Re: Contract -- Form? Fax? E-mail? Snail Mail? Other?

	As anyone who's negotiated a contract knows, actually getting it 
"executed" (signed) can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially after 
you think you're "finished" with the whole process!  Fortunately, the new 
U.S. "Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act" (also 
known as the "E-Sign Act") should make this a little easier.

	The E-Sign Act, which becomes effective (for the most part) on October 1, 
says that "a signature, contract or record relating to [a] transaction may 
not be denied legal effect, validity, or enforceability solely because it 
is in electronic form."  In other words, electronic signatures -- in a 
variety of forms -- will be given the OK of federal law.

	For more on the E-Sign Act and how it will work, see the article, "How the 
New E-Sign Act Will Affect E-Commerce," 
http://www.gigalaw.com/articles/alston-2000-06-p1.html .

	And, for some perspective on why the E-Sign Act is mostly a good thing 
(but could have been better), see the article, "New E-Sign Law Will Help 
E-Commerce," http://www.gigalaw.com/articles/isenberg-2000-08-p1.html .

Doug
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Douglas M. Isenberg
Attorney @ Law
Editor & Publisher, GigaLaw.com
Legal columnist, Internet World magazine
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GigaLaw.com: "Legal Information for
Internet and Technology Professionals"
http://www.GigaLaw.com
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