DIGITAL DOCUMENT AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A CERTIFICATE WHICH AUTHENTICATES AND UNIQUELY IDENTIFIES A DOCUMENT

摘要

A process (10) for time-stamping a digital document is provided. The process provides a certificate (20) which not only allows for the authentication of a document at a later time but which includes a name (18) or nickname (19) whi ch allows for the unique identification of the document at a later time. The na me (18) or nickname (19) provided in accordance with the present invention is n ot only simple and concise but allows for the self-authentication of the docume nt which it refers to. The name can be used when two independent parties desire to refer to the same unique document in a quick and simple way.