A method is described for creating an authenticated, verifiable
reproduction of an electronic document. A master document is first created
in a first format, and a DACm is created and linked to or stored with the
master document. The master document is then opened and the DAC of the
opened document is verified. If the DAC of the opened document is equal to
DACm, the reproduction can proceed. The master document is then converted
or reproduced into a format different from the first format to make a
reproduced document. A DACr is created for the reproduced document, and
DACm and DACr are either embedded into the reproduced document or stored
in a linked storage system. Accordingly, two different versions of the
master document exist, but each can be verified and authenticated
separately. The method of the present invention provides for increased
security in an environment where electronic documents can be created in
one format and converted into another format.
