Section 3: Form of contract

Where a writing is required for a contract to be valid, it may be drawn up and stored in electronic form under the conditions laid down in Articles 1366 and 1367 and, where an authentic instrument is required, in the second paragraph of article 1369. Where a statement in the handwriting of the person obliging himself is required, the latter may affix it in electronic form if the conditions for…

Exceptions are made to the provisions of the previous article for private-signature deeds relating to family and inheritance law, except for private-signature agreements countersigned by lawyers in the presence of the parties and filed with a notary in accordance with the procedures set out in articles 229-1 to 229-4 or in the article 298.

Where writing on paper is subject to particular conditions of legibility or presentation, electronic writing must meet equivalent requirements. The requirement for a detachable form is satisfied by an electronic process which allows the form to be accessed and returned by the same means.

The requirement to send several copies is deemed to have been met by electronic means if the written document can be printed by the recipient.