Online content can disappear overnight.
A company’s website may be updated, a product page rewritten, a social media post edited, an online advertisement removed, or a short video deleted. If a dispute later reaches court or arbitration, the webpage you relied on may no longer exist—or may look completely different from what you originally saw.
That is why many individuals and businesses choose Evidence Preservation Notarization for Webpages before the online content changes.
What Is Webpage Evidence Preservation Notarization?
In simple terms, webpage evidence preservation notarization means that a notary records the content of a webpage while it is still accessible and documents the entire process of accessing and viewing it according to established procedures.
This is much more than taking screenshots.
Depending on the circumstances, the notary may document:
* how the webpage was accessed;
* the website address (URL);
* the browsing process;
* the complete content displayed on the page;
* downloadable files, where applicable;
* publication dates, timestamps, or other information visible on the webpage.
The objective of webpage evidence preservation notarization is to create a reliable record of both the webpage itself and the way the evidence was preserved.
When Is It Commonly Used?
Case 1: Copyright or Trademark Infringement
A company discovers that a competitor has copied product information and photographs from its official website, including images displaying its registered trademark.
Concerned that the infringing content may be removed after receiving a complaint, the company applies to a notary office for webpage evidence preservation notarization before taking legal action.
Case 2: Website Announcements
Two companies are involved in a commercial dispute. One party has published important notices or announcements on its website relating to the contract.
Before those notices are modified or removed, the other party arranges webpage evidence preservation notarization so that the online records can be retained for possible future negotiations, arbitration, or litigation.
Aren’t Screenshots Enough?
Screenshots are useful and should often be taken immediately.
However, if a dispute arises, the opposing party may raise objections:
* the screenshots were edited;
* they were created after the relevant event;
* important context was omitted;
* the webpage shown is incomplete;
* the images do not accurately reflect what appeared online.
Notarized evidence preservation focuses not only on the content itself but also on how the evidence is preserved.
By documenting the entire process under the supervision of a notary, the resulting record is generally better positioned to address later disputes concerning authenticity, integrity, and completeness.
What Does the Notary Usually Record?
In webpage evidence preservation notarization, the exact scope depends on the particular case, but it may include:
* the computer’s system date and time;
* the internet connection or network environment;
* browser information;
* the URL entered;
* the browsing sequence;
* the complete webpage content;
* publication dates or timestamps displayed on the page;
* how downloadable materials were obtained and stored;
* the method used to preserve the evidence, such as printed copies, electronic media, or both.
What Documents May Be Needed?
The required materials for webpage evidence preservation notarization vary depending on the circumstances.
For individuals, a notary office may request:
* a passport or other identity document;
* contracts or agreements related to the dispute;
* emails, messages, or chat records;
* any preliminary evidence explaining why the webpage is relevant.
For companies, common documents include:
* business registration documents, such as business license;
* identification of the authorized representative;
* authorization documents, where applicable;
* relevant contracts or agreements;
* the webpage information or URL;
* supporting materials related to the dispute.
Additional documents may be requested for webpage evidence preservation notarization after the notary reviews the case.
How Does the Process Usually Work?
The applicant first contacts a notary office to explain the circumstances and the intended use of the evidence.
After reviewing the application and supporting documents, the notary determines whether evidence preservation notarization is appropriate and plans the evidence preservation procedure.
The webpage is then accessed and recorded under the notary’s supervision following established procedures.
After the evidence has been preserved, the notary office prepares and issues a notarial certificate documenting the evidence preservation process.
Assistance with Evidence Preservation Notarization in China
If you need to preserve online evidence in China, it is often helpful to seek advice before the webpage changes or disappears. Depending on the circumstances, assistance may include evaluating whether webpage evidence preservation notarization is appropriate, communicating with the notary office, preparing the necessary supporting documents, and coordinating the notarization procedure.
Typical matters include copied website content, unauthorized use of photographs or trademarks, misleading online advertising, social media posts, company announcements, and other webpages that may be edited or removed without notice.
Before making an application for webpage evidence preservation notarization, it is useful to prepare the webpage link, a brief explanation of the dispute, any related agreements or communications, and an outline of how the preserved evidence may be used in future negotiations or legal proceedings.
