Bates numbering is not permanent

[carolynl72941333]

We added Bates numbers to documents produced in a lawsuit.  My attorney is in a deposition of our client today and apparently opposing counsel did something to cause the Bates numbers to change (i.e., ABC000011 is now ABC000001).  What can I do in the future to prevent the Bates numbers that we add from inadvertently or intentionally being changed?  Once the documents are produced, those numbers need to always be as produced.

[Mike Bro]

Hello @carolynl72941333,

In that situation you could apply "Password Security" to prevent the file from being edited inadvertently, you can find the settings under the Edit menu > Protection > Security Properties. Just know if someone really wants to there's ways to get around the Security settings.

Regards,

Mike

[try67]

To make sure a file is not edited (and to be able to prove if it was) the best option is to digitally sign it.

Also, if you're going to apply a security policy you should always include a File Open password. That encrypts the entire contents of the file and makes it much more difficult to get around it.

[carolynl72941333]

It has become obvious to me that Adobe does not understand the legal profession and its use of Bates numbers.  I do not want to password protect or sign every single document we produce.  It is imperative in the legal profession that Bates numbers cannot be changed (either inadvertently or on purpose) once documents are produced.  The whole point of Bates numbers is to keep track of and make reference to pages of documents throughout the life of a lawsuit.  SOLUTION:  Never, ever Bates number with Adobe, unless you like utter chaos. Use a different software to add Bates numbers that cannot be changed/edited.  Perhaps someday Adobe will figure this out.

[try67]

> Use a different software to add Bates numbers that cannot be changed/edited. 

There's no such thing, unless you digitally sign and secure the file, and even then it's possible, but it's also possible to prove it was changed.