TimeProof vs Poor Man's Copyright (Mail to Self)

Overview

This is an honest, factual comparison of TimeProof and Poor Man’s Copyright (Mail to Self). Both have legitimate use cases. We will compare features, pricing, strengths, and limitations so you can make an informed decision.

What Is Poor Man’s Copyright (Mail to Self)?

Poor Man’s Copyright (Mail to Self) is Mailing a copy of your work to yourself as proof of creation. It has established itself as a common practice used by many people.

Strengths of Poor Man’s Copyright (Mail to Self):

• Nearly free
• requires no technology

Limitations of Poor Man’s Copyright (Mail to Self):

• No legal standing in US courts since 1978 Copyright Act
• easily faked (unsealed envelope)
• no independent verification

What Is TimeProof?

TimeProof is a blockchain timestamping platform that creates tamper-proof evidence that a file existed at a specific moment in time. It uses SHA-256 hashing and the Polygon blockchain to create permanent, independently verifiable proof.

Strengths of TimeProof:

• Instant timestamps (~2 seconds) on Polygon blockchain
• One-time packs for scheduled use, with verified monthly plans for instant timestamps and Legal-Grade
• Verified Legal-Grade upgrade with Courtroom-Ready PDF, JSON metadata, JWS attestation, and Complete Evidence ZIP
• Files never leave your computer (browser-side hashing)
• Zero gas fees — TimeProof covers all blockchain costs
• Identity attestation via JWS for third-party verification
• PDF certificate plus Polygonscan link for standard proof, with verified identity and Legal-Grade options when needed

Feature Comparison

When to Choose Poor Man’s Copyright (Mail to Self)

Poor Man’s Copyright (Mail to Self) may be the right choice if:

• You specifically need nearly free
• You specifically need requires no technology

When to Choose TimeProof

TimeProof is the better choice if you need:

• Instant blockchain proof (~2 seconds, not hours)
• One-time packs or verified monthly plans instead of enterprise lock-in
• Legal-Grade evidence for court proceedings
• Complete file privacy (browser-side hashing)
• Zero crypto knowledge requirement
• Accessible for individual users without enterprise commitments

The Key Difference

TimeProof creates independently verifiable blockchain proof that is cryptographically tamper-proof, unlike a sealed envelope that could have been opened and resealed.

How TimeProof Works

When you timestamp a file with TimeProof, TimeProof uses client-side file hashing (SHA-256). That 64-character value is the unique fingerprint for the exact version you selected, and if even one byte changes, the hash changes too. Your file never leaves your device.

TimeProof proves file existence by anchoring file hashes to the Polygon blockchain. The blockchain records the hash, timestamp, and transaction ID permanently, so anyone comparing TimeProof with Poor Man’s Copyright (Mail to Self) can inspect the proof independently on Polygonscan.

That gives TimeProof file-level evidence that is separate from whichever workflow Poor Man’s Copyright (Mail to Self) is designed to solve.

What You Receive with TimeProof

Every TimeProof timestamp for a TimeProof record includes:

1. PDF certificate - a readable proof document for the exact file you timestamped, ready to share with a client, colleague, or reviewer.
2. Polygonscan link - direct public verification of the on-chain record without trusting TimeProof alone.

Verified instant timestamps also include: 3. Verified identity badge - the certificate shows the timestamp was created by a verified account, which is useful when a verified submitter identity improves credibility.

With the Legal-Grade upgrade, you also receive the core evidence-package components documented by TimeProof: PDF, JSON, JWS identity attestation, and a ZIP bundle.

4. Courtroom-Ready PDF - a presentation-ready evidence certificate when you need more than a basic alternative and the matter may face formal review instead of casual comparison.
5. JSON Metadata - machine-readable timestamp data for technical teams, audit trails, or structured evidence review.
6. Identity Attestation (JWS) - a signed proof that ties the timestamp to a verified identity and can be verified through /.well-known/jwks.json.
7. Complete Evidence ZIP - one bundle containing the Courtroom-Ready PDF, JSON Metadata, Identity Attestation (JWS), and supporting proof materials for teams or counsel reviewing the full evidence package.

Pricing Comparison

TimeProof

TimeProof uses one unified credit balance instead of forcing every buyer into the same contract shape.

• Scheduled timestamps: 1 credit per file - available to everyone, with proof available within 6 hours.
• Instant timestamps: 2 credits per file - available to verified subscribers, anchored in about 2 seconds.
• Legal-Grade: Starter and Pro: 50 credits up to 25 files, then +2/file. Business: 25 credits up to 25 files, then +1/file. Enterprise: included.

One-time packs start at $15 for 100 credits. Verified monthly plans start at $19/month and include identity verification for instant timestamps and Legal-Grade.

That makes it practical to start with routine scheduled proof and only step up to verified instant or Legal-Grade workflows when the specific matter justifies it.

Poor Man’s Copyright (Mail to Self)

Poor Man’s Copyright (Mail to Self) costs vary. Costs depend on the specific implementation, but lacks the features and legal standing of blockchain timestamping.

Conclusion

Both TimeProof and Poor Man’s Copyright (Mail to Self) have legitimate roles. While Poor Man’s Copyright (Mail to Self) is a common approach, TimeProof provides independently verifiable, blockchain-anchored proof that is significantly stronger as evidence.

The best approach is to evaluate based on your specific needs: speed, cost, legal requirements, and workflow integration.