Present the certificate as a record of one exact file, not as a claim about who designed it. Give the other side the file, the certificate and a short cover note, and show them how to check that the file’s fingerprint matches. TimeBinder® makes the fingerprint in your browser and the files stay on your device. The certificate shows the file existed no later than the recorded time. It does not show authorship, ownership or that a panel must accept it. For the wider picture, see tender and bid timestamping.
Table of Contents
What to put in front of the panel or client
- The exact file that was recorded (the PDF set, the zip, the model export).
- The Proof of Time Certificate (PDF), which includes the TimeBind record details, the transaction ID, the submission hash and a QR code.
- A one-paragraph cover note that says what the record is and is not (template below).
- Your portal receipt or transmittal, because that is normally the primary record of when you lodged or issued.
A cover note you can adapt
The attached file, [filename and revision], was recorded in a TimeBind before it was [lodged / issued]. The Proof of Time Certificate shows that a file with this fingerprint existed no later than [recorded time]. Anyone holding the same file can check that it still matches. The record does not show who prepared the file or who owns it. The portal receipt shows when the submission was lodged.
Keep it that plain. Panels and clients react badly to over-claiming, and a modest note is more credible.
How they can check it
- Re-hash the file. Use the free SHA-256 hash checker in the browser; the file stays on their device. The result should match the fingerprint on the certificate.
- Use the TimeBind’s verification page. The QR code on the certificate opens the record, and the “Verify File” step re-hashes a local file and compares it. How it works explains the steps, and how to timestamp a file covers the first record.
- ASAP versus Pooled. An ASAP TimeBind is its own Bitcoin transaction, so it can be checked on-chain without relying on TimeBinder. A Pooled TimeBind is batched with others and relies on TimeBinder’s servers to verify. If a record may be scrutinised by a third party, ASAP (US$15) is the more self-contained option.
When it helps, and when to hold back
| Situation | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Client says the layout changed after approval | Show the certificate for each issued set, with their written approvals |
| Panel asks which version of the concept report was submitted | Show the file, certificate and portal receipt together |
| Competition requires anonymous entries | Do not attach anything that identifies you in the entry. Keep the certificate in your archive and produce it only if asked afterwards |
| Procurement portal has its own receipt | Treat the portal receipt as the lodgement record and your certificate as the independent record of the files |
Do not use it to show you met the deadline
The certificate does not show when you lodged a submission. A file recorded after a deadline only shows it existed then, so timestamp before you submit, and rely on the portal’s own receipt for the lodgement time. For tenders, see tender and bid timestamping. For competitions, see timestamp a design competition entry before submitting.
What a TimeBind shows, and what it doesn’t
A TimeBind shows that this exact file existed no later than the recorded time and still matches its fingerprint. It does not show authorship, ownership or copyright, that a bid is compliant, or any court outcome. Whether a panel, client or tribunal gives it weight is their call. See who owns architectural drawings for the ownership side. This is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Will a tender panel accept a TimeBind certificate?
That is up to the panel and the rules of the process. Offer it as an additional record of the exact files, alongside the official receipt, and do not ask for special treatment.
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Does the certificate contain my drawings?
No. The files stay on your device and only a fingerprint is recorded. The certificate lists the fingerprint, not the content.
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What if the client does not have the file?
Send them the exact file with the certificate. If they re-hash it and the fingerprint matches, it is the same file. If a single byte differs, it will not match.
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Can I show the certificate to people who do not use TimeBinder?
Yes. The certificate is a PDF, and the SHA-256 check works with any hash tool.
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What does it cost?
Your first Pooled TimeBind is free, with no credit card required. After that, from US$5; ASAP is US$15. See plans and pricing
Timestamp your next submission free
Show that this exact file existed no later than a recorded time. Files stay on your device. Get a checkable Proof of Time Certificate. Free to start. Open TimeBinder
