How is an electronic signature defined under UETA?

An electronic signature under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) is defined as an electronic sound, symbol, or process that is logically associated with a contract or record and executed by a person with the intent to sign the record. This definition encapsulates the essence of what an electronic signature is meant to convey: it emphasizes the intent behind the signature rather than the form it takes.

This means that any digital representation, be it a symbol, sound, or even a visual image, can function as an electronic signature so long as it demonstrates the signer’s intent to approve or authenticate the document in question. This broad definition allows for various forms of electronic signatures, accommodating innovation and flexibility in how signatures can be applied in electronic transactions.

The other options do not fully capture the completeness of the definition provided by UETA. For instance, while a typed name could be deemed a form of an electronic signature, it lacks the essential element of expressing intent and does not address scenarios where other forms of signatures (like symbols or sounds) may be employed. A scanned handwritten signature, although recognizable, does not qualify as an original electronic signature as per UETA since it is merely a representation of a physical signature. A digital certificate, on the other hand, serves as