Secured Transactions Week 4 Lecture (Part 1): Perfection of Security Interests

Law School

Lecture Outline for Week 4: Perfection of Security Interests

I. Introduction to Perfection

Purpose of Perfection:

Perfection of a security interest is crucial for establishing the legal priority of a creditor over others who might claim the same collateral. This is particularly important in cases involving the debtor's default or bankruptcy.

Perfection ensures that a secured party is protected under the law and can recover the value of the collateral if the debtor fails to fulfill their obligations.

II. Methods of Perfection

Perfection can be achieved through several methods, each applicable under different circumstances and governed by specific rules.

1. Filing a Financing Statement (UCC-1):

Procedure: Filing a UCC-1 financing statement with the appropriate state or local agency is the most common method of perfection for most types of collateral. The statement must include the debtor's name, the secured party's name, and a description of the collateral.

Applicability: This method is used for a wide range of collateral except where possession or control is required or is more practical (e.g., goods, accounts receivable).

2. Possession of the Collateral:

Procedure: Physical possession of the collateral by the secured party or a third party agreed upon by both the debtor and the secured party.

Applicability: This method is typically used for tangible goods, such as inventory, artworks, and documents of title. Possession by the secured party provides public notice of their interest and is often seen as definitive proof of the security interest's existence.

3. Control:

Procedure: Gaining control over the collateral involves different mechanisms depending on the type of collateral. For deposit accounts, control is achieved when the secured party becomes the account holder or when the debtor agrees with the bank that the bank will comply with instructions from the secured party without further consent from the debtor.

Applicability: Control is essential for intangible assets and rights, such as deposit accounts, investment securities, and electronic chattel paper.

III. Duration and Renewal of Perfection

1. Duration of Perfection:

General Rule: Perfection lasts as long as the secured party maintains the status quo—continuing to file the necessary renewals for financing statements or maintaining possession or control of the collateral.

Automatic Perfection: Some security interests may be perfected automatically at the time of attachment—commonly for Purchase Money Security Interests (PMSIs) in consumer goods.

2. Renewal of Financing Statements:

Time Frame: A standard UCC-1 financing statement is effective for five years from the date of filing. It must be renewed before it lapses by filing a continuation statement during the six months preceding the lapse.

Effect of Lapse: If a continuation statement is not filed timely, the secured party's interest becomes unperfected, which may open the door to other creditors achieving priority over the collateral.

IV. Conclusion and Summary

Recap of Key Points:

Understanding the importance of perfection and its role in securing the interests of creditors against third parties.

Knowledge of different methods of perfection and when each method is applicable.

Awareness of the maintenance requirements, including the renewal processes necessary to sustain the perfected status of a security interest.

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