Fax is a shorthand term for facsimile, and refers to an electronis device used to transmit a copy of a document. Senders of unsolicited ads for products and services may be liable to the recipient for $500 - $1,500 per fax under federal law. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 prohibits using a telephone facsimile machine, computer, or other device to send an unsolicited advertisement (a "junk fax") to a telephone facsimile machine.
Delivery of legal documents required by statute to be "served" may sometimes be made by transmitting through a fax machine, followed by mailing an original copy. Increasingly, the courts recognize this as legitimate service since it is instantaneous.
