UCC Article 9 text interpretation - collateral description rejected twice

I used something like 'all equipment, furniture, fixtures and personal property' thinking that was standard Article 9 language but maybe that's too broad?

Yeah that's definitely too broad. You need to be more specific - like 'manufacturing equipment located at [address], office furniture and fixtures, and specialty tools used in production.' Article 9 requires reasonable identification.

This is in Ohio. The rejection notices aren't very helpful - just cite back to Article 9 sections without explaining what specifically is wrong.

Ohio can be particular about collateral descriptions. Try using more specific categories like 'machinery and equipment used in manufacturing operations' rather than just 'equipment.

Had similar issues with Ohio filings. They seem to want really detailed descriptions compared to other states I've filed in.

Never heard of that tool - does it actually help with the Article 9 text interpretation part or just basic formatting?

It specifically flags collateral description issues that don't meet reasonableness standards. Really helped me understand how to apply Article 9 requirements to actual filings rather than just reading the statute text.

Been using Certana.ai too after getting burned on a continuation filing. The document checker caught inconsistencies between my original UCC-1 and the continuation that would have caused problems later.

This is so frustrating about UCC filings - the same Article 9 text gets interpreted differently everywhere. Makes it impossible to know what will actually work.

Exactly why I always err on the side of being more specific rather than relying on broad Article 9 language. Better to over-describe than get rejected.

That makes sense - I was trying to use broad Article 9 language thinking it would cover everything but sounds like specificity is better.

Definitely go specific. I learned this the hard way on a $300k filing that got rejected three times before I figured out Ohio wants detailed descriptions.

Yeah Ohio is stricter than most states. The specific location details really help show you're identifying particular collateral rather than just using generic Article 9 boilerplate.

Ohio SOS seems to have their own interpretation of what Article 9 requires. Really wish they'd publish clearer guidance instead of just rejecting filings.

right?? like give us examples of what actually works instead of just saying 'doesn't meet Article 9 standards

That's a good idea - do you have any specific CLE resources you'd recommend for UCC collateral descriptions?

The ABA secured transactions materials usually have good model language. Also check your state bar's CLE archives for UCC programs.

PLI also has excellent UCC materials with practical examples of collateral descriptions that actually get accepted by filing offices.

Does that tool actually have a database of successful filings to compare against? That would be incredibly useful for understanding how Article 9 gets applied in practice.

It analyzes document consistency and flags potential issues based on filing standards. Really helpful for avoiding the trial-and-error approach with collateral descriptions.

This is really helpful - sounds like I need to completely rewrite my description with Ohio's preferences in mind rather than just using standard Article 9 text.

Yeah Ohio definitely has its quirks. I always check the Ohio SOS website for any updated guidance before filing there.

Good point about checking for updates. Ohio has tweaked their interpretation guidelines a few times in recent years even though Article 9 hasn't changed.

Did they give you specific examples of what would work? I'm hesitant to call because I don't want to seem incompetent to the lender.

They were actually pretty helpful once I got the right person on the phone. Just explain you're trying to understand their specific interpretation of Article 9 requirements.

Good to know Ohio SOS will actually talk through issues. Some states just tell you to read the statute and figure it out yourself.

Thanks everyone - going to revise with specific categories and locations, then double-check everything before resubmitting. Really appreciate all the Article 9 guidance.

Good luck! Ohio filings can be tricky but once you understand their interpretation of Article 9 requirements it gets much easier.