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E-Signature, E-Contract, and Remote Notarization: Regulatory Developments and Recent Enforceability Decisions

Recording of a 90-minute CLE video webinar with Q&A

This program is included with the Strafford CLE Pass. Click for more information.
This program is included with the Strafford All-Access Pass. Click for more information.

Conducted on Thursday, August 4, 2022

Recorded event now available

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This CLE course will review the most recent state and federal updates regarding the use of e-signatures, e-contracts, and remote notarization. The panel will discuss the expansion of e-contracts in previously restricted industries and recent decisions about the enforceability of e-contracts in general and particular provisions, including mandatory arbitration clauses.

Description

In the current legal environment, both consumers and companies expect to transact business digitally and remain competitive; companies are escalating digital business operations.

Multiple states passed legislation expanding the definitions of digital identities and the scope of electronic signatures and records. States are loosening restrictions on notices and consents sent electronically and increasing electronic communications. Industries that state law previously barred from electronic contracts, such as insurance, are authorized to use current technology. Remote online notarization is currently allowed in 32 states, and state laws have eased requirements for a notarial witness and the use of remote notarization.

The current administration reauthorized the Financial Technology and Artificial Intelligence Task Forces, addressing artificial intelligence use without inadvertent bias. The Federal Trade Commission offers lessons on using AI truthfully, fairly, and equitably, which business counsel should consider when clients use the technology.

Case law has met the regulatory changes in addressing this evolving environment. The Supreme Court recently decided on a narrow definition of an "automatic telephone dialing system." This decision has long-term effects on interpretations of other technology-related federal and state laws and federal and state regulatory activities.

At the appellate level, the Eleventh Circuit overturned findings that "public accommodations" under Title III of the ADA included websites. Another high-profile federal circuit case ruled a valid contract did not exist where a unilateral change was made to a document after one party electronically signed. The First Circuit held an arbitration clause enforceable that was entered into via a mobile app. The e-contract case determined that the consumer was on "inquiry notice" of an online agreement even if the plaintiff failed to read its terms but affirmatively clicked the relevant button.

Listen as our authoritative panel discusses the current status of e-signatures, e-contracts, and remote notarizations. The panel will review the changes in legislation and case law in this area.

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Outline

  1. State updates
    1. Digital identity
    2. Industries
  2. Federal updates
    1. FTC
  3. Case law updates
    1. Supreme Court
      1. TCPA
    2. Circuit court high profile cases
      1. Public accommodation
      2. Unilateral changes
      3. Acceptance of terms/arbitration provision

Benefits

The panel will review these and other key issues:

  • What are the most recent state legislative changes surrounding electronic contracts and e-signatures?
  • How have states changed the use of remote notarization?
  • What enforceability, authentication, and admissibility challenges do counsel face in litigation involving e-signatures and electronic contracts?
  • What do recent circuit court decisions advise on the enforceability of e-contracts and specific provisions?

Faculty

Cohen, Robert S.
Robert S. Cohen

Partner
Moritt Hock & Hamroff

Mr. Cohen serves as Chair of the firm’s Equipment Leasing and Transportation Finance group and is a member of its...  |  Read More

Kouhoupt, Aaron
Aaron P. Kouhoupt

Member
McGlinchey Stafford

Mr. Kouhoupt offers a unique perspective shaped by more than 15 years’ experience as both in-house and outside...  |  Read More

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