[ Signature card ]

The signature card is an identity card (smartcard), which provides a qualified electronic signature for the purposes of Art. 3 (12) of the Regulation (EU) no. 910/2014 (eIDAS Regulation). With the hardware and software supplied, the card can be used to apply an encrypted and qualified electronic signature to documents.

In civil law, this kind of signature is deemed the equivalent of a handwritten signature and replaces the requirements of written form pursuant to BGB (German Civil Code) section 126a, PatG (German Patent Act) section 125a. In addition, the signature bears the professional designation “Patentanwalt”. This makes it possible to file an electronic patent application with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office.

We draw attention to the offers concerning the acquisition of a qualified signature card with the professional designation. If you need such a card for the exercise of your profession as a patent attorney, you can apply for it from the certification service providers.