Preservation of evidence
Recording information in a form suitable for later use in a dispute - with date, source, method of acquisition, and protection against subsequent alteration.
Practical significance
A publication, screenshot, or register entry can disappear at any moment - especially once a party realises that a dispute is being prepared. Timely preservation with retention of technical attributes often determines whether a fact remains provable.
Where it is used
- litigation preparation
- reputational conflicts
- fraud investigations
- recording of violations in the digital environment
What the term does not mean
Recording does not automatically make information admissible evidence: admissibility is determined by the court under the rules of its jurisdiction.
How it differs from «Chain of custody»
Preservation is the moment of recording. Chain of custody is a continuous, documented history of handling the material after recording. More about this term
Illustrative example
A publication containing accusations is recorded with the date, address and technical data; a week later it is removed, but the material has already been preserved correctly.
Related terms, services and guides
Definition verified 3 August 2026
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