Cyberdrive UCC search missing filed liens - debtor name variations issue?

Good point about checking SOS registration first. I pulled their certificate of good standing and it shows 'Advanced Manufacturing Solutions, LLC' with a comma before LLC. Maybe that tiny punctuation difference is throwing off the search?

Yep that comma will definitely mess up cyberdrive search. I've seen filings get missed because of stuff like that. Always search multiple variations.

That's a great catch - I didn't think to ask about d/b/a names. I'll check with the borrower about any trade names they might use.

Also check if there were any recent name changes or mergers. Sometimes old UCC filings stay under the previous entity name until they're continued or terminated.

I tried clearing cache and searching from a different browser but still getting the same empty results. This is making me paranoid that I'm missing something obvious.

Try the advanced search option instead of the basic search. Sometimes the advanced search picks up results that the basic search misses for whatever reason.

Yeah the advanced search is definitely more reliable. You can also search by filing number if you can get that from the borrower somehow.

Interesting - how does that work exactly? Does it search multiple databases or just verify document consistency?

It's mainly for document consistency checking. You upload PDFs and it cross-checks debtor names, filing details, etc. Won't solve your search problem but it'll make sure your new UCC-1 matches the charter exactly so you don't get a rejection.

I've been searching under organization names but you're right, I should check individual searches too in case there are personal guarantees involved.

Also check if the company has any subsidiaries or if it's owned by a parent company. Sometimes the UCC filings are under the parent entity.

That's smart - I should have asked for copies upfront. I'll reach out to the borrower and see if they can provide the existing UCC filing numbers or copies.

Borrowers don't always know their own filing details though. Sometimes you have to get creative with the search terms.

True, but at least you can get the secured party names from them, then search by lender name to find the filings that way.

Great idea! The borrower mentioned one of the lenders was Wells Fargo Equipment Finance. I'll search their recent filings and see what comes up.

Wells Fargo usually files under very specific debtor name formats. Once you find one of their filings for your borrower, you'll know the exact name to search for other liens.

I'll try that - didn't realize punctuation could be such an issue with their search function.

State search systems are all different too. What works in Illinois might not work in other states. Each one has its own quirks with name matching.

Good point - I was only looking at active filings. If the previous liens lapsed or were terminated, that would actually be good news for our collateral position.

Just because they're not showing as active doesn't mean they're gone though. Could be continuation issues or amendment problems that left them in limbo.

You might be right about getting a professional search for this amount. The due diligence cost is worth it to avoid missing existing liens.

Professional search companies have better database access and will catch name variations that the state portals miss. Definitely worth it for larger deals.

Exactly. They'll search multiple name variations automatically and give you a comprehensive report. Takes the guesswork out of it.