Legal Notice and Disclaimer
Last Updated: 01.01.2026
This Legal Notice and Disclaimer governs the use of the website and informational content provided by the International Autograph Authentication Board (“IAAB”, “we”, “us”, or “our”). By accessing or using the IAAB website or relying on information provided through IAAB services, users acknowledge and agree to the provisions set forth in this Legal Notice and Disclaimer.
1. WEBSITE PUBLISHER AND ORGANIZATION
This website is operated and published by the International Autograph Authentication Board (IAAB).
IAAB operates as an international coordination network connecting clients with independent certified handwriting and forensic document examination experts.
IAAB is legally based in Ontario, Canada.
Contact Information:
authentication@iaaboard.com
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2. PURPOSE OF WEBSITE CONTENT
All content provided on the IAAB website is intended solely for general informational.
IAAB makes reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and relevance of website content. However, IAAB makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of any information published.
Website content does not constitute legal advice, financial advice, investment advice, appraisal services, or professional valuation services.
Users are encouraged to seek independent professional advice where appropriate.
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3. NATURE OF AUTHENTICATION AND EXPERT OPINIONS
IAAB services involve professional handwriting and forensic document examination conducted by qualified experts using recognized methodologies and analytical processes.
Expert opinions, reports, certifications, and examinations:
• Reflect professional judgment at the time of examination
• Are based on materials submitted by clients
• May involve interpretation and professional discretion
• Are subject to inherent scientific and technical limitations
Authentication conclusions do not guarantee:
• Market acceptance of an autograph or document
• Commercial value or resale outcome
• Recognition or endorsement by auction houses, dealers, institutions, or collectors
• Acceptance as legal evidence in any jurisdiction
Users acknowledge that different qualified experts may reasonably reach different conclusions when analyzing the same materials.
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4. INDEPENDENCE OF EXPERTS
IAAB coordinates expert services but does not supervise, control, or dictate the professional conclusions of individual experts.
Each expert operates as an independent professional and is solely responsible for:
• Analytical methodology
• Examination process
• Professional conclusions
• Compliance with applicable professional standards
IAAB does not validate, endorse, or guarantee individual expert conclusions.
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5. LIMITATIONS OF DIGITAL AND REMOTE EXAMINATIONS
Examinations conducted using digital images, scans, or electronic reproductions may be limited by:
• Image quality
• Resolution limitations
• Lighting conditions
• Distortion or perspective errors
• Incomplete or missing data
Digital examinations may not provide the same level of analytical detail or evidentiary reliability as examinations conducted using original physical materials.
IAAB and its experts shall not be held liable for conclusions affected by digital submission limitations.
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6. USE OF EXPERT REPORTS AND CERTIFICATES
IAAB certificates and expert reports are issued for documentation, authentication reference, and professional opinion purposes only.
Reports and certificates may be used by clients for personal, commercial, insurance, or legal purposes at the client’s discretion.
IAAB does not guarantee:
• Judicial admissibility
• Evidentiary weight assigned by courts or authorities
• Third-party acceptance
• Commercial or insurance recognition
Responsibility for determining admissibility and evidentiary value rests solely with the relevant authority or jurisdiction.
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7. CERTIFICATE INTEGRITY AND MISUSE
IAAB Certificates of Authenticity and reports include traceability features such as serial numbers, holographic security elements, and expert signatures.
Any alteration, reproduction, forgery, misrepresentation, or unauthorized commercial use of IAAB certificates or reports is strictly prohibited and may result in verification refusal, service termination, or legal action.
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8. CHAIN OF CUSTODY DISCLAIMER
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IAAB does not assume responsibility for establishing, maintaining, or verifying evidentiary chain of custody for submitted materials.
Responsibility for documenting handling, storage, and provenance of materials rests with the client or submitting party.
IAAB does not guarantee that examined materials meet evidentiary handling requirements for legal proceedings.
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9. HANDLING OF PHYSICAL MATERIALS
Clients are responsible for packaging, shipping, and insuring physical items submitted for examination.
Experts are responsible for handling materials with reasonable professional care once received.
IAAB shall not be liable for loss, theft, damage, delay, or deterioration of materials occurring during shipping, handling, or storage by third-party carriers or external service providers.
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10. SHIPPING AND DELIVERY RISKS
IAAB relies on third-party postal and courier providers for document and certificate delivery.
IAAB cannot guarantee delivery timeframes and shall not be liable for shipping delays, losses, or damages caused by postal or courier providers, customs authorities, or international transit risks, unless directly caused by IAAB negligence.
Clients are encouraged to request insured and trackable shipping services.
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11. WEBSITE AVAILABILITY AND TECHNICAL LIMITATIONS
IAAB makes reasonable efforts to maintain website accessibility and functionality. However, IAAB does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free website operation.
IAAB shall not be liable for temporary service interruptions caused by:
• Technical failures
• Maintenance operations
• Cybersecurity incidents
• Infrastructure disruptions
• Third-party hosting failures
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12. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES AND LINKS
The IAAB website may contain links to third-party websites, payment processors, or external service providers.
IAAB does not control and is not responsible for the content, availability, or privacy practices of external websites or services.
Users access third-party services at their own risk.
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13. FRAUD AND ILLEGAL MATERIALS
IAAB reserves the right to refuse services, suspend communication, or report suspicious submissions where materials are believed to be fraudulent, unlawfully obtained, or associated with criminal activities.
IAAB may retain documentation necessary for legal compliance or cooperation with authorities.
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14. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, IAAB shall not be liable for:
• Direct or indirect financial losses
• Loss of business opportunity or profit
• Loss of market value
• Third-party reliance on authentication results
• Decisions made based on IAAB opinions or reports
• Shipping losses caused by third-party carriers
• Data transmission risks or communication system failures
IAAB services are provided on a professional best-effort basis.
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15. FORCE MAJEURE
IAAB shall not be liable for failure or delay in service performance resulting from events beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, pandemics, cyberattacks, governmental restrictions, infrastructure failures, or third-party service interruptions.
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16. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
All content published on the IAAB website, including text, graphics, logos, reports, certificates, and visual materials, is the exclusive intellectual property of IAAB unless otherwise stated.
Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, modification, or commercial exploitation is strictly prohibited without prior written consent.
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17. POLICY MODIFICATIONS
IAAB reserves the right to update this Legal Notice and Disclaimer at any time. Updates become effective upon publication on the IAAB website.
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18. GOVERNING LAW
This Legal Notice and Disclaimer shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada.
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19. CONTACT INFORMATION
International Autograph Authentication Board (IAAB)
Email: authentication@iaaboard.com