In the course of 2021, Enigio introduced a feature that allows users to e-seal trace:original document versions with a Qualified Electronic seal as defined in Section 5 of the eIDAS EU regulation.
The e-seal adds provenance for the last version of the original document as it proves that it must have been created by the organisation or legal entity that signed with its own seal. By electronically sealing your trace:original PDF you also protect the original PDF file from accidental changes in Adobe by anyone receiving a copy or the original.
The e-seal functionality makes trace:original documents more useful
An e-seal is useful for multiple applications and document types. It is particularly important for use-cases were documents need to be officially issued by a legal entity or organisation. By adding an e-seal to such documents, involved parties can easily verify their authenticity by opening them through PDF readers that support electronic seals like e.g. Adobe reader.
Using e-seals on bills of lading for example can show that the original document version originated from a specific company. Bank guarantees could also benefit from e-seals, the issuing bank could electronically seal the document to show that the document is properly released by the Guarantor bank.
An e-seal is also useful when it comes to registry type documents where possession is normally not transferred but held by the issuing institute/organisation. These documents range from certificates, including scope certificates, transaction certificates, and ESGs, to educational diplomas. By using an e-seal on original certificates or diplomas, institutions ensure that it is easy to verify that the documents are indeed issued by e.g., the proper certificate authority or school.