Abstract: A transaction receiver obtains a transaction packet comprising at least one document and instructions for processing the at least one document to complete a transaction. Thereafter, a rule parser accesses a transaction policy statement associated with the transaction packet including one or more rules for allowing the at least one document to be electronically signed. A verification agent then determines whether the rules of the transaction policy statement are met, after which a signature inhibitor prevents the at least one document from being electronically signed unless each rule of the transaction policy statement is met.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the computerized management of a digital ecosystems through the creation and management of intelligent information packets that enable computerized management of the creation, flow, and use of electronic and optically scanned paper documents. An XML packet is structured to combine document data, comprising electronic or optically scanned documents, with rules, work-flow controls, audit capability, and signature controls. Tamper proofing ensures validity of information, such as legal documents, that requires proof and tracking of official origin, approval, or status.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for digitally signing an electronic document by a plurality of signers includes determining a signing role of each signer; identifying a to-be-signed portion of the document corresponding to the signing role of each signer; receiving an indication from each signer to digitally sign the document; and applying the digital signature of each signer to the corresponding to-be-signed portion in response to the indication from each signer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for digitally signing an electronic document by a plurality of signers includes determining a signing role of each signer; identifying a to-be-signed portion of the document corresponding to the signing role of each signer; receiving an indication from each signer to digitally sign the document; and applying the digital signature of each signer to the corresponding to-be-signed portion in response to the indication from each signer. A computer-implemented method for processing electronic documents includes receiving a document at a document processing station; reading a processing instruction from a processing portion of the document; identifying a processing service within the document processing station for executing the processing instruction; executing the processing instruction at the document processing station using the identified processing service; and applying a digital signature of the document processing station to the document after the processing is executed.