Blockchain vs Notarisation: Which Better Protects Your IP?
Both prove a document existed at a specific time. But they differ in cost, speed, and convenience. Here is how they compare for IP protection.
Key Takeaway
Blockchain timestamping offers the same evidential function as notarisation at a fraction of the cost, with instant availability and no need for in-person appointments. Notarisation remains useful for specific legal requirements but is rarely the best choice for IP evidence.
Side-by-Side
Blockchain Timestamping vs Traditional Notarisation: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Blockchain Timestamping | Traditional Notarisation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | From £10 | £50-£200 per document |
| Speed | Under 60 seconds | Days to schedule |
| Availability | 24/7, anywhere | Business hours, in-person |
| Tamper-proof | Cryptographically immutable | Paper-based, can degrade |
| Independent verification | Anyone can verify on-chain | Must contact notary |
| Legal recognition | Accepted as electronic evidence | Established legal tradition |
| Document privacy | Only hash stored; content private | Notary sees the document |
| Best for | Routine IP documentation | Specific legal formalities |
Detailed Analysis
Understanding Each Option
Blockchain Timestamping
Creates a cryptographic fingerprint (hash) of your document and records it on a public, immutable ledger. The document itself stays private.
Advantages
- Instant protection in under 60 seconds
- Available 24/7 from anywhere
- Document content stays completely private
- Anyone can independently verify
- Cannot be backdated, altered, or destroyed
- Scales easily for many documents
Limitations
- Newer technology, less familiar to some courts
- Requires digital documents
- No identity verification of the person timestamping
Traditional Notarisation
A notary public witnesses your signature and certifies document authenticity. The notary verifies your identity and applies their official seal.
Advantages
- Long-established legal tradition
- Includes identity verification
- Well understood by courts worldwide
- Required for some specific legal processes
Limitations
- Expensive at £50-£200+ per document
- Requires scheduling and in-person attendance
- Notary sees your confidential documents
- Paper records can degrade or be lost
- Verification requires contacting the original notary
Decision Guide
When to Use Each
Use Blockchain When
- You need instant, ongoing IP documentation
- Budget is a concern with many documents to protect
- Document confidentiality is important
- You want independently verifiable proof
- You are building an innovation trail over time
Use Notarisation When
- A specific legal process requires notarised documents
- You need identity verification alongside timestamping
- The jurisdiction specifically mandates notarisation
- You are dealing with real estate or estate planning
Better Together
How They Can Work Together
Many organisations use both methods strategically:
Use blockchain for routine IP documentation — research notes, code commits, design iterations
Reserve notarisation for high-stakes documents that specifically require it
Timestamp documents first, then notarise the most critical ones for comprehensive protection
Where immut Fits
immut provides blockchain timestamping on the XRPL blockchain, creating court-admissible evidence from £10 per timestamp. It is the practical choice for ongoing IP documentation while you reserve notarisation for the rare documents that specifically require it.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is blockchain timestamping legally equivalent to notarisation?
Not exactly equivalent, but blockchain timestamps are accepted as evidence in UK, EU, and US courts. For IP protection, both effectively prove a document existed at a point in time.
Which is cheaper?
Blockchain timestamping is significantly cheaper. From £10 with immut versus £50-£200 per document for a notary, plus travel time.
Can I use both together?
Yes. Use blockchain for routine IP documentation and notarisation for critical documents that specifically require it.
Do courts accept blockchain timestamps?
Yes. UK courts accept them under the Civil Evidence Act 1995. The EU eIDAS Regulation recognises electronic timestamps. Chinese courts have accepted blockchain evidence since 2018.
Need Help Choosing the Right IP Protection?
Book a call with our team to discuss which approach is best for your specific situation.