Articles
Proof of Existence vs. Copyright
Creators often ask whether a timestamped record replaces copyright registration. It does not. The two are complementary tools with different purposes, and understanding the distinction helps you protect your work more effectively.
What proof of existence is.
Proof of existence is a timestamped record showing that a specific file existed at a specific moment. It is generated from a cryptographic fingerprint of the file — a SHA-256 hash — paired with a trusted UTC timestamp. The record is permanent, verifiable by anyone with the link, and independent of any platform or authority.
What copyright is.
Copyright is a legal right that grants creators control over how their work is used, reproduced, and distributed. In many jurisdictions, copyright exists automatically when a work is created. Formal registration — through a government office or copyright body — provides additional legal benefits, such as the ability to sue for statutory damages or create a public record of ownership claims.
What proof of existence does not do.
A proof-of-existence record does not register a copyright. It does not grant legal rights. It does not determine who created a work or who owns it. It simply shows that a file with a specific fingerprint existed at a specific time. That is context — not a legal claim.
Why use both together.
Proof of existence and copyright registration serve different stages of a creator's workflow. Timestamp a file the moment it exists — before sharing, before pitching, before collaboration. That creates an independent record of when the work was in your possession. If you later choose to register copyright, the timestamped record provides additional context about the timeline of the work's creation.
When timestamping matters most.
Timestamping is most valuable at the moment before your work leaves your hands. A beat sent to an artist. A script shared with a producer. A design concept presented to a client. A manuscript submitted to an agent. In each case, a timestamped record creates a verifiable checkpoint before the work enters someone else's system.
The bottom line.
Use proof of existence for independent, verifiable timestamps. Use copyright registration for formal legal protection. The two work best together — one documents the moment of creation, the other establishes your legal rights.