Clifford Chance
The Coronavirus lock-down: are electronic signatures a possible solution under Czech law?
25 March 2020
The Czech Republic counts as one of the most radical countries in the European Union when it comes to restrictions on social contacts put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic. Initially, the set of measures introduced mainly restricted private life, including instruction in schools, social gatherings, cultural and sports events, and personal travel. In the beginning of the last week, however, another set of restrictions has been introduced which is having a much more significant impact on businesses.
The question which is now being asked multiple times every day is whether the traditional process of document execution may be replaced by electronic means. Despite the fact that legislation governing electronic signatures has been around for quite some time already, the answer is unfortunately still not a straightforward one. This briefing considers the position on electronic signatures under Czech law and discusses the possibility of having a contract signing executed remotely during these "working-from-home" times.
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