Blockchain Timestamping Guide
Every file deposited on Copyright01 is anchored on the Polygon blockchain. This guide explains how this anchoring works, why it strengthens your proof of authorship and how to verify it yourself.
What is a digital fingerprint?
A digital fingerprint (or hash) is a unique mathematical signature computed from a file. Copyright01 uses the SHA-256 algorithm, the same as Bitcoin. Any modification, even a single character, produces a completely different fingerprint.
This property guarantees your file's integrity: if the fingerprint matches, the file has not been altered since deposit.
SHA-256 fingerprint
Enter text to see its fingerprint
Change a single character: the fingerprint changes completely.
Good to know
Traditional vs blockchain timestamping
Several methods can timestamp a file. Here is how they compare.
| Criteria | Server (Copyright01) | Notary / Bailiff | Polygon Blockchain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (3 deposits included) | EUR 50 to 300 per deed | 0 POL (network fees only) |
| Speed | Instant (< 5 seconds) | Appointment required (days/weeks) | ~2 seconds (1 Polygon block) |
| Verifiability | Verification code + QR code | Paper document, manual verification | Public, verifiable by anyone on Polygonscan |
| Independence | Depends on Copyright01 | Depends on the professional | Decentralized, 3,200+ validators |
| Legal value | Opposable proof of anteriority | Authentic deed, maximum evidentiary value | Proof of existence at a given date |
Good to know
How Copyright01 anchors your files
The anchoring process is fully automatic. No blockchain knowledge is required.
File upload
You upload your work (image, text, code, music, video or any other format).
Certified Folder (ZIP)
A ZIP folder is created containing your original file and a proof manifest (who, when, what).
SHA-256 fingerprint of the ZIP
The unique cryptographic fingerprint of the Certified Folder is computed. This is the hash that will be anchored on the blockchain.
Polygon transaction (0 POL)
A 0 POL transaction is sent on Polygon with the hash in the data field. No smart contract involved.
PDF certificate with hash and Polygon transaction
Your PDF certificate includes the blockchain transaction hash, verifiable by anyone on Polygonscan.
Key takeaway
The blockchain runs 24/7
The Polygon network produces a new block every ~2 seconds, 24 hours a day. Each block is validated by over 3,200 independent validators distributed around the world.
Connecting to Polygon network...
Network unavailable, reload the page.
Block
#
Your fingerprint is secured by this network, around the clock.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions about blockchain timestamping
Blockchain timestamping consists of writing a file's digital fingerprint (hash) into a blockchain transaction. The block's date serves as a certified timestamp, proving the file existed at that precise moment.
Copyright01 uses Polygon (formerly Matic), a layer 2 blockchain compatible with Ethereum. It offers fast transactions (~2 seconds), near-zero fees and a network of over 3,200 validators.
No. Blockchain anchoring is a complement to the Copyright01 certificate. Your proof of anteriority is valid even without blockchain anchoring, thanks to the SHA-256 fingerprint and server timestamp.
Open polygonscan.com and paste the transaction hash (tx hash) shown on your PDF certificate. You will see the date, the fingerprint in the Input Data field and the block confirmation.
No. Blockchain anchoring provides proof of existence at a given date. A notarized deed remains the strongest proof under French law. However, blockchain anchoring is instant, free and publicly verifiable, making it a relevant complement.
Blockchain anchoring is included in the Copyright01 subscription at no extra cost. Free and pack users get the SHA-256 fingerprint and Certified Folder, but not the Polygon anchoring.
Test your blockchain knowledge
Question of
Explanation :
What does blockchain anchoring prove?
That you are the legal owner of the file
That a fingerprint existed at a specific date
That the file is stored on the blockchain
Blockchain anchoring proves that a fingerprint (hash) existed at a specific date. It does not store the file itself and does not grant ownership rights, it provides proof of anteriority.
Can a Polygon transaction be modified after the fact?
Yes, with the wallet's private key
Yes, by paying additional fees
No, transactions are irreversible
Blockchain transactions are immutable. Once confirmed in a block, a transaction cannot be modified, cancelled or deleted by anyone.
Do you need a crypto wallet to use Copyright01?
Yes, a MetaMask wallet is required
Yes, you need to buy POL tokens
No, everything is automatic
Copyright01 handles blockchain anchoring transparently. You don't need a crypto wallet, tokens or any technical knowledge. The process is fully automatic.
Sources and references
The information in this guide is based on the following technical resources:
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1
Polygon Technology polygon.technology
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2
Polygonscan Block Explorer polygonscan.com
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3
NIST FIPS 180-4: Secure Hash Standard (SHA-256) csrc.nist.gov
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Related guides
Protect your creations
Automatic blockchain anchoring, PDF certificate and opposable proof of anteriority.