Lecture Notes: Adding Bates Stamps to Documents

Introduction to Bates Stamps

• Bates stamps are used to individually identify pages in discovery during litigation.
• Originated from a stamping machine by a company or person named Bates.
• Traditionally manually stamped, now commonly digitally assigned.

Digital Bates Stamping

• Requires Adobe Acrobat DC (not available in the free version, requires paid version).
• Process demonstrated using a PDF document (e.g., an XPS 15 service manual).

Steps to Add Bates Stamps

1. Open PDF: Use Adobe Acrobat DC.
2. Adjust View: Zoom to page level (formerly "fit to height").
3. Access Tools: Use the toolbar area, navigate to 'Enhance Scans'.
4. Select Bates Numbering: Choose 'Add Bates Numbering'.
5. Add Files: Can add multiple PDFs for batch processing.
6. Customize Bates Stamp:
   • Choose font and size (recommended 10-12, not distracting).
   • Choose location on the page (commonly lower right corner).
   • Set the number of digits (default is 6, 4 is often sufficient).
   • Add a prefix (e.g., GTC).
7. View Configuration:
   • Visual depiction of placement.
   • Adjust margins if necessary.
8. Apply Bates Numbering:
   • Quick processing, appears on all pages.

Adjusting Bates Stamps

• If conflicts arise (e.g., obscuring important document sections):
  • Use 'Edit' mode to move individual stamps.
  • Note: Moving each separately is not time-efficient for large document sets.

Special Considerations

• Photos and Large Documents: Need larger stamps to be visible.
• Avoid Obscuring Text:
  • Use 'shrink document' option to add white borders around images.

Practical Tips

• Always maintain an original un-stamped copy for reference.
• Consider readability and visibility when setting up Bates stamps.
• For documents extending to margins (e.g., contracts), use shrink option.

Conclusion

• Useful in legal settings for easily identifying document pages.
• Ensure Bates stamps do not interfere with document's readability.
• Open to questions and further discussions.