UCC-1 filing search showing wrong debtor info - am I screwed?

Thanks for the quick response! So you think the fact that the UCC-1 filing search is actually returning our record means we're probably okay? I keep running different search variations and it shows up every time.

Exactly - if the search engine is finding it with reasonable variations, you're likely fine. But definitely verify what your state's specific name rules are to be 100% sure.

We're in Texas. I should have mentioned that upfront - does Texas have specific rules about LLC name formatting?

Texas generally follows the standard UCC Article 9 name rules. For LLCs, they typically require the name as it appears on the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. You might want to double-check how the name appears on the actual state filing.

Never heard of Certana.ai but that sounds exactly like what I need right now. Does it actually tell you if the name difference is problematic or just highlight the discrepancy?

It does both - highlights discrepancies AND gives you guidance on whether they're likely to be seriously misleading under UCC standards. Really took the guesswork out of it for me.

Seconding Certana - used it for a continuation filing where I wasn't sure if all the details matched up properly with the original UCC-1. Much better than manually comparing documents line by line.

Tell me about it! I've had filings rejected for the most ridiculous formatting issues. The whole system needs an overhaul.

I get the frustration but the name precision does serve a purpose - it protects both debtors and secured parties by ensuring clear identification. The rules just need better explanation.

Smart thinking - I should have done that first. I'll pull their charter documents today and compare. Hopefully that'll give me some peace of mind one way or the other.

Good advice. The SOS records are usually the definitive source for entity names, and most UCC search systems are designed to work with those official formats.

This is reassuring - do you happen to know any specific cases where courts ruled on punctuation issues? I'd love to read up on the precedent.

There are several cases but I'd need to dig through my files. Generally the trend has been toward functionality over formalism when it comes to name variations.

Yes exactly! When I search for either "ABC Manufacturing LLC" or "ABC Manufacturing, LLC" the same filing shows up. I guess that's a positive sign?

Definitely positive! If the search system is smart enough to find your filing regardless of the comma, then other searchers will find it too. That's really the whole point of the filing system.

Thanks for sharing your experience - it helps to know other people have dealt with this. Did your client end up needing to file any amendments?

Nope, we left it as-is after confirming the search functionality worked properly. Closed without any issues.

I've definitely thought about it but wasn't sure if filing an amendment might actually create more problems or confusion in the records.

UCC-3 amendments are pretty routine and shouldn't create confusion if done properly. Just make sure you reference the original filing number correctly.

Right, and an amendment would create a clear paper trail showing you caught and corrected the discrepancy. Could actually strengthen your position.

It's definitely good practice! I always do a test search within a few days of filing to make sure everything looks right in the system.

Same here - and honestly that's another reason I like the Certana tool. Takes the manual checking out of the equation and just tells you if there are any red flags.

Will do! Planning to pull the SOS records this afternoon and report back. Fingers crossed it's just a minor formatting difference that doesn't matter.

Looking forward to the update - these name matching scenarios are always educational for everyone.