eSign Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using eSign?

• Faster agreement activation time – average time saving of 55%

• Reduces your manual shipping costs and associated tasks

• Gives you the ability to save and print your agreements in PDF format

• Includes automated signing reminders

What console requirements do I need to use eSign?

• Internet Explorer 6 and above

• Adobe Reader 8 and above

• Valid e-mail account 

I don’t want to use eSign and would prefer to sign hard copies of the agreement.  Do I still need to provide you with an eSigner of agreement contact?

• Yes, all documents must go through the eSign process. If you wish to manually sign hard copies of your agreement, you will need to access the agreement through your eSign invitation email and print hard copies using the eSign tool. Manual signing instructions will be emailed to you after you approve the document draft.

• Only the primary eSign contact (eSigner of agreement) will receive the eSign invitation email containing the link to the document. 

Do I need to set up an eSign Account?

• You do not need an Adobe Sign account to open and sign the document.

• The link in the eSign invitation will open the agreement without requiring an account.

I have not received the eSign invitation, what should I do?

• In addition to your inbox, check your junk or spam folder.

• Look for the subject line: 

  • Signature requested on “YourCompanyName_YourLicenseAgreement”

• If the invite is not in your junk folder, please email IPLA@microsoft.com. 

How long do I have to electronically sign a document?

• eSign invitations are valid for (30) days from the date of creation (clock continues ticking on weekends and holidays).

• Signing reminders are sent weekly after the initial invitation is sent.

• If the invitation expires, contact IPLA@microsoft.com to request a new eSign invitation

What is an eSign Carbon Copy contact? Does this person also receive the eSign invitation email? Can this person also sign the document?

• The Carbon Copy (CC) contact is notified when an eSign invitation is sent and once all electronic signatures are received. This allows non-signers at a company to view, save, and print the final document.

• If you would like someone besides the company eSigner to receive a copy of the final signed document, ask IPLA to add these contacts as a CC contact.

• You may request up to (3) CC contacts.

• The primary eSign contact is not the only person at your company who can sign the document. The document can be reassigned to someone else at your company by the eSign contact in the eSign tool. 

What if someone wants to review a document before it is signed?

• Request to have IPLA add this person as the eSigner of the agreement.

• The eSigner of the agreement does not have to sign the document if they plan to reassign to someone else within your company.

• The designated eSign contact will receive the signing invitation, can review the document, and can reassign the document to another signer.

I would like more than one person at my company to receive the eSign invitation email. Is this possible?

• Yes, one document can have up to two (2) primary eSign contacts, both of whom will receive the eSign invitation email.

The eSign invitation came to me but I don’t have signing authority!

• Reassign using the Adobe Sign user interface to the correct company eSigner. 

I need help! Who can I contact?

• Contact IPLA@microsoft.com for:

  • Questions about the document

    • The eSign process

    • For more Adobe Sign information and step-by-step instructions on how to electronically sign or print and manually sign your document, please visit: https://helpx.adobe.com/sign/tutorials.html

Adobe Sign Process: How To

What is the step-by-step process for electronically signing documents/using eSign?

Step 1 – Receive Email

• Email will be sent From: adobesign@adobesign.com.

• If the email does not come to your Inbox, check your Spam/Junk folder.   

Step 2 – Click “Review and sign” Link in Email

• Click on the “Review and sign” button to begin the eSign process.

Step 3 – Sign License Agreement

• Click Start

• Click Signature Line

• Click Title Line

Step 4 – Click to Sign

• If the “Sign” pop-up box appears click the “Click to Sign” button.

Step 5 – Signature Complete

Step 6 – Document routed to Microsoft for Countersignature

• Once your electronic signature has been received, Microsoft will electronically countersign and activate your license agreement within (3) business days. 

• We will then send you any additional instructions for deliverables as applicable.

How do I reassign a document so someone else can sign it?

Step 1 – Reassign a Document

• Click “Options” button.

• Click “Delegate signing to another” button.

Step 2 – Delegate the document

• Enter the email address of the person you are assigning as the new eSign contact.

• Type a personalized message to the person who is assuming the signing responsibility.

• Click the “Delegate” button.

How do I print a document?

• Click “Options” Button.

• Click “Download PDF” Button.

• Download document, open file, and print the document.

How do I save a document?

• Click “Options” Button.

  • Click “Download PDF” Button.

    • Download document, open file, save document to your computer.

How do I use the carbon copy feature?

Requirement to View a Document

• To view the status of a document, you must be included as a CC contact in the eSign invitation.

  • Contact IPLA@microsoft.com to designate your CC contacts.

    • Customers can include up to (3) CC contacts.

Viewing a Document

• Click the “Open Agreement” link from the Carbon Copy email.

  - OR - 

• Open Attachment included on Carbon Copy email.

Viewing Document History

• All eSign transactions regarding the document can be viewed under “Activity”.

• You may also “Download Audit Report”.

I don’t want to sign the document. What do I do?

• Click “Options” button.

• Click “Decline to Sign” button.

• Type comments on why the document is not being signed.

• Click the “Decline” button.