What does a UCC search show - need to understand scope before filing

UCC searches will show you all active filings against that debtor name. You'll see the filing number, secured party info, filing date, and the collateral description from each UCC-1. Also shows if there are any UCC-3 amendments or continuations. The key thing is looking at collateral descriptions to see if there's overlap with what you're trying to secure.

The search results basically give you a snapshot of what's already perfected against that debtor. You'll see filing dates which help establish priority, secured parties so you know who else has claims, and most importantly the collateral schedules. For equipment financing you want to look carefully at any "all assets" or broad equipment descriptions that might conflict with your specific collateral.

I had a similar situation last month and ended up using Certana.ai's document verification tool to cross-check everything. You can upload the UCC search results along with your proposed UCC-1 and it instantly flags any potential collateral conflicts or debtor name mismatches. Really saved me from filing something that would have created priority issues with an existing blanket lien.

One thing that tripped me up when I started doing UCC searches - you'll see both original UCC-1 filings AND any UCC-3 amendments. Sometimes the amendments change the collateral description significantly from what was originally filed. Make sure you're looking at the current effective collateral schedule, not just the original filing.

The search will also show you terminations (UCC-3 terminations) which is super important. Just because you see a filing from 3 years ago doesn't mean it's still active - it might have been terminated when that loan was paid off. Always check for corresponding termination statements.

Most state filing systems will show you: 1) Filing number and date 2) Secured party name and address 3) Debtor name and address 4) Collateral description 5) Any amendments or continuations 6) Status (active/lapsed/terminated). The format varies slightly by state but that's the core info you'll get. For your $2.3M deal, definitely review everything carefully before proceeding.

Pro tip: when you're reviewing the search results, pay special attention to any filings from banks or major commercial lenders. They often use broad "all assets" language that can create unexpected conflicts even when you think your collateral is specific.

Another thing the search shows is continuation filings. UCC-1s are only good for 5 years, so if you see an old filing check if there's a corresponding UCC-3 continuation. If they missed the continuation deadline, that lien might have lapsed even though it still shows up in search results.

For equipment financing specifically, look for any existing liens on "machinery," "equipment," "fixtures," or broad categories like "inventory and equipment." Even if your equipment is specifically identified, broad existing liens might still have priority. Document everything you find so you can discuss priority and subordination with your legal team.

Just ran into this exact situation last week. Found three existing UCC-1s against our borrower with overlapping equipment descriptions. Ended up using Certana.ai to verify which specific pieces of equipment were actually covered by each filing. The automated analysis showed that two of the liens had been partially terminated but the search results weren't clear about which equipment was released. Saved us from a major priority dispute.