Consent gate (the legal linchpin from the wet-signature memo):
- migration 092 adds ink_consent/ink_consent_at/ink_consent_text to esign_records
- extract pure, unit-tested gate logic into esign-ink-consent.ts (DRY single
source for route + signing page): isInkReproduction / inkConsentRequired /
inkConsentSatisfied + verbatim client-safe INK_CONSENT_TEXT
- portal-esign-generic.ts: GET surfaces ink_reproduction + consent text; POST
gates DRAWN signatures on ink-path docs on explicit consent, stores it
- signing page locks the signature block until consent is checked (drawn only)
- npi_provider marks cms855/cms10114 esign metadata ink_reproduction=true
- 33 unit checks: gate truth table + consent text omits all internal mechanics
(plotter/machine/CMS/MAC/etc) and keeps required legal reassurances
Patent-risk memo (docs/legal/patent-risk-mechanical-wet-signature.md):
- prior-art-dated risk analysis (autopen 1803/1942, plotters, CNC = public domain
=> low risk on core concept; e-sign workflow space litigious)
- firsthand recent-grant sweep (1.58M USPTO grants 2021-2025, queried via DuckDB):
ZERO patents on machine-applies-signature-in-ink; e-sign players hold only
electronic-workflow patents. Not an FTO; flags where attorney search is needed
Two internal docs:
- docs/plans/remote-wet-signature-products.md: opportunity map for new remote
signing/filing services that leverage the existing esign + wet-ink + fulfillment
stack (83(b) IRS filings, apostille concierge, estate packages, mechanics
liens, FinCEN BOI / SAM.gov renewals, RON layer, proof-of-life attestations).
Prioritized by revenue x fit x moat; top 3 = 83(b), apostille, estate package.
- docs/legal/remote-mechanical-wet-signature-precedent.md: source-grounded legal
research on whether a machine-applied wet-ink signature (autopen/plotter
reproducing the signer's own captured strokes) is authentic/valid/accepted.
Primary sources retrieved firsthand: DOJ/OLC 2005 autopen opinion (29 Op.
O.L.C. 97); CMS-855B 'signatures must be original'; ESIGN 15 USC 7001/7006;
UCC 1-201 'Signed'. Key finding: common-law + autopen precedent strongly
support own-signature-by-directed-machine as VALID, but 'original ink / no
stamps' administrative rules (CMS-855) are UNADJUDICATED -> highest risk, keep
true wet-sign fallback. Notarized/witnessed instruments: do NOT use plotter.
Explicitly separates established law from interpretive/no-precedent zones.
