Assinando

Assinando is the gerund form of the Portuguese verb assinar, meaning to sign. It designates the ongoing action of placing a signature on a document, whether by hand or by electronic means.

Etymology and form: Assinar derives from the Latin signare, related to signum or sign. The gerund assinando is used to express continuous action, as in ele está assinando o contrato (he is signing the contract). The related noun assinatura refers to the signature itself.

Usage and contexts: In everyday language, assinando refers to endorsing or confirming consent on various papers, such as agreements, invoices, or forms. A signature authenticates authorship or approval and can bind the signer to terms. The term is commonly seen in legal, administrative, and business contexts.

Electronic and digital signatures: Modern use distinguishes between assinatura eletrônica and assinatura digital. Assinatura eletrônica covers any electronic method of signifying assent, while assinatura digital uses cryptographic certificates to assure integrity, authenticity, and non-repudiation. In many jurisdictions, digital signatures are legally recognized when implemented with appropriate trusted authorities.

Legal frameworks: Brazil relies on the infrastructure of ICP-Brasil for certified digital signatures, established to regulate electronic documents and transactions. Internationally, regions such as the European Union recognize digital signatures under eIDAS, enabling cross-border validation of signed documents.

Impact and limitations: Signatures, including assinando, are central to validating contracts and records. The effectiveness depends on the applicable legal regime, the method used, and adherence to procedures that ensure authenticity and integrity. See also assinatura, assinatura eletrônica, assinatura digital.