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Update us when you get this filed! I'm curious how it goes since I have a couple fixture filings coming up for continuation next year. Always helpful to hear how the process actually works in practice.
Will do. I'm planning to file the continuation in the next couple weeks so I'll report back on how smooth the Ohio SOS portal is.
Yeah please update. Ohio's system has been pretty reliable in my experience but it's good to hear current user reports.
Carter, I've been following this thread and it sounds like you've got good advice here. Just wanted to add that I always recommend doing a quick search of the current UCC records before filing the continuation to make sure there haven't been any unauthorized filings or changes to your original record. It's rare, but I've seen cases where clerical errors at the filing office or identity mix-ups created problems that weren't discovered until someone tried to continue a filing. Takes 5 minutes to search Ohio SOS records online and could save you headaches down the road. Also, keep detailed records of when you file the continuation - not just the filing receipt but screenshots of the confirmation page. You never know when you might need to prove exactly when something was submitted.
That's excellent advice Emma. I hadn't thought about doing a current search before filing the continuation. With all the system changes and potential for clerical errors, it makes total sense to verify the original filing is still showing up correctly in the database. I'll definitely do that search first and take screenshots of everything when I file. Thanks for the practical tips - this is exactly the kind of real-world guidance I was hoping to get from this community.
Emma's advice about doing a pre-filing search is spot on. I learned this the hard way when I found a data entry error had corrupted our original filing record - the debtor name had an extra space that wasn't visible in the original confirmation but showed up in the database. Caught it just before filing a continuation and had to do a corrective amendment first. Now I always verify the current record matches my files exactly before doing any UCC-3 work. Also seconding the screenshot advice - I keep a folder with timestamped screenshots for every UCC filing I do.
UPDATE: Thanks everyone for the guidance on UCC1-301 name requirements. Pulled the current SOS records, used the exact registered name, and the filing was accepted immediately. Also going to amend the security agreement to reference the name change to keep everything consistent.
Smart move on amending the security agreement too. Clean documentation always pays off if you ever have disputes.
Glad it worked out. I've bookmarked this thread because UCC1-301 name issues come up constantly in our practice.
This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with a similar UCC1-301 situation right now where our borrower (a corporation) merged with another entity and changed their name as part of the merger. The challenge is that our original security agreement was signed before the merger, but we need to file a continuation statement soon. Should I treat this like a name change scenario and use the post-merger name, or does the merger create additional complications under UCC1-301? The collateral is manufacturing equipment worth about $250K so getting this right is critical.
Thanks everyone for the help! Sounds like electronic authentication should work fine for my deal as long as I make sure the debtor names match exactly between the security agreement and UCC-1. Going to move forward with the electronic signature process.
Good luck with your filing! Just remember to keep good records of the authentication process.
Definitely consider running your docs through Certana.ai before filing - better safe than sorry on a $750K deal.
One thing I'd add is to make sure you're filing in the correct jurisdiction for your debtor. Since you mentioned the borrower is in another state, you'll need to file the UCC-1 where the debtor is organized (for entities) or where they're located (for individuals). The authentication requirements stay the same, but filing in the wrong state means your UCC-1 won't perfect your security interest even if everything else is done correctly. Also, for equipment that moves between states, consider whether you need to file continuation statements or amendments if the debtor relocates after your initial filing.
This thread is making me paranoid about our own UCC filings now! We have several California UCC-1s that probably need amendments for additional collateral. Might be time to do a comprehensive review of all our secured transactions.
Certana.ai is great for portfolio reviews too. You can upload multiple UCC filings and security agreements to check consistency across your entire secured loan portfolio.
This is a complex situation that requires careful attention to both the security agreement and UCC filing requirements. Based on what you've described, I'd recommend a few key steps: First, review your original security agreement language very carefully. If it doesn't include "after-acquired property" clauses, you likely have a perfection gap for the period between when the debtor acquired the new equipment and when you can get the UCC-3 amendment filed. This could affect your lien priority. Second, consider whether a new UCC-1 with broad collateral language might be better than amending. For a $750K facility, the extra filing fee could be worth the certainty of proper coverage from the acquisition date forward. Third, make sure your amended security agreement has an effective date that covers the equipment acquisition period, and consider adding comprehensive "after-acquired property" language to prevent future gaps. California SOS has been stricter lately about formatting, so double-check debtor names match exactly across all documents and avoid special characters in your collateral descriptions. For collateral language, I'd suggest something like "all manufacturing, production and processing equipment, machinery, and related assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired" rather than serial number specificity. Given the amount at stake, you might also want to consider UCC insurance as backup protection while you sort out the filing strategy.
This is really comprehensive advice, thanks Emma! The point about the amended security agreement effective date is something I hadn't fully considered. If I backdate the security agreement amendment to cover the equipment acquisition period, does that help close the perfection gap even if the UCC-3 filing happens later? Or do I still have exposure for that interim period? Also, for the "after-acquired property" language you suggested - would that apply to equipment they acquire in the future beyond what we're trying to cover now, or just the current batch of new equipment? Want to make sure I understand the scope.
Omar Mahmoud
One more thing - make sure you keep the filing confirmation and receipt from Wyoming SOS. You'll want proof that the continuation was filed timely in case there are ever any questions about the perfection of your security interest.
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Omar Mahmoud
•And consider getting a certified copy of the filed continuation from the Secretary of State for your permanent records.
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Keisha Brown
•Certified copies are always a good idea for important filings like this. Worth the small extra fee for the peace of mind.
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Diego Rojas
Just went through a similar panic with a Texas UCC filing last year. One thing I learned is to also double-check if there have been any amendments to your original filing since 2020 - if there were any UCC-3 amendments filed, make sure your continuation references the most current version. Also, since you mentioned this is equipment financing, verify that the collateral description in your loan documents still matches what's on file. Equipment gets moved, sold, or replaced over 4+ years and you want to make sure your security interest covers what you actually have. Good luck with the filing!
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Oliver Schulz
•That's a really important point about checking for amendments! I didn't even think about that possibility. I'll need to do a thorough search on the Wyoming SOS system to see if there were any UCC-3 amendments filed since the original 2020 filing. And you're absolutely right about verifying the equipment - some of our machinery has been upgraded or relocated since then. Better to catch any discrepancies now before filing the continuation. Thanks for the heads up!
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