What is a trusted timestamp and how does it work?

A trusted timestamp is a digital certificate that proves a specific piece of content existed at a particular point in time. The process works by generating a hash value of your file, which is then sent to the UniTrust TimeStamp Authority (backed by China's National Time Service Center). The authority combines the hash with an authoritative time source and signs it cryptographically, creating a tamper-proof certificate that serves as judicially recognized evidence of when your content was created.

What types of content can be protected with a timestamp?

The Time Stamp service covers all major content types: photographs, literary works (articles, manuscripts, code), artistic designs (logos, illustrations, UI designs), music and video files, engineering drawings and technical documents, and trade secrets (formulas, processes, business plans). Any digital file can be timestamped for evidentiary protection.

Is a timestamp certificate legally valid in court?

Yes. Trusted timestamp certificates issued through the UniTrust TimeStamp Authority carry judicially recognized evidentiary validity in Chinese courts and are increasingly accepted in international proceedings. The certificates are backed by China's National Time Service Center, which is the authoritative time source, ensuring the timestamp cannot be disputed.

How quickly can I obtain a timestamp certificate?

Timestamp certificates are issued within seconds. Simply upload your file through the Kangxin IP Platform, and the system automatically generates a hash, communicates with the UniTrust TimeStamp Authority, and returns your signed certificate — the entire process typically completes in under 10 seconds.

How is timestamping different from copyright registration?

Copyright registration is a formal government process that can take weeks or months and involves review. A trusted timestamp provides instant proof of existence at a specific time — it's faster, more affordable, and can protect content that may not qualify for traditional registration (such as trade secrets or interim work products). Many IP professionals use both: timestamps for immediate protection and registration for formal rights.

How long is a timestamp certificate valid?

Timestamp certificates do not expire. Once issued, the certificate serves as permanent evidence that your content existed at the certified time. The cryptographic signature ensures the certificate cannot be altered after issuance.

Judicially Recognized Timestamp Certificates in Seconds

Protect your intellectual property with trusted timestamp certificates backed by the National Time Service Center. Upload any file — photographs, designs, code, trade secrets — and receive tamper-proof, court-admissible evidence of creation time within seconds.

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Near-Instant Process

100%

Judicial Validity

Content Categories

5,000+

Clients Worldwide

🔏

Trusted TimeStamp Certificate

Backed by National Time Service Center

FILE HASH (SHA-256)

                  a7f3b2c9e8d1...4f6a0b5c3e2d

TIMESTAMP

2026-04-05T09:32:17.000Z

AUTHORITY

UniTrust TimeStamp Authority

National Time Service Center, CAS

✓ Cryptographically Signed

🏛️ National Time Service Center

🔐 UniTrust TimeStamp Authority

⚖️ Judicially Recognized

🛡️ ISO 27001 Certified Platform

🔒 SHA-256 Hash Security

What You Can Protect

Timestamp Any Type of Intellectual Property

From creative works to confidential business information, the Time Stamp service covers all major content categories with equal legal strength.

How It Works

From Upload to Certificate in Under 10 Seconds

A simple four-step process ensures your content is protected with tamper-proof, cryptographically signed evidence.

Architecture

How the Trusted TimeStamp System Works

Your original file never leaves your control. Only a cryptographic hash is transmitted, ensuring complete confidentiality while providing authoritative proof of existence.

Your Content

Photos, Documents, Code, Designs

→

SHA-256 Hash

Unique digital fingerprint

↓

Kangxin IP Platform

Standard API Interface

↓

UniTrust TimeStamp Authority

Cryptographic signing + Authoritative time

←

National Time Service Center

China's official time authority (CAS)

↓

✓ Trusted Timestamp Certificate

Tamper-proof, judicially recognized evidence

Why Kangxin Time Stamp

Trusted Evidence for Serious IP Protection

Legal Strength

Judicially Recognized Evidentiary Validity

Timestamp certificates issued through the UniTrust TimeStamp Authority are backed by China's National Time Service Center — the authoritative time source — and carry full evidentiary weight in Chinese courts. Increasingly recognized in international proceedings as well.

Backed by the National Time Service Center (Chinese Academy of Sciences)
Tamper-proof cryptographic signatures prevent any alteration
Accepted as evidence in intellectual property disputes and litigation
Compliant with international digital signature standards

⚖️

Accepted As Evidence In

Secure & Confidential

Your Original Files Never Leave Your Control

Privacy is built into the core of the timestamping process. Only a cryptographic hash — a unique digital fingerprint — is transmitted. Your original content remains securely on your device at all times, making this service ideal for trade secrets and unpublished works.

Only SHA-256 hash is transmitted — original file stays local
Perfect for trade secrets that cannot be disclosed
ISO 27001 certified platform with AES-256 encryption
No client data is ever used for AI model training

Request a Demo →

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Your Data, Your Control

✓ Original file stays on your device

✓ Only hash value transmitted

✓ End-to-end encryption

✓ ISO 27001 certified

Comparison

Timestamp vs. Traditional Copyright Protection

Understand when to use timestamps, copyright registration, or both for optimal IP protection.

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Use Cases

Who Benefits from Trusted Timestamps

From individual creators to enterprise R&D teams, timestamps provide essential evidence for any IP-conscious organization.

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Client Feedback

Trusted by IP Professionals

★★★★★

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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Related IP Protection Services

The Kangxin IP Platform covers the full lifecycle of intellectual property — from search to enforcement.

Ready to Protect Your Work?

Get Your First Timestamp Certificate Today

Upload any file and receive a judicially recognized, tamper-proof timestamp certificate in seconds. No software installation required — everything works in your browser.