We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Technology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Bates Stamper?

By B. Turner
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,242
Share

A Bates stamper is a device used to make identifying marks on business or legal documents. Early Bates stampers used a traditional rubber stamper, while modern versions are self-inking. Today, the concept of Bates stamps has been transformed to meet the needs of advanced technology, computers, and electronic documents.

The first Bates stamper was created during the late 19th century by the New Jersey-based Bates Manufacturing Company. Legal firms, doctors and businesses quickly adapted this new technology to easily and consistently mark and identify documents. Inventor Thomas Edison realized the potential of the Bates stamper and purchased the patent. Edison is credited with widespread marketing of this device, which made the Bates stamper a common part of everyday business. Since that time, the Bates stamp has become a staple in most legal offices.

One of the most common uses for the Bates stamper is to create a unique identifying number on each sheet of paper used by a firm. This gives the firm an easy and effective method of referencing various papers by number. Other versions of the Bates stamper can be used to mark the date or time, as well as page number or others identifying marks. Specialty versions can even be used to mark documents with company name, logo, or copyright information.

From the early days of standard rubber stamps, the Bates stamper has evolved to meet the needs of many users. Some feature a series of numbered dials, which allows the user to change the date or page number with each stamp. Others automatically change the number shown with each press of the stamp. Self-inking versions rotate to draw ink from a built-in ink well, eliminating the mess and inconvenience of a separate ink pad.

By the late 20th century, many businesses had switched from manual Bates stampers to electronic versions of this technology. Some software programs have built-in features to simulate the effect of a traditional Bates stamp. Other firms use special Bates stamper software to create the same type of identifying marks on each document before printing.

During the early 21st century, some firms began to replace traditional Bates stamper marks with a modern system known as a hash value. Hash values consist of computer-generated algorithms that create a unique identification number for each document automatically. The hash value represents a sort of digital fingerprint for each individual document or page, and can be created in a variety of ways, depending on the needs of the company.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-bates-stamper.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.