UCC Document Community

Update: I called the Illinois UCC division and they confirmed there's a known issue with their search system not properly handling entity names with certain punctuation. They're working on a fix but no timeline. For now they recommended doing searches with multiple name variations and said I can request a certified search if needed for the $340k deal.

This thread perfectly illustrates why I always recommend running parallel verification processes for any UCC filing over $100k. The Illinois system issues you're describing are unfortunately common across many states - I've seen similar problems in Ohio and Michigan where punctuation, spacing, and even capitalization can throw off search results. For your $340k equipment deal, I'd suggest: 1) Get that certified search as mentioned, 2) Run searches using every possible name variation (with/without commas, periods, different spacing), and 3) Consider having your client pull their own corporate records to confirm the exact legal entity name. The cost of extra verification is minimal compared to the potential liability of an unperfected security interest.

One more tip - if you find filings under different name variations, make sure to check if they're actually the same debtor by comparing addresses and other identifying information in the UCC records.

I've dealt with this exact issue multiple times in Connecticut. Beyond the name variations everyone mentioned, also check if the borrower has gone through any corporate restructuring - mergers, acquisitions, or even simple entity conversions can create additional filing complications. I once found a critical lien filed under a predecessor entity's name that would have been missed entirely. For a $2.8M deal, consider engaging a local Connecticut UCC search firm as backup - they know all the quirks of the state system and can often catch filings that automated searches miss. The cost is minimal compared to the risk of missing a senior lien.

Update us on how this turns out! I'm working on a similar solar mosaic project and would love to know what approach works best for the subordination filing with name mismatches.

This is a classic issue I've seen in renewable energy financing - that comma difference between "ABC Solar Holdings LLC" and "ABC Solar Holdings, LLC" can absolutely torpedo your subordination filing. Here's what I'd recommend: First, run a UCC search to confirm exactly how the debtor name appears on the current filing. Then file a UCC-3 amendment to correct the name BEFORE attempting the subordination. Most states require exact name matching for subordination effectiveness. Also, given that you're dealing with solar equipment across multiple properties, make sure your collateral description in the subordination agreement addresses both fixture and personal property classifications - this varies by state and installation method. The $2.8M size definitely justifies getting specialized UCC counsel involved to avoid any missteps that could jeopardize the entire financing structure.

For what it's worth, I've seen 'UCC Chapter 9' in documents from major banks too. It's not just smaller institutions making this error. The key is recognizing that it's a terminology mistake and proceeding with standard Article 9 procedures for your continuation statements.

This thread is incredibly reassuring! I'm a newer paralegal and have been seeing "UCC Chapter 9" references in several client files over the past few months. I kept thinking I must have missed something in my training or that there was an update to the UCC I wasn't aware of. It's good to know that even experienced practitioners encounter this terminology error regularly. I'll stick with Article 9 requirements for my upcoming continuation filings and stop second-guessing myself every time I see "Chapter 9" in a bank document. Thanks for the peace of mind, everyone!

Honestly at this point I'd recommend filing a new UCC-1 as backup while you sort this out. Yes it's another filing fee but better safe than sorry with the audit next week. You can always terminate the duplicate later once you figure out what happened with the continuation.

I've been following this thread and wow, what a nightmare situation! As someone who's dealt with similar Texas UCC search issues, I'd suggest a multi-pronged approach: 1) Call the SOS office first thing tomorrow with your filing receipt, 2) Try searching with every possible variation of the debtor name (with/without commas, Inc vs Incorporated, etc.), and 3) If you can't resolve it quickly, definitely file that backup UCC-1 as Sydney suggested. The audit timeline doesn't give you much room to mess around. Also, several people mentioned Certana.ai for document verification - might be worth checking out for future filings to avoid this headache again. Keep us posted on what the SOS office says!