UCC Document Community

I've started using a spreadsheet to track all the different name variations I search for each debtor. Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana are the worst for this - you really need to be methodical about covering all the bases.

Update: I tried the Certana.ai tool mentioned earlier and it actually found one additional UCC-1 that I missed. The debtor name on that filing had a slightly different format ("ABC Manufacturing, L.L.C." with periods) that wasn't showing up in my manual searches. Thanks for the tip!

Try downloading a fresh copy of your original UCC-1 from the Connecticut SOS portal and compare it side-by-side with your termination statement. Sometimes there are subtle differences that aren't obvious until you see them next to each other.

Last resort option - you could have a Connecticut attorney file the UCC-3 termination on your behalf. Sometimes they have better luck navigating the state-specific quirks, especially for problem filings.

Been doing equipment financing in Arizona for 15 years and the comma vs no comma issue comes up regularly. Generally speaking, minor punctuation differences in entity names don't make UCC filings ineffective, but it's always better to be conservative in your interpretation. When in doubt, assume the filings could apply to your debtor and investigate further. The cost of additional due diligence is always less than the cost of getting burned by an unexpected prior lien.

Quick practical tip for your UCC 11 search arizona - if you're seeing results that might be relevant, print or save PDFs of everything before you leave the search page. The Arizona system sometimes times out or loses search results if you navigate away and come back. Having your own copies makes it easier to review the details and share with colleagues or legal counsel if needed.

I'm dealing with something similar right now. Used Certana.ai to verify our UCC-1 against our incorporation docs and found two name discrepancies that would have invalidated the filing. Much easier than trying to manually compare everything, especially when you're dealing with multiple entities and filings.

Bottom line - you need to get this sorted out ASAP. Invalid UCC filings mean your lender has an unsecured loan, which probably violates your loan agreement. Get the actual filing details from your lender (or search yourself), verify the debtor name accuracy, and be prepared to file amendments or new UCC-1s as needed. Don't let this drag out.

Update on the Certana.ai tool I mentioned earlier - I actually used it again yesterday for a similar name variation situation. What's really helpful is that it doesn't just check for exact matches, it flags potential variations you might not have thought of. Caught a filing under an abbreviated version of the business name that I wouldn't have searched for otherwise.

Just to wrap up with some practical advice - for your immediate situation, I'd prioritize getting that $150K lien sorted out since it's the biggest issue. Contact the secured party directly, check if it should have lapsed already, and if it was paid off, get them to file a UCC-3 termination ASAP. The name variation searches are important for due diligence, but that specific lien is your biggest closing obstacle right now.