

• Security and Authentication: The signature should be protected against tampering and must be verifiable. An advanced electronic signature shall meet the following requirements: (a) it is uniquely linked to the signatory; (b) it is capable of identifying the signatory; (c) it is created using electronic signature creation data that the signatory can, with a high level of confidence, use under his sole control; and (d) it is linked to the data signed therewith in such a way that any subsequent change in the data is detectable.

• Audit Trail: A legally binding electronic signature system generates logs or records that verify who signed the document and when.

Since a simple typed signature does not meet the above criteria, it is not considered legally binding in most jurisdictions.

For example typed: Name: "FRED BLOGGS" Signature: "fred bloggs"

In the U.S., the ESIGN Act signed into law in 2000, provides a general rule of validity for electronic signatures, and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA)published by the Uniform Law Commission in 1999. Under these laws, for an electronic signature to be legally binding, it must demonstrate clear intent, consent, and reliability. Merely typing a name into a document or email does not meet these standards because it lacks authentication and proof of intent. 

Courts have consistently ruled against typed signatures in legal disputes due to their vulnerability to fraud, in many cases around the world. For instance, in legal cases where parties attempted to enforce contracts signed with only a typed name, courts often ruled that such signatures did not constitute legally binding agreements. 

A typed signature lacks the security features of a proper e-signature platform, such as multi-factor authentication or a digital certificate, making it easy for parties to deny responsibility.

• Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) – Requires identity verification and security measures. An advanced electronic signature shall meet the following requirements: (a) it is uniquely linked to the signatory; (b) it is capable of identifying the signatory; (c) it is created using electronic signature creation data that the signatory can, with a high level of confidence, use under his sole control; and (d) it is linked to the data signed therewith in such a way that any subsequent change in the data is detectable.
• Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) – The highest level, equivalent to handwritten signatures, legally binding across all EU member states. However, it is for national law to define the legal effect of electronic signatures, except for the requirements provided for in this Regulation according to which a qualified electronic signature should have the equivalent legal effect of a handwritten signature.

A typed signature does not fall into either category, which does not hold legal weight unless additional measures, such as authentication or encryption, are in place.

Typed signatures do not provide the necessary security measures, which is why Life Science organisations should utilise electronic signature platforms such as DocuSign, Adobe Sign, and HelloSign.

Life Science documents such as validation documentation and test reports require strong authentication which a typed name by an engineer simply cannot provide. In the view of ZES, Life Science documents must be signed using legally valid electronic or handwritten signatures.

A typed signature lacks an audit trail and can easily be altered or forged. In legal disputes, a typed signature does not provide sufficient evidence of agreement, leading to potential contract nullifications. Secure digital signature platforms provide identity verification, timestamps, and encryption. These technologies ensure that documents are enforceable in court, unlike typed names that can be manipulated.

In healthcare, patient consent forms should be signed securely to comply with applicable laws which typed signatures simply do not provide. They do no provide adequate security or proof of consent, which is why electronic signature platforms with authentication features are widely used.

As typed signatures do not meet the security standards required for enforceable agreements, Life Science organisations should utilise digital signature solutions that provide:

• Verification of the signer’s identity
• Timestamping and tamper-proofing
• Legal enforceability in multiple jurisdictions

Digital signatures use cryptographic technology to secure documents. Unlike typed signatures, they provide authentication, tamper-proofing, and legal enforceability. Digital signatures are now widely accepted in the Life Science Industry.

For maximum security in Life Sciences, handwritten signatures remain a strong alternative. When paired with notarization or witnessed signing, they provide a high level of authenticity and legal recognition.

In summary, whilst in 2025 typed signatures may be convenient, they are not legally binding or an " industry standard". They lack security, authentication, and enforceability in UK and USA courts. In today’s digital age, most large Life Science organisations rely on electronic and digital signature platforms to provide security and legal recognition.

If you are signing important documents such as, Validation Test Reports, Batch Release Reports etc, using a trusted e-signature provider ensures compliance, prevents fraud, and guarantees that your signed documents are enforceable. 

In the view of ZES, typed signatures as in "Name: FRED BLOGS Signature fred bloggs" have no place in the Life Science Industry today!