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title-13•Title 13 — Commercial Code
13 Pa.C.S. — Pennsylvania General Assembly — Legislative Data Processing Center.
Enactment. Unless otherwise noted, the provisions of Title 13 were added November 1, 1979, P.L.255, No.86, effective January 1, 1980.
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes only. Pennsylvania statutory law is published in two parts: the consolidated titles collected here (cited e.g. 18 Pa.C.S. § 2502), and the unconsolidated session laws that have never been consolidated (cited e.g. 35 P.S. § 780-113), which are published separately at https://www.palegis.us/statutes/unconsolidated and are only partially online. This corpus is therefore not the whole of Pennsylvania statutory law.
(a) Title.-- This title may be cited as the Uniform Commercial Code.
(b) Division.-- This division may be cited as the Uniform Commercial Code-General Provisions.
This division applies to a transaction to the extent that it is governed by another division of this title.
(a) Liberal construction.-- This title must be liberally construed and applied to promote its underlying purposes and policies, which are:
(1) to simplify, clarify and modernize the law governing commercial transactions;
(2) to permit the continued expansion of commercial practices through custom, usage and agreement of the parties; and
(3) to make uniform the law among the various jurisdictions.
(b) Law and equity.-- Unless displaced by the particular provisions of this title, the principles of law and equity, including the law merchant and the law relative to capacity to contract, principal and agent, estoppel, fraud, misrepresentation, duress, coercion, mistake, bankruptcy and other validating or invalidating cause, supplement its provisions.
This title being a general act intended as a unified coverage of its subject matter, no part of it shall be deemed to be impliedly repealed by subsequent legislation if such construction can reasonably be avoided.
[Reserved]
[Reserved]
Notwithstanding 1 Pa.C.S. § 1924 (relating to construction of titles, preambles, provisos, exceptions and headings), section captions are part of this title.
This division modifies, limits and supersedes the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (Public Law 106- 229, 15 U.S.C. § 7001 et seq.), but does not modify, limit or supersede section 101(c) of that act (15 U.S.C. § 7001(c)) or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in section 103(b) of that act (15 U.S.C. § 7003(b)).
Nothing in this title shall be construed to modify or supersede the provisions of 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 69 (relating to particular rights and immunities).
(Oct. 27, 2014, P.L.2896, No.185, eff. 60 days)
(a) Definition provisions.-- Unless the context otherwise requires, words or phrases defined in this section, or in the additional definitions contained in other divisions of this title that apply to particular divisions or chapters of this title, have the meanings stated.
(b) Definitions.-- Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent provisions of this title which are applicable to specific provisions of this title, the following words and phrases when used in this title shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this subsection:
(1) "Action." In the sense of a judicial proceeding, the term includes recoupment, counterclaim, set-off, suit in equity and any other proceeding in which rights are determined.
(2) "Aggrieved party." A party entitled to pursue a remedy.
(3) "Agreement." As distinguished from "contract" under paragraph (12), the term means the bargain of the parties in fact, as found in their language or inferred from other circumstances, including course of performance, course of dealing or usage of trade as provided in section 1303 (relating to course of performance, course of dealing and usage of trade).
(4) "Bank." A person engaged in the business of banking. The term includes a savings bank, savings and loan association, credit union and trust company.
(5) "Bearer." A person in control of a negotiable electronic document of title or a person in possession of a negotiable instrument, negotiable tangible document of title or certificated security, that is payable to bearer or indorsed in blank.
(6) "Bill of lading." A document of title evidencing the receipt of goods for shipment issued by a person engaged in the business of directly or indirectly transporting or forwarding goods. The term does not include a warehouse receipt.
(7) "Branch." The term includes a separately incorporated foreign branch of a bank.
(8) "Burden of establishing." As to a fact, the burden of persuading the trier of fact that the existence of the fact is more probable than its nonexistence.
(9) "Buyer in ordinary course of business." A person that buys goods in good faith, without knowledge that the sale violates the rights of another person in the goods, and in the ordinary course from a person, other than a pawnbroker, in the business of selling goods of that kind.
(i) A person buys goods in the ordinary course of business if the sale to the person comports with the usual or customary practices in the kind of business in which the seller is engaged or with the seller's own usual or customary practices.
(ii) A person that sells oil, gas or other minerals at the wellhead or minehead is a person in the business of selling goods of that kind.
(iii) A buyer in ordinary course of business may buy for cash, by exchange of other property or on secured or unsecured credit and may acquire goods or documents of title under a preexisting contract for sale.
(iv) Only a buyer that takes possession of the goods or has a right to recover the goods from the seller under Division 2 (relating to sales) may be a buyer in ordinary course of business.
The term does not include a person that acquires goods in a transfer in bulk or as security for or in total or partial satisfaction of a money debt.
(10) "Conspicuous." With reference to a term, means so written, displayed or presented that, based on the totality of the circumstances, a reasonable person against which it is to operate ought to have noticed it. Whether a term is "conspicuous" or not is a decision for the court.
(i) (Deleted by amendment).
(ii) (Deleted by amendment).
(11) "Consumer." An individual who enters into a transaction primarily for personal, family or household purposes.
(12) "Contract." As distinguished from "agreement" in paragraph (3), the total legal obligation that results from the parties' agreement as determined by this title as supplemented by any other applicable laws.
(13) "Creditor." The term includes a general creditor; a secured creditor; a lien creditor; a representative of creditors, including an assignee for the benefit of creditors; a trustee in bankruptcy; a receiver in equity and an executor or administrator of an insolvent debtor's or assignor's estate.
(14) "Defendant." Includes a person in the position of defendant in a counterclaim, cross-claim or third-party claim.
(15) "Delivery." With respect to an electronic document of title, means voluntary transfer of control and with respect to an instrument, a tangible document of title or an authoritative tangible copy of a record evidencing chattel paper, means voluntary transfer of possession.
(16) "Document of title." A record that:
(i) in the regular course of business or financing is treated as adequately evidencing that the person in possession or control of the record is entitled to receive, control, hold and dispose of the record and the goods the record covers; or
(ii) purports to be issued by or addressed to a bailee and to cover goods in the bailee's possession which are either identified or are fungible portions of an identified mass.
The term includes a bill of lading, transport document, dock warrant, dock receipt, warehouse receipt and order for delivery of goods.
(16.1) "Electronic document of title." (Deleted by amendment).
(16.2) "Electronic." Relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic or similar capabilities.
(16.3) "Electronic document of title." A document of title evidenced by a record consisting of information stored in an electronic medium.
(17) "Fault." A default, breach or wrongful act or omission.
(18) "Fungible goods." As follows:
(i) goods of which any unit, by nature or usage of trade, is the equivalent of any other like unit; or
(ii) goods that by agreement are treated as equivalent.
(19) "Genuine." Free of forgery or counterfeiting.
(20) "Good faith." Except as otherwise provided in Division 5 (relating to letters of credit), honesty in fact and the observance of reasonable commercial standards of fair dealing.
(21) "Holder." As follows:
(i) the person in possession of a negotiable instrument that is payable either to the bearer or to an identified person that is the person in possession;
(ii) the person in possession of a negotiable tangible document of title if the goods are deliverable either to the bearer or to the order of the person in possession; or
(iii) the person in control, other than under section 7106(g) (relating to control of electronic document of title), of a negotiable electronic document of title.
(22) "Insolvency proceeding." Includes an assignment for the benefit of creditors or other proceeding intended to liquidate or rehabilitate the estate of the person involved.
(23) "Insolvent." As follows:
(i) having generally ceased to pay debts in the ordinary course of business other than as a result of bona fide dispute;
(ii) being unable to pay debts as they become due; or
(iii) being insolvent within the meaning of Federal bankruptcy law.
(24) "Money." A medium of exchange that is currently authorized or adopted by a domestic or foreign government. The term includes a monetary unit of account established by an intergovernmental organization or by agreement between two or more countries. The term does not include a medium of exchange in an electronic form.
(25) "Organization." A person other than an individual.
(26) "Party." As distinguished from "third party," a person that has engaged in a transaction or made an agreement subject to this title.
(27) "Person." Any individual; corporation; business trust; estate; trust; partnership; limited liability company; association; joint venture; government; governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality, or other legal or commercial entity. The term includes a protected series, however denominated, of an entity if the protected series is established under law other than this title which limits, or limits if conditions specified under that law are satisfied, the ability of a creditor of the entity or of any other protected series of the entity to satisfy a claim from assets of the protected series.
(28) "Present value." The amount as of a date certain of one or more sums payable in the future, discounted to the date certain by use of either:
(i) an interest rate specified by the parties if that rate is not manifestly unreasonable at the time the transaction is entered into; or
(ii) if an interest rate is not so specified, a commercially reasonable rate that takes into account the facts and circumstances at the time the transaction is entered into.
(29) "Purchase." Taking by sale, lease, discount, negotiation, mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest, issue or reissue, gift or other voluntary transaction creating an interest in property.
(30) "Purchaser." A person that takes by purchase.
(31) "Record." Information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
(32) "Remedy." Any remedial right to which an aggrieved party is entitled with or without resort to a tribunal.
(33) "Representative." A person empowered to act for another, including an agent; an officer of a corporation or association; and a trustee, executor or administrator of an estate.
(34) "Right." Includes remedy.
(35) "Security interest." An interest in personal property or fixtures which secures payment or performance of an obligation.
(i) The term includes any interest of a consignor and a buyer of accounts, chattel paper, a payment intangible or a promissory note, in a transaction that is subject to Division 9 (relating to secured transactions).
(ii) The term does not include the special property interest of a buyer of goods on identification of those goods to a contract for sale under section 2401 (relating to passing of title; reservation for security; limited application of section), but a buyer may also acquire a "security interest" by complying with Division 9 (relating to secured transactions).
(iii) Except as otherwise provided in section 2505 (relating to shipment by seller under reservation), the right of a seller or lessor of goods under Division 2 (relating to sales) or 2A (relating to leases) to retain or acquire possession of the goods is not a "security interest"; but a seller or lessor may also acquire a "security interest" by complying with Division 9. The retention or reservation of title by a seller of goods notwithstanding shipment or delivery to the buyer under section 2401 is limited in effect to a reservation of a "security interest."
(iv) Whether a transaction in the form of a lease creates a "security interest" is determined pursuant to section 1203 (relating to lease distinguished from security interest).
(36) "Send." In connection with a record or notification:
(i) to deposit in the mail, deliver for transmission or transmit by any other usual means of communication, with postage or cost of transmission provided for, and addressed to any address reasonable under the circumstances; or
(A) (Deleted by amendment).
(B) (Deleted by amendment).
(C) (Deleted by amendment).
(ii) to cause the record or notification to be received within the time it would have been received if properly sent under subparagraph (i).
(37) "Signed." Means, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record:
(i) execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or
(ii) attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound or process.
(38) "State." A state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
(39) "Surety." Includes a guarantor or other secondary obligor.
(39.1) "Tangible document of title." A document of title evidenced by a record consisting of information that is inscribed on a tangible medium.
(40) "Term." A portion of an agreement that relates to a particular matter.
(41) "Unauthorized signature." A signature made without actual, implied or apparent authority. The term includes a forgery.
(42) "Warehouse receipt." A document of title issued by a person engaged in the business of storing goods for hire.
(43) "Writing." Includes printing, typewriting or any other intentional reduction to tangible form.
(44) "Written." Includes printing, typewriting or any other intentional reduction to tangible form.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Notice.-- Subject to subsection (f), a person has notice of a fact if the person:
(1) has actual knowledge of it;
(2) has received a notice or notification of it; or
(3) from all the facts and circumstances known to the person at the time in question, has reason to know that it exists.
(b) Knowledge.-- "Knowledge" means actual knowledge. "Knows" has a corresponding meaning.
(c) Reason to know distinguished.-- "Discover," "learn" or words of similar import refer to knowledge rather than to reason to know.
(d) Notify.-- A person notifies or gives a notice or notification to another person by taking such steps as may be reasonably required to inform the other person in ordinary course, whether or not the other person actually comes to know of it.
(e) Be notified.-- Subject to subsection (f), a person receives a notice or notification when:
(1) it comes to that person's attention; or
(2) it is duly delivered in a form reasonable under the circumstances at:
(i) the place of business through which the contract was made; or
(ii) another location held out by that person as the place for receipt of such communications.
(f) Communication to organizations.-- Notice, knowledge or notice or notification received by an organization is effective for a particular transaction from the time it is brought to the attention of the individual conducting that transaction and, in any event, from the time it would have been brought to the individual's attention if the organization had exercised due diligence. An organization exercises due diligence if it maintains reasonable routines for communicating significant information to the person conducting the transaction and there is reasonable compliance with the routines. Due diligence does not require an individual acting for the organization to communicate information unless the communication is part of the individual's regular duties or the individual has reason to know of the transaction and that the transaction would be materially affected by the information.
(a) Factual determination.-- Whether a transaction in the form of a lease creates a lease or security interest is determined by the facts of each case.
(b) Sufficient attributes for security interest.-- A transaction in the form of a lease creates a security interest if the consideration that the lessee is to pay the lessor for the right to possession and use of the goods is an obligation for the term of the lease and is not subject to termination by the lessee, and:
(1) the original term of the lease is equal to or greater than the remaining economic life of the goods;
(2) the lessee is bound to renew the lease for the remaining economic life of the goods or is bound to become the owner of the goods;
(3) the lessee has an option to renew the lease for the remaining economic life of the goods for no additional consideration or for nominal additional consideration upon compliance with the lease agreement; or
(4) the lessee has an option to become the owner of the goods for no additional consideration or for nominal additional consideration upon compliance with the lease agreement.
(c) Insufficient attributes for security interest.-- A transaction in the form of a lease does not create a security interest merely because:
(1) the present value of the consideration the lessee is obligated to pay the lessor for the right to possession and use of the goods is substantially equal to or is greater than the fair market value of the goods at the time the lease is entered into;
(2) the lessee assumes risk of loss of the goods;
(3) the lessee agrees to pay, with respect to the goods, taxes, insurance, filing, recording or registration fees or service or maintenance costs;
(4) the lessee has an option to renew the lease or to become the owner of the goods;
(5) the lessee has an option to renew the lease for a fixed rent that is equal to or greater than the reasonably predictable fair market rent for the use of the goods for the term of the renewal at the time the option is to be performed; or
(6) the lessee has an option to become the owner of the goods for a fixed price that is equal to or greater than the reasonably predictable fair market value of the goods at the time the option is to be performed.
(d) Nominal consideration.-- Additional consideration is nominal if it is less than the lessee's reasonably predictable cost of performing under the lease agreement if the option is not exercised. Additional consideration is not nominal if:
(1) when the option to renew the lease is granted to the lessee, the rent is stated to be the fair market rent for the use of the goods for the term of the renewal determined at the time the option is to be performed; or
(2) when the option to become the owner of the goods is granted to the lessee, the price is stated to be the fair market value of the goods determined at the time the option is to be performed.
(e) Remaining economic life and reasonable predictability.-- The "remaining economic life of the goods" and "reasonably predictable" fair market rent, fair market value or cost of performing under the lease agreement shall be determined with reference to the facts and circumstances at the time the transaction is entered into.
Except as otherwise provided in Divisions 3 (relating to negotiable instruments), 4 (relating to bank deposits and collections), 5 (relating to letters of credit) and 12 (relating to controllable electronic records), a person gives value for rights if the person acquires them:
(1) in return for a binding commitment to extend credit or for the extension of immediately available credit, whether or not drawn upon and whether or not a charge-back is provided for in the event of difficulties in collection;
(2) as security for or in total or partial satisfaction of a preexisting claim;
(3) by accepting delivery under a preexisting contract for purchase; or
(4) in return for any consideration sufficient to support a simple contract.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Reasonable time.-- Whether a time for taking an action required by this title is reasonable depends on the nature, purpose and circumstances of the action.
(b) Seasonableness.-- An action is taken seasonably if it is taken at or within the time agreed or, if no time is agreed, at or within a reasonable time.
Whenever this title creates a "presumption" with respect to a fact or provides that a fact is "presumed," the trier of fact must find the existence of the fact unless and until evidence is introduced that supports a finding of its nonexistence.
(a) Agreement; reasonable relation requirement.-- Except as otherwise provided in this section, when a transaction bears a reasonable relation to this Commonwealth and also to another state or nation, the parties may agree that the law either of this Commonwealth or of such other state or nation shall govern their rights and duties.
(b) Absence of agreement; approved relation requirement.-- In the absence of an agreement effective under subsection (a), and except as provided in subsection (c), this title applies to transactions bearing an appropriate relation to this Commonwealth.
(c) Mandatory applicability of title.-- If one of the following provisions of this title specifies the applicable law, that provision governs, and a contrary agreement is effective only to the extent permitted by the law so specified:
(1) Section 2402 (relating to rights of creditors of seller against sold goods).
(2) Sections 2A105 (relating to territorial application of division to goods covered by certificate of title) and 2A106 (relating to limitation on power of parties to consumer lease to choose applicable law and judicial forum).
(3) Section 4102 (relating to applicability).
(4) Section 4A507 (relating to choice of law).
(5) Section 5116 (relating to choice of law and forum).
(6) Section 8110 (relating to applicability; choice of law).
(7) Ch. 93 Subch. A (relating to law governing perfection and priority).
(8) Section 12107 (relating to governing law).
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) or elsewhere in this title, the effect of provisions of this title may be varied by agreement.
(b) Exceptions.-- The obligations of good faith, diligence, reasonableness and care prescribed by this title may not be disclaimed by agreement. The parties, by agreement, may determine the standards by which the performance of those obligations is to be measured if those standards are not manifestly unreasonable. Whenever this title requires an action to be taken within a reasonable time, a time that is not manifestly unreasonable may be fixed by agreement.
(c) Effect of terminology.-- The presence in certain provisions of this title of the phrase "unless otherwise agreed," or words of similar import, does not imply that the effect of other provisions may not be varied by agreement under this section.
(a) Course of performance.-- A "course of performance" is a sequence of conduct between the parties to a particular transaction that exists if:
(1) the agreement of the parties with respect to the transaction involves repeated occasions for performance by a party; and
(2) the other party, with knowledge of the nature of the performance and opportunity for objection to it, accepts the performance or acquiesces in it without objection.
(b) Course of dealing.-- A "course of dealing" is a sequence of conduct concerning previous transactions between the parties to a particular transaction that is fairly to be regarded as establishing a common basis of understanding for interpreting their expressions and other conduct.
(c) Usage of trade.-- A "usage of trade" is any practice or method of dealing having such regularity of observance in a place, vocation or trade as to justify an expectation that it will be observed with respect to the transaction in question. The existence and scope of such a usage must be proved as fact. If it is established that such a usage is embodied in a trade code or similar record, the interpretation of the record is a question of law.
(d) Evidentiary effect.-- A course of performance or course of dealing between the parties or usage of trade in the vocation or trade in which they are engaged or of which they are or should be aware is relevant in ascertaining the meaning of the parties' agreement, may give particular meaning to specific terms of the agreement and may supplement or qualify the terms of the agreement. A usage of trade applicable in the place in which part of the performance under the agreement is to occur may be so utilized as to that part of the performance.
(e) Construction in general.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (f), the express terms of an agreement and any applicable course of performance, course of dealing or usage of trade must be construed whenever reasonable as consistent with each other. If such a construction is unreasonable:
(1) express terms prevail over course of performance, course of dealing and usage of trade;
(2) course of performance prevails over course of dealing and usage of trade; and
(3) course of dealing prevails over usage of trade.
(f) Waiver or modification.-- Subject to section 2209 (relating to modification, rescission and waiver), a course of performance is relevant to show a waiver or modification of any term inconsistent with the course of performance.
(g) Evidence.-- Evidence of a relevant usage of trade offered by one party is not admissible unless that party has given the other party notice that the court finds sufficient to prevent unfair surprise to the other party.
Every contract or duty within this title imposes an obligation of good faith in its performance and enforcement.
(a) Administration.-- The remedies provided by this title must be liberally administered to the end that the aggrieved party may be put in as good a position as if the other party had fully performed, but neither consequential or special damages nor penal damages may be had except as specifically provided in this title or by other rule of law.
(b) Enforceability.-- Any right or obligation declared by this title is enforceable by action unless the provision declaring it specifies a different and limited effect.
A claim or right arising out of an alleged breach may be discharged in whole or in part without consideration by agreement of the aggrieved party in a signed record.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
A document in due form purporting to be a bill of lading, a policy or certificate of insurance, an official weigher's or inspector's certificate, a consular invoice or any other document authorized or required by the contract to be issued by a third party is prima facie evidence of its own authenticity and genuineness and of the facts stated in the document by the third party.
(a) General rule.-- Except as set forth in subsection (b), a party that with explicit reservation of rights performs or promises performance or assents to performance in a manner demanded or offered by the other party does not thereby prejudice the rights reserved. The words "without prejudice," "under protest" and the like are sufficient.
(b) Exception.-- Subsection (a) does not apply to an accord and satisfaction.
A term providing that one party or that party's successor in interest may accelerate payment or performance or require collateral or additional collateral "at will" or when the party "deems itself insecure," or words of similar import, means that the party has power to do so only if that party in good faith believes that the prospect of payment or performance is impaired. The burden of establishing lack of good faith is on the party against which the power has been exercised.
An obligation may be issued as subordinated to performance of another obligation of the person obligated, or a creditor may subordinate its right to performance of an obligation by agreement with either the person obligated or another creditor of the person obligated. Subordination does not create a security interest as against either the common debtor or a subordinated creditor.
This division shall be known and may be cited as the Uniform Commercial Code, Article 2, Sales.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Scope.-- Unless the context otherwise requires, and except as provided in subsection (c), this division applies to transactions in goods and, in the case of a hybrid transaction, this division applies to the extent provided in subsection (b).
(b) Hybrid transactions.-- In a hybrid transaction:
(1) If the sale-of-goods aspects do not predominate, only the provisions of this division which relate primarily to the sale-of-goods aspects of the transaction apply, and the provisions that relate primarily to the transaction as a whole do not apply.
(2) If the sale-of-goods aspects predominate, this division applies to the transaction but does not preclude application in appropriate circumstances of other law to aspects of the transaction which do not relate to the sale of goods.
(c) Exclusions.-- This division does not:
(1) apply to a transaction which, even though in the form of an unconditional contract to sell or present sale, operates only to create a security interest; or
(2) impair or repeal a statute regulating sales to consumers, farmers or other specified classes of buyers.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Definitions.-- The following words and phrases when used in this division shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Buyer." A person who buys or contracts to buy goods.
"Good faith." (Deleted by amendment).
"Receipt." Receipt of goods means taking physical possession of them.
"Seller." A person who sells or contracts to sell goods.
(b) Index of other definitions in division.-- Other definitions applying to this division or to specified chapters thereof, and the sections in which they appear are:
"Acceptance." Section 2606.
"Banker's credit." Section 2325.
"Between merchants." Section 2104.
"Cancellation." Section 2106(d).
"Commercial unit." Section 2105.
"Confirmed credit." Section 2325.
"Conforming to contract." Section 2106.
"Contract for sale." Section 2106.
"Cover." Section 2712.
"Entrusting." Section 2403.
"Financing agency." Section 2104.
"Future goods." Section 2105.
"Goods." Section 2105.
"Identification." Section 2501.
"Installment contract." Section 2612.
"Letter of credit." Section 2325.
"Lot." Section 2105.
"Merchant." Section 2104.
"Overseas." Section 2323.
"Person in position of seller." Section 2707.
"Present sale." Section 2106.
"Sale." Section 2106.
"Sale on approval." Section 2326.
"Sale or return." Section 2326.
"Termination." Section 2106.
(c) Index of definitions in other divisions.-- The following definitions in other divisions apply to this division:
"Check." Section 3104.
"Consignee." Section 7102.
"Consignor." Section 7102.
"Consumer goods." Section 9102.
"Control." Section 7106.
"Dishonor." Section 3502.
"Draft." Section 3104.
(d) Applicability of general definitions and principles.-- In addition, Division 1 (relating to general provisions) contains general definitions and principles of construction and interpretation applicable throughout this division.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year; June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001; Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
The following words and phrases when used in this division shall have the meanings given to them in this section:
"Between merchants." Between merchants means in any transaction with respect to which both parties are chargeable with the knowledge or skill of merchants.
"Financing agency." Any bank, finance company, or other person who in the ordinary course of business makes advances against goods or documents of title or who by arrangement with either the seller or the buyer intervenes in ordinary course to make or collect payment due or claimed under the contract for sale, as by purchasing or paying the draft of the seller or making advances against it or by merely taking it for collection whether or not documents of title accompany or are associated with the draft. The term includes also a bank or other person who similarly intervenes between persons who are in the position of seller and buyer in respect to the goods (see section 2707).
"Merchant." A person who:
(1) deals in goods of the kind; or
(2) otherwise by his occupation holds himself out as having knowledge or skill peculiar to the practices or goods involved in the transaction or to whom such knowledge or skill may be attributed by his employment of an agent or broker or other intermediary who by his occupation holds himself out as having such knowledge or skill.
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001; Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) "Goods".-- "Goods" means all things (including specially manufactured goods) which are movable at the time of identification to the contract for sale other than the money in which the price is to be paid, investment securities (Division 8) and things in action. "Goods" also includes the unborn young of animals and growing crops and other identified things attached to realty as described in section 2107 (relating to goods to be severed from realty; recording).
(b) Transferability; "future" goods.-- Goods must be both existing and identified before any interest in them can pass. Goods which are not both existing and identified are "future" goods. A purported present sale of future goods or of any interest therein operates as a contract to sell.
(c) Sale of part interest in goods.-- There may be a sale of a part interest in existing identified goods.
(d) Fungible goods.-- An undivided share in an identified bulk of fungible goods is sufficiently identified to be sold although the quantity of the bulk is not determined. Any agreed proportion of such a bulk or any quantity thereof agreed upon by number, weight or other measure may to the extent of the interest of the seller in the bulk be sold to the buyer who then becomes an owner in common.
(e) "Lot".-- "Lot" means a parcel or a single article which is the subject matter of a separate sale or delivery, whether or not it is sufficient to perform the contract.
(f) "Commercial unit".-- "Commercial unit" means such a unit of goods as by commercial usage is a single whole for purposes of sale and division of which materially impairs its character or value on the market or in use. A commercial unit may be a single article (as a machine) or a set of articles (as a suite of furniture or an assortment of sizes) or a quantity (as a bale, gross, or carload) or any other unit treated in use or in the relevant market as a single whole.
(a) "Contract", "agreement", "sale".-- In this division unless the context otherwise requires "contract" and "agreement" are limited to those relating to the present or future sale of goods. "Contract for sale" includes both a present sale of goods and a contract to sell goods at a future time. A "sale" consists in the passing of title from the seller to the buyer for a price (section 2401). A "present sale" means a sale which is accomplished by the making of the contract.
(b) "Conforming" to contract.-- Goods or conduct including any part of a performance are "conforming" or conform to the contract when they are in accordance with the obligations under the contract.
(c) "Termination".-- "Termination" occurs when either party pursuant to a power created by agreement or law puts an end to the contract otherwise than for its breach. On "termination" all obligations which are still executory on both sides are discharged but any right based on prior breach or performance survives.
(d) "Cancellation".-- "Cancellation" occurs when either party puts an end to the contract for breach by the other and its effect is the same as that of "termination" except that the cancelling party also retains any remedy for breach of the whole contract or any unperformed balance.
(e) "Hybrid transaction".-- A single transaction involving a sale of goods and:
(1) the provision of services;
(2) a lease of other goods; or
(3) a sale, lease or license of property other than goods.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Minerals and structures.-- A contract for the sale of minerals or the like (including oil and gas) or a structure or its materials to be removed from realty is a contract for the sale of goods within this division if they are to be severed by the seller but until severance a purported present sale thereof which is not effective as a transfer of an interest in land is effective only as a contract to sell.
(b) Other property severable without material harm.-- A contract for the sale apart from the land of growing crops or other things attached to realty and capable of severance without material harm thereto but not described in subsection (a) or of timber to be cut is a contract for the sale of goods within this division whether the subject matter is to be severed by the buyer or by the seller even though it forms part of the realty at the time of contracting, and the parties can by identification effect a present sale before severance.
(c) Recording.-- The provisions of this section are subject to any third party rights provided by the law relating to realty records, and the contract for sale may be executed and recorded as a document transferring an interest in land and shall then constitute notice to third parties of the rights of the buyer under the contract for sale.
(Nov. 26, 1982, P.L.696, No.201, eff. 180 days)
(a) General rule.-- Except as otherwise provided in this section a contract for the sale of goods for the price of $500 or more is not enforceable by way of action or defense unless there is a record sufficient to indicate that a contract for sale has been made between the parties and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought or by the party's authorized agent or broker. A record is not insufficient because it omits or incorrectly states a term agreed upon but the contract is not enforceable under this subsection beyond the quantity of goods shown in the record.
(b) Writing confirming contract between merchants.-- Between merchants if within a reasonable time a record in confirmation of the contract and sufficient against the sender is received and the party receiving it has reason to know its contents, it satisfies the requirements of subsection (a) against the party unless notice in a record of objection to its contents is given within ten days after it is received.
(c) Enforceability of contracts not satisfying general requirements.-- A contract which does not satisfy the requirements of subsection (a) but which is valid in other respects is enforceable:
(1) if the goods are to be specially manufactured for the buyer and are not suitable for sale to others in the ordinary course of the business of the seller and the seller, before notice of repudiation is received and under circumstances which reasonably indicate that the goods are for the buyer, has made either a substantial beginning of their manufacture or commitments for their procurement;
(2) if the party against whom enforcement is sought admits in his pleading, testimony or otherwise in court that a contract for sale was made, but the contract is not enforceable under this provision beyond the quantity of goods admitted; or
(3) with respect to goods for which payment has been made and accepted or which have been received and accepted (section 2606).
(d) Qualified financial contracts.-- Subsection (a) does not apply to a qualified financial contract, as defined in section 1206(c)(1) (relating to statute of frauds for kinds of personal property not otherwise covered), if either:
(1) there is, as provided in section 1206(c)(3), sufficient evidence to indicate that a contract has been made; or
(2) the parties, by means of a prior or subsequent written contract, have agreed to be bound by the terms of the qualified financial contract from the time they reach agreement (by telephone, by exchange of electronic messages or otherwise) on those terms.
(May 22, 1996, P.L.248, No.44, eff. imd.; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
Terms with respect to which the confirmatory memoranda of the parties agree or which are otherwise set forth in a record intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement with respect to such terms as are included therein may not be contradicted by evidence of any prior agreement or of a contemporaneous oral agreement but may be explained or supplemented:
(1) by course of performance, course of dealing or usage of trade (section 1303); and
(2) by evidence of consistent additional terms unless the court finds the record to have been intended also as a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of the agreement.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
The affixing of a seal to a record evidencing a contract for sale or an offer to buy or sell goods does not constitute the record a sealed instrument and the law with respect to sealed instruments does not apply to such a contract or offer.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- A contract for sale of goods may be made in any manner sufficient to show agreement, including conduct by both parties which recognizes the existence of such a contract.
(b) Effect of undetermined time of making agreement.-- An agreement sufficient to constitute a contract for sale may be found even though the moment of its making is undetermined.
(c) Effect of open terms.-- Even though one or more terms are left open a contract for sale does not fail for indefiniteness if the parties have intended to make a contract and there is a reasonably certain basis for giving an appropriate remedy.
An offer by a merchant to buy or sell goods in a signed record which by its terms gives assurance that it will be held open is not revocable, for lack of consideration, during the time stated or if no time is stated for a reasonable time, but in no event may such period of irrevocability exceed three months; but any such term of assurance on a form supplied by the offeree must be separately signed by the offeror.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- Unless otherwise unambiguously indicated by the language or circumstances:
(1) an offer to make a contract shall be construed as inviting acceptance in any manner and by any medium reasonable in the circumstances; and
(2) an order or other offer to buy goods for prompt or current shipment shall be construed as inviting acceptance either by a prompt promise to ship or by the prompt or current shipment of conforming or nonconforming goods, but such a shipment of nonconforming goods does not constitute an acceptance if the seller seasonably notifies the buyer that the shipment is offered only as an accommodation to the buyer.
(b) Beginning requested performance without notice.-- Where the beginning of a requested performance is a reasonable mode of acceptance an offeror who is not notified of acceptance within a reasonable time may treat the offer as having lapsed before acceptance.
(a) General rule.-- A definite and seasonable expression of acceptance or a written confirmation which is sent within a reasonable time operates as an acceptance even though it states terms additional to or different from those offered or agreed upon, unless acceptance is expressly made conditional on assent to the additional or different terms.
(b) Effect on contract.-- The additional terms are to be construed as proposals for addition to the contract. Between merchants such terms become part of the contract unless:
(1) the offer expressly limits acceptance to the terms of the offer;
(2) they materially alter it; or
(3) notification of objection to them has already been given or is given within a reasonable time after notice of them is received.
(c) Conduct establishing contract.-- Conduct by both parties which recognizes the existence of a contract is sufficient to establish a contract for sale although the writings of the parties do not otherwise establish a contract. In such case the terms of the particular contract consist of those terms on which the writings of the parties agree, together with any supplementary terms incorporated under any other provisions of this title.
[Deleted by amendment]
(a) Consideration unnecessary for modification.-- An agreement modifying a contract within this division needs no consideration to be binding.
(b) Writing excluding modification or rescission.-- A signed agreement which excludes modification or rescission except by a signed writing or other signed record cannot be otherwise modified or rescinded, but except as between merchants such a requirement on a form supplied by the merchant must be separately signed by the other party.
(c) Compliance of modified contract with statute of frauds.-- The requirements of section 2201 (relating to formal requirements; statute of frauds) must be satisfied if the contract as modified is within its provisions.
(d) Ineffective modification or rescission as waiver.-- Although an attempt at modification or rescission does not satisfy the requirements of subsection (b) or (c) it can operate as a waiver.
(e) Retraction of waiver.-- A party who has made a waiver affecting an executory portion of the contract may retract the waiver by reasonable notification received by the other party that strict performance will be required of any term waived, unless the retraction would be unjust in view of a material change of position in reliance on the waiver.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Delegation of performance.-- A party may perform his duty through a delegate unless otherwise agreed or unless the other party has a substantial interest in having his original promisor perform or control the acts required by the contract. No delegation of performance relieves the party delegating of any duty to perform or any liability for breach.
(b) Assignment of rights.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 9406 (relating to discharge of account debtor; notification of assignment; identification and proof of assignment; restrictions on assignment of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles and promissory notes ineffective), unless otherwise agreed, all rights of either seller or buyer can be assigned except where the assignment would materially change the duty of the other party, increase materially the burden or risk imposed on him by his contract, or impair materially his chance of obtaining return performance. A right to damages for breach of the whole contract or a right arising out of due performance by the assignor of his entire obligation can be assigned despite agreement otherwise.
(c) Effect of security interest.-- The creation, attachment, perfection or enforcement of a security interest in the seller's interest under a contract is not a transfer that materially changes the duty of or increases materially the burden or risk imposed on the buyer or impairs materially the buyer's chance of obtaining return performance within the purview of subsection (b) unless, and then only to the extent that, enforcement actually results in a delegation of material performance of the seller. Even in that event, the creation, attachment, perfection and enforcement of the security interest remain effective, but:
(1) the seller is liable to the buyer for damages caused by the delegation to the extent that the damages could not reasonably be prevented by the buyer; and
(2) a court having jurisdiction may grant other appropriate relief, including cancellation of the contract for sale or an injunction against enforcement of the security interest or consummation of the enforcement.
(d) Assignment prohibition limited to performance.-- Unless the circumstances indicate the contrary, a prohibition of assignment of "the contract" is to be construed as barring only the delegation to the assignee of the performance of the assignor.
(e) Effect and enforceability of general assignment.-- An assignment of "the contract" or of "all my rights under the contract" or an assignment in similar general terms is an assignment of rights and unless the language or the circumstances (as in an assignment for security) indicate the contrary, it is a delegation of performance of the duties of the assignor and its acceptance by the assignee constitutes a promise by him to perform those duties. This promise is enforceable by either the assignor or the other party to the original contract.
(f) Security for assignment delegating performance.-- The other party may treat any assignment which delegates performance as creating reasonable grounds for insecurity and may without prejudice to his rights against the assignor demand assurances from the assignee (section 2609).
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001)
The obligation of the seller is to transfer and deliver and that of the buyer is to accept and pay in accordance with the contract.
(a) Finding and authority of court.-- If the court as a matter of law finds the contract or any clause of the contract to have been unconscionable at the time it was made, the court may:
(1) refuse to enforce the contract;
(2) enforce the remainder of the contract without the unconscionable clause; or
(3) so limit the application of any unconscionable clause as to avoid any unconscionable result.
(b) Evidence by parties.-- When it is claimed or appears to the court that the contract or any clause thereof may be unconscionable the parties shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to present evidence as to its commercial setting, purpose and effect to aid the court in making the determination.
Where this division allocates a risk or a burden as between the parties "unless otherwise agreed," the agreement may not only shift the allocation but may also divide the risk or burden.
(a) General rule.-- The price can be made payable in money or otherwise. If it is payable in whole or in part in goods each party is a seller of the goods which he is to transfer.
(b) Realty.-- Even though all or part of the price is payable in an interest in realty the transfer of the goods and the obligations of the seller with reference to them are subject to this division, but not the transfer of the interest in realty or the obligations of the transferor in connection therewith.
(a) General rule.-- The parties if they so intend can conclude a contract for sale even though the price is not settled. In such a case the price is a reasonable price at the time for delivery if:
(1) nothing is said as to price;
(2) the price is left to be agreed by the parties and they fail to agree; or
(3) the price is to be fixed in terms of some agreed market or other standard as set or recorded by a third person or agency and it is not so set or recorded.
(b) Price to be fixed by party.-- A price to be fixed by the seller or by the buyer means a price for him to fix in good faith.
(c) Price not fixed through fault of party.-- When a price left to be fixed otherwise than by agreement of the parties fails to be fixed through fault of one party the other may at his option treat the contract as cancelled or himself fix a reasonable price.
(d) Intent not to be bound without established price.-- Where, however, the parties intend not to be bound unless the price be fixed or agreed and it is not fixed or agreed there is no contract. In such a case the buyer must return any goods already received or if unable so to do must pay their reasonable value at the time of delivery and the seller must return any portion of the price paid on account.
(a) Quantity measured by output or requirements.-- A term which measures the quantity by the output of the seller or the requirements of the buyer means such actual output or requirements as may occur in good faith, except that no quantity unreasonably disproportionate to any stated estimate or in the absence of a stated estimate to any normal or otherwise comparable prior output or requirements may be tendered or demanded.
(b) Obligation of parties in exclusive dealings.-- A lawful agreement by either the seller or the buyer for exclusive dealing in the kind of goods concerned imposes unless otherwise agreed an obligation by the seller to use best efforts to supply the goods and by the buyer to use best efforts to promote their sale.
Unless otherwise agreed all goods called for by a contract for sale must be tendered in a single delivery and payment is due only on such tender but where the circumstances give either party the right to make or demand delivery in lots the price if it can be apportioned may be demanded for each lot.
Unless otherwise agreed:
(1) the place for delivery of goods is the place of business of the seller or if he has none his residence; but
(2) in a contract for sale of identified goods which to the knowledge of the parties at the time of contracting are in some other place, that place is the place for their delivery; and
(3) documents of title may be delivered through customary banking channels.
(a) Shipment, delivery or other action.-- The time for shipment or delivery or any other action under a contract if not provided in this division or agreed upon shall be a reasonable time.
(b) Duration of provision for successive performances.-- Where the contract provides for successive performances but is indefinite in duration it is valid for a reasonable time but unless otherwise agreed may be terminated at any time by either party.
(c) Notice of termination.-- Termination of a contract by one party except on the happening of an agreed event requires that reasonable notification be received by the other party and an agreement dispensing with notification is invalid if its operation would be unconscionable.
Unless otherwise agreed:
(1) Payment is due at the time and place at which the buyer is to receive the goods even though the place of shipment is the place of delivery.
(2) If the seller is authorized to send the goods he may ship them under reservation, and may tender the documents of title, but the buyer may inspect the goods after their arrival before payment is due unless such inspection is inconsistent with the terms of the contract (section 2513).
(3) If delivery is authorized and made by way of documents of title otherwise than by paragraph (2), then payment is due, regardless of where the goods are to be received:
(i) at the time and place at which the buyer is to receive delivery of the tangible documents; or
(ii) at the time the buyer is to receive delivery of the electronic documents and at the seller's place of business or, if none, at the seller's residence.
(4) Where the seller is required or authorized to ship the goods on credit the credit period runs from the time of shipment but post-dating the invoice or delaying its dispatch will correspondingly delay the starting of the credit period.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) Specifying particulars of performance.-- An agreement for sale which is otherwise sufficiently definite (section 2204(c)) to be a contract is not made invalid by the fact that it leaves particulars of performance to be specified by one of the parties. Any such specification must be made in good faith and within limits set by commercial reasonableness.
(b) Specifying assortment of goods and shipping arrangements.-- Unless otherwise agreed specifications relating to assortment of the goods are at the option of the buyer and except as otherwise provided in section 2319(a)(3) and (c) (relating to F.O.B. and F.A.S. terms) specifications or arrangements relating to shipment are at the option of the seller.
(c) Remedies for failure to specify or cooperate.-- Where such specification would materially affect the performance of the other party but is not seasonably made or where the cooperation of one party is necessary to the agreed performance of the other but is not seasonably forthcoming, the other party in addition to all other remedies:
(1) is excused for any resulting delay in his own performance; and
(2) may also either proceed to perform in any reasonable manner or after the time for a material part of his own performance treat the failure to specify or to cooperate as a breach by failure to deliver or accept the goods.
(a) General rule.-- Subject to subsection (b) there is in a contract for sale a warranty by the seller that:
(1) the title conveyed shall be good, and its transfer rightful; and
(2) the goods shall be delivered free from any security interest or other lien or encumbrance of which the buyer at the time of contracting has no knowledge.
(b) Exclusion or modification of warranty.-- A warranty under subsection (a) will be excluded or modified only by specific language or by circumstances which give the buyer reason to know that the person selling does not claim title in himself or that he is purporting to sell only such right or title as he or a third person may have.
(c) Warranty of merchant regularly dealing in goods.-- Unless otherwise agreed a seller who is a merchant regularly dealing in goods of the kind warrants that the goods shall be delivered free of the rightful claim of any third person by way of infringement or the like but a buyer who furnishes specifications to the seller must hold the seller harmless against any such claim which arises out of compliance with the specifications.
(a) General rule.-- Express warranties by the seller are created as follows:
(1) Any affirmation of fact or promise made by the seller to the buyer which relates to the goods and becomes part of the basis of the bargain creates an express warranty that the goods shall conform to the affirmation or promise.
(2) Any description of the goods which is made part of the basis of the bargain creates an express warranty that the goods shall conform to the description.
(3) Any sample or model which is made part of the basis of the bargain creates an express warranty that the whole of the goods shall conform to the sample or model.
(b) Formal words or specific intent unnecessary.-- It is not necessary to the creation of an express warranty that the seller use formal words such as "warrant" or "guarantee" or that he have a specific intention to make a warranty, but an affirmation merely of the value of the goods or a statement purporting to be merely the opinion of the seller or commendation of the goods does not create a warranty.
(a) Sale by merchant.-- Unless excluded or modified (section 2316), a warranty that the goods shall be merchantable is implied in a contract for their sale if the seller is a merchant with respect to goods of that kind. Under this section the serving for value of food or drink to be consumed either on the premises or elsewhere is a sale.
(b) Merchantability standards for goods.-- Goods to be merchantable must be at least such as:
(1) pass without objection in the trade under the contract description;
(2) in the case of fungible goods, are of fair average quality within the description;
(3) are fit for the ordinary purposes for which such goods are used;
(4) run, within the variations permitted by the agreement, of even kind, quality and quantity within each unit and among all units involved;
(5) are adequately contained, packaged, and labeled as the agreement may require; and
(6) conform to the promises or affirmations of fact made on the container or label if any.
(c) Course of dealing or usage of trade.-- Unless excluded or modified (section 2316) other implied warranties may arise from course of dealing or usage of trade.
Where the seller at the time of contracting has reason to know:
(1) any particular purpose for which the goods are required; and
(2) that the buyer is relying on the skill or judgment of the seller to select or furnish suitable goods;
there is unless excluded or modified under section 2316 (relating to exclusion or modification of warranties) an implied warranty that the goods shall be fit for such purpose.
(a) Construction of words or conduct limiting warranties.-- Words or conduct relevant to the creation of an express warranty and words or conduct tending to negate or limit warranty shall be construed wherever reasonable as consistent with each other; but subject to the provisions of this division on parol or extrinsic evidence (section 2202) negation or limitation is inoperative to the extent that such construction is unreasonable.
(b) Implied warranties of merchantability and fitness.-- Subject to subsection (c), to exclude or modify the implied warranty of merchantability or any part of it the language must mention merchantability and in case of a writing must be conspicuous, and to exclude or modify any implied warranty of fitness the exclusion must be by a writing and conspicuous. Language to exclude all implied warranties of fitness is sufficient if it states, for example, that "There are no warranties which extend beyond the description on the face hereof."
(c) Implied warranties in general.-- Notwithstanding subsection (b):
(1) Unless the circumstances indicate otherwise, all implied warranties are excluded by expressions like "as is," "with all faults" or other language which in common understanding calls the attention of the buyer to the exclusion of warranties and makes plain that there is no implied warranty.
(2) When the buyer before entering into the contract has examined the goods or the sample or model as fully as he desired or has refused to examine the goods there is no implied warranty with regard to defects which an examination ought in the circumstances to have revealed to him.
(3) An implied warranty can also be excluded or modified by course of dealing or course of performance or usage of trade.
(d) Limitation of remedies for breach of warranty.-- Remedies for breach of warranty can be limited in accordance with the provisions of this division on liquidation or limitation of damages (section 2718) and on contractual modification of remedy (section 2719).
Warranties whether express or implied shall be construed as consistent with each other and as cumulative, but if such construction is unreasonable the intention of the parties shall determine which warranty is dominant. In ascertaining that intention the following rules apply:
(1) Exact or technical specifications displace an inconsistent sample or model or general language of description.
(2) A sample from an existing bulk displaces inconsistent general language of description.
(3) Express warranties displace inconsistent implied warranties other than an implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose.
The warranty of a seller whether express or implied extends to any natural person who is in the family or household of his buyer or who is a guest in his home if it is reasonable to expect that such person may use, consume or be affected by the goods and who is injured in person by breach of the warranty. A seller may not exclude or limit the operation of this section.
(a) Definition of F.O.B.-- Unless otherwise agreed the term F.O.B. (which means "free on board") at a named place, even though used only in connection with the stated price, is a delivery term under which:
(1) When the term is F.O.B. the place of shipment, the seller must at that place ship the goods in the manner provided in this division (section 2504 (relating to shipment by seller)) and bear the expense and risk of putting them into the possession of the carrier.
(2) When the term is F.O.B. the place of destination, the seller must at his own expense and risk transport the goods to that place and there tender delivery of them in the manner provided in this division (section 2503 (relating to manner of tender of delivery by seller)).
(3) When under either paragraph (1) or (2) the term is also F.O.B. vessel, car or other vehicle, the seller must in addition at his own expense and risk load the goods on board. If the term is F.O.B. vessel the buyer must name the vessel and in an appropriate case the seller must comply with the provisions of this division on the form of bill of lading (section 2323).
(b) Definition of F.A.S.-- Unless otherwise agreed the term F.A.S. vessel (which means "free alongside") at a named port, even though used only in connection with the stated price, is a delivery term under which the seller must:
(1) at his own expense and risk deliver the goods alongside the vessel in the manner usual in that port or on a dock designated and provided by the buyer; and
(2) obtain and tender a receipt for the goods in exchange for which the carrier is under a duty to issue a bill of lading.
(c) Duty of buyer to give instructions.-- Unless otherwise agreed in any case falling within subsection (a)(1) or (3) or subsection (b) the buyer must seasonably give any needed instructions for making delivery, including when the term is F.A.S. or F.O.B. the loading berth of the vessel and in an appropriate case its name and sailing date. The seller may treat the failure of needed instructions as a failure of cooperation under this division (section 2311 (relating to options and cooperation respecting performance)). He may also at his option move the goods in any reasonable manner preparatory to delivery or shipment.
(d) Tender of documents and payment.-- Under the term F.O.B. vessel or F.A.S. unless otherwise agreed the buyer must make payment against tender of the required documents and the seller may not tender nor the buyer demand delivery of the goods in substitution for the documents.
(a) Definitions.-- The term C.I.F. means that the price includes in a lump sum the cost of the goods and the insurance and freight to the named destination. The term C. & F. or C.F. means that the price so includes cost and freight to the named destination.
(b) Effect of C.I.F. destination term.-- Unless otherwise agreed and even though used only in connection with the stated price and destination, the term C.I.F. destination or its equivalent requires the seller at his own expense and risk to do the following:
(1) Put the goods into the possession of a carrier at the port for shipment and obtain a negotiable bill or bills of lading covering the entire transportation to the named destination.
(2) Load the goods and obtain a receipt from the carrier (which may be contained in the bill of lading) showing that the freight has been paid or provided for.
(3) Obtain a policy or certificate of insurance, including any war risk insurance, of a kind and on terms then current at the port of shipment in the usual amount, in the currency of the contract, shown to cover the same goods covered by the bill of lading and providing for payment of loss to the order of the buyer or for the account of whom it may concern; but the seller may add to the price the amount of the premium for any such war risk insurance.
(4) Prepare an invoice of the goods and procure any other documents required to effect shipment or to comply with the contract.
(5) Forward and tender with commercial promptness all the documents in due form and with any indorsement necessary to perfect the rights of the buyer.
(c) Effect of C. & F. term.-- Unless otherwise agreed the term C. & F. or its equivalent has the same effect and imposes upon the seller the same obligations and risks as a C.I.F. term except the obligation as to insurance.
(d) Tender of documents and payment.-- Under the term C.I.F. or C. & F. unless otherwise agreed the buyer must make payment against tender of the required documents and the seller may not tender nor the buyer demand delivery of the goods in substitution for the documents.
Under a contract containing a term C.I.F. or C. & F.:
(1) Where the price is based on or is to be adjusted according to "net landed weights," "delivered weights," "out turn" quantity or quality or the like, unless otherwise agreed the seller must reasonably estimate the price. The payment due on tender of the documents called for by the contract is the amount so estimated, but after final adjustment of the price a settlement must be made with commercial promptness.
(2) An agreement described in paragraph (1) or any warranty of quality or condition of the goods on arrival places upon the seller the risk of ordinary deterioration, shrinkage and the like in transportation but has no effect on the place or time of identification to the contract for sale or delivery or on the passing of the risk of loss.
(3) Unless otherwise agreed where the contract provides for payment on or after arrival of the goods the seller must before payment allow such preliminary inspection as is feasible; but if the goods are lost delivery of the documents and payment are due when the goods should have arrived.
(a) Definition.-- Unless otherwise agreed a term for delivery of goods "ex-ship" (which means from the carrying vessel) or in equivalent language is not restricted to a particular ship and requires delivery from a ship which has reached a place at the named port of destination where goods of the kind are usually discharged.
(b) Effect.-- Under such a term unless otherwise agreed:
(1) the seller must discharge all liens arising out of the carriage and furnish the buyer with a direction which puts the carrier under a duty to deliver the goods; and
(2) the risk of loss does not pass to the buyer until the goods leave the tackle of the ship or are otherwise properly unloaded.
(a) General rule.-- Where the contract contemplates overseas shipment and contains a term C.I.F., C. & F. or F.O.B. vessel, the seller unless otherwise agreed must obtain a negotiable bill of lading stating that the goods have been loaded on board or, in the case of a term C.I.F. or C. & F., received for shipment.
(b) Bill in set of parts.-- Where in a case within subsection (a) a tangible bill of lading has been issued in a set of parts, unless otherwise agreed if the documents are not to be sent from abroad the buyer may demand tender of the full set; otherwise only one part of the bill of lading need be tendered. Even if the agreement expressly requires a full set:
(1) due tender of a single part is acceptable within the provisions of this division on cure of improper delivery (section 2508(a)); and
(2) even though the full set is demanded, if the documents are sent from abroad the person tendering an incomplete set may nevertheless require payment upon furnishing an indemnity which the buyer in good faith deems adequate.
(c) Definition of "overseas".-- A shipment by water or by air or a contract contemplating such shipment is "overseas" insofar as by usage of trade or agreement it is subject to the commercial, financing or shipping practices characteristic of international deep water commerce.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
Under a term "no arrival, no sale" or terms of like meaning, unless otherwise agreed:
(1) the seller must properly ship conforming goods and if they arrive by any means he must tender them on arrival but assumes no obligation that the goods will arrive unless he has caused the non-arrival; and
(2) where without fault of the seller the goods are in part lost or have so deteriorated as no longer to conform to the contract or arrive after the contract time, the buyer may proceed as if there had been casualty to identified goods (section 2613).
(a) Failure to furnish letter.-- Failure of the buyer seasonably to furnish an agreed letter of credit is a breach of the contract for sale.
(b) Effect of delivering letter.-- The delivery to seller of a proper letter of credit suspends the obligation of the buyer to pay. If the letter of credit is dishonored, the seller may on seasonable notification to the buyer require payment directly from him.
(c) Definitions.-- Unless otherwise agreed the term "letter of credit" or "banker's credit" in a contract for sale means an irrevocable credit issued by a financing agency of good repute and, where the shipment is overseas, of good international repute. The term "confirmed credit" means that the credit must also carry the direct obligation of such an agency which does business in the financial market of the seller.
(a) Definitions.-- Unless otherwise agreed, if delivered goods may be returned by the buyer even though they conform to the contract, the transaction is:
(1) a "sale on approval" if the goods are delivered primarily for use; and
(2) a "sale or return" if the goods are delivered primarily for resale.
(b) Rights of creditors of buyer generally.-- Goods held on approval are not subject to the claims of the creditors of the buyer until acceptance; goods held on sale or return are subject to such claims while in the possession of the buyer.
(c) Treatment of "or return" term.-- Any "or return" term of a contract for sale is to be treated as a separate contract for sale within the statute of frauds section of this division (section 2201) and as contradicting the sale aspect of the contract within the provisions of this division on parol or extrinsic evidence (section 2202).
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001)
(a) Sale on approval.-- Under a sale on approval unless otherwise agreed:
(1) Although the goods are identified to the contract the risk of loss and the title do not pass to the buyer until acceptance.
(2) Use of the goods consistent with the purpose of trial is not acceptance but failure seasonably to notify the seller of election to return the goods is acceptance, and if the goods conform to the contract acceptance of any part is acceptance of the whole.
(3) After due notification of election to return, the return is at the risk and expense of the seller but a merchant buyer must follow any reasonable instructions.
(b) Sale or return.-- Under a sale or return unless otherwise agreed:
(1) The option to return extends to the whole or any commercial unit of the goods while in substantially their original condition, but must be exercised seasonably.
(2) The return is at the risk and expense of the buyer.
(a) Sale in lots.-- In a sale by auction if goods are put up in lots each lot is the subject of a separate sale.
(b) When sale complete.-- A sale by auction is complete when the auctioneer so announces by the fall of the hammer or in other customary manner. Where a bid is made while the hammer is falling in acceptance of a prior bid the auctioneer may in his discretion reopen the bidding or declare the goods sold under the bid on which the hammer was falling.
(c) With or without reserve.-- Such a sale is with reserve unless the goods are in explicit terms put up without reserve. In an auction with reserve the auctioneer may withdraw the goods at any time until he announces completion of the sale. In an auction without reserve, after the auctioneer calls for bids on an article or lot, that article or lot cannot be withdrawn unless no bid is made within a reasonable time. In either case a bidder may retract his bid until the announcement by the auctioneer of completion of the sale, but the retraction by a bidder does not revive any previous bid.
(d) Bidding by or for seller.-- If the auctioneer knowingly receives a bid on the behalf of the seller or the seller makes or procures such a bid, and notice has not been given that liberty for such bidding is reserved, the buyer may at his option avoid the sale or take the goods at the price of the last good faith bid prior to the completion of the sale. This subsection shall not apply to any bid at a forced sale.
Each provision of this division with regard to the rights, obligations and remedies of the seller, the buyer, purchasers or other third parties applies irrespective of title to the goods except where the provision refers to such title. Insofar as situations are not covered by the other provisions of this division and matters concerning title become material the following rules apply:
(1) Identification of goods and reservation of title.-- Title to goods cannot pass under a contract for sale prior to their identification to the contract (section 2501), and unless otherwise explicitly agreed the buyer acquires by their identification a special property as limited by this title. Any retention or reservation by the seller of the title (property) in goods shipped or delivered to the buyer is limited in effect to a reservation of a security interest. Subject to these provisions and to the provisions of Division 9 (relating to secured transactions), title to goods passes from the seller to the buyer in any manner and on any conditions explicitly agreed on by the parties.
(2) Place of delivery of goods.-- Unless otherwise explicitly agreed title passes to the buyer at the time and place at which the seller completes his performance with reference to the physical delivery of the goods, despite any reservation of a security interest and even though a document of title is to be delivered at a different time or place, and in particular and despite any reservation of a security interest by the bill of lading:
(i) if the contract requires or authorizes the seller to send the goods to the buyer but does not require him to deliver them at destination, title passes to the buyer at the time and place of shipment; but
(ii) if the contract requires delivery at destination, title passes on tender there.
(3) Delivery without moving goods.-- Unless otherwise explicitly agreed where delivery is to be made without moving the goods:
(i) if the seller is to deliver a tangible document of title, title passes at the time when and the place where he delivers such documents and, if the seller is to deliver an electronic document of title, title passes when the seller delivers the document; or
(ii) if the goods are at the time of contracting already identified and no documents are to be delivered, title passes at the time and place of contracting.
(4) Revesting of title upon rejection of goods or revocation of acceptance.-- A rejection or other refusal by the buyer to receive or retain the goods, whether or not justified, or a justified revocation of acceptance revests title to the goods in the seller. Such revesting occurs by operation of law and is not a "sale."
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) Priority of buyer over unsecured creditors.-- Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), rights of unsecured creditors of the seller with respect to goods which have been identified to a contract for sale are subject to the rights of the buyer to recover the goods under this division (section 2502 (relating to right of buyer to goods on insolvency of seller) and section 2716 (relating to right of buyer to specific performance or replevin)).
(b) Right to void sale upon fraudulent retention of goods.-- A creditor of the seller may treat a sale or an identification of goods to a contract for sale as void if as against him a retention of possession by the seller is fraudulent under any rule of law of the state where the goods are situated, except that retention of possession in good faith and current course of trade by a merchant-seller for a commercially reasonable time after a sale or identification is not fraudulent.
(c) Other rights of creditors unimpaired.-- Nothing in this division shall be deemed to impair the rights of creditors of the seller:
(1) under the provisions of Division 9 (relating to secured transactions); or
(2) where identification to the contract or delivery is made not in current course of trade but in satisfaction of or as security for a pre-existing claim for money, security or the like and is made under circumstances which under any rule of law of the state where the goods are situated would apart from this division constitute the transaction a fraudulent transfer or voidable preference.
(a) Transfer of title.-- A purchaser of goods acquires all title which his transferor had or had power to transfer except that a purchaser of a limited interest acquires rights only to the extent of the interest purchased. A person with voidable title has power to transfer a good title to a good faith purchaser for value. When goods have been delivered under a transaction of purchase the purchaser has such power even though:
(1) the transferor was deceived as to the identity of the purchaser;
(2) the delivery was in exchange for a check which is later dishonored;
(3) it was agreed that the transaction was to be a "cash sale"; or
(4) the delivery was procured through fraud punishable as larcenous under the criminal law.
(b) Transfer by merchant entrusted with possession of goods.-- Any entrusting of possession of goods to a merchant who deals in goods of that kind gives him power to transfer all rights of the entruster to a buyer in ordinary course of business.
(c) Definition of "entrusting".-- "Entrusting" includes any delivery and any acquiescence in retention of possession regardless of any condition expressed between the parties to the delivery or acquiescence and regardless of whether the procurement of the entrusting or the disposition of the goods by the possessor has been such as to be larcenous under the criminal law.
(d) Rights of other purchasers and lien creditors.-- The rights of other purchasers of goods and of lien creditors are governed by Division 7 (relating to documents of title) and Division 9 (relating to secured transactions).
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) General rule.-- The buyer obtains a special property and an insurable interest in goods by identification of existing goods as goods to which the contract refers even though the goods so identified are nonconforming and he has an option to return or reject them. Such identification can be made at any time and in any manner explicitly agreed to by the parties. In the absence of explicit agreement identification occurs as follows:
(1) When the contract is made if it is for the sale of goods already existing and identified.
(2) If the contract is for the sale of future goods other than those described in paragraph (3), when goods are shipped, marked or otherwise designated by the seller as goods to which the contract refers.
(3) When the crops are planted or otherwise become growing crops or the young are conceived if the contract is for the sale of unborn young to be born within 12 months after contracting or for the sale of crops to be harvested within 12 months or the next normal harvest season after contracting whichever is longer.
(b) Duration of insurable interest and substitution of goods.-- The seller retains an insurable interest in goods so long as title to or any security interest in the goods remains in him and where the identification is by the seller alone he may until default or insolvency or notification to the buyer that the identification is final substitute other goods for those identified.
(c) Other insurable interests unimpaired.-- Nothing in this section impairs any insurable interest recognized under any other statute or rule of law.
(a) General rule.-- Subject to subsections (b) and (c) and even though the goods have not been shipped a buyer who has paid a part or all of the price of goods in which he has a special property under the provisions of section 2501 (relating to insurable interest in goods; manner of identification of goods) may on making and keeping good a tender of any unpaid portion of their price recover them from the seller if:
(1) in the case of goods bought for personal, family or household purposes, the seller repudiates or fails to deliver as required by the contract; or
(2) in all cases, the seller becomes insolvent within ten days after receipt of the first installment on their price.
(b) Vesting.-- The buyer's right to recover the goods under subsection (a)(1) vests upon acquisition of a special property even if the seller had not then repudiated or failed to deliver.
(c) Identification made by buyer.-- If the identification creating his special property has been made by the buyer he acquires the right to recover the goods only if they conform to the contract for sale.
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001)
(a) General rule.-- Tender of delivery requires that the seller put and hold conforming goods at the disposition of the buyer and give the buyer any notification reasonably necessary to enable him to take delivery. The manner, time and place for tender are determined by the agreement and this division, and in particular:
(1) tender must be at a reasonable hour, and if it is of goods they must be kept available for the period reasonably necessary to enable the buyer to take possession; but
(2) unless otherwise agreed the buyer must furnish facilities reasonably suited to the receipt of the goods.
(b) Delivery at particular destination not required.-- Where the case is within section 2504 (relating to shipment by seller) tender requires that the seller comply with its provisions.
(c) Delivery at particular destination required.-- Where the seller is required to deliver at a particular destination tender requires that he comply with subsection (a) and also in any appropriate case tender documents as described in subsections (d) and (e).
(d) Goods in possession of bailee and deliverable without being moved.-- Where goods are in the possession of a bailee and are to be delivered without being moved:
(1) tender requires that the seller either tender a negotiable document of title covering such goods or procure acknowledgment by the bailee of the right of the buyer to possession of the goods; but
(2) tender to the buyer of a nonnegotiable document of title or of a record directing the bailee to deliver is sufficient tender unless the buyer seasonably objects, and except as otherwise provided in Division 9 (relating to secured transactions) receipt by the bailee of notification of the rights of the buyer fixes those rights as against the bailee and all third persons; but risk of loss of the goods and of any failure by the bailee to honor the nonnegotiable document of title or to obey the direction remains on the seller until the buyer has had a reasonable time to present the document or direction, and a refusal by the bailee to honor the document or to obey the direction defeats the tender.
(e) Form and manner of delivering documents.-- Where the contract requires the seller to deliver documents:
(1) he must tender all such documents in correct form, except as provided in this division with respect to bills of lading in a set (section 2323(b)); and
(2) tender through customary banking channels is sufficient and dishonor of a draft accompanying or associated with the documents constitutes nonacceptance or rejection.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
Where the seller is required or authorized to send the goods to the buyer and the contract does not require him to deliver them at a particular destination then unless otherwise agreed he must:
(1) put the goods in the possession of such a carrier and make such a contract for their transportation as may be reasonable having regard to the nature of the goods and other circumstances of the case;
(2) obtain and promptly deliver or tender in due form any document necessary to enable the buyer to obtain possession of the goods or otherwise required by the agreement or by usage of trade; and
(3) promptly notify the buyer of the shipment.
Failure to notify the buyer under paragraph (3) or to make a proper contract under paragraph (1) is a ground for rejection only if material delay or loss ensues.
(a) General rule.-- Where the seller has identified goods to the contract by or before shipment:
(1) His procurement of a negotiable bill of lading to his own order or otherwise reserves in him a security interest in the goods. His procurement of the bill to the order of a financing agency or of the buyer indicates in addition only the expectation of the seller of transferring that interest to the person named.
(2) A nonnegotiable bill of lading to himself or his nominee reserves possession of the goods as security, but except in a case of conditional delivery (section 2507(b)) a nonnegotiable bill of lading naming the buyer as consignee reserves no security interest even though the seller retains possession or control of the bill of lading.
(b) Shipment in violation of contract.-- When shipment by the seller with reservation of a security interest is in violation of the contract for sale it constitutes an improper contract for transportation within section 2504 (relating to shipment by seller) but impairs neither the rights given to the buyer by shipment and identification of the goods to the contract nor the powers of the seller as a holder of a negotiable document of title.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- A financing agency by paying or purchasing for value a draft which relates to a shipment of goods acquires to the extent of the payment or purchase and in addition to its own rights under the draft and any document of title securing it any rights of the shipper in the goods including the right to stop delivery and the right of the shipper to have the draft honored by the buyer.
(b) Right to reimbursement unimpaired by latent defect.-- The right to reimbursement of a financing agency which has in good faith honored or purchased the draft under commitment to or authority from the buyer is not impaired by subsequent discovery of defects with reference to any relevant document which was apparently regular.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) Effect of tender by seller.-- Tender of delivery is a condition to the duty of the buyer to accept the goods, and unless otherwise agreed, to his duty to pay for them. Tender entitles the seller to acceptance of the goods and to payment according to the contract.
(b) Delivery on condition.-- Where payment is due and demanded on the delivery to the buyer of goods or documents of title, his right as against the seller to retain or dispose of them is conditional upon his making the payment due.
(a) General rule.-- Where any tender or delivery by the seller is rejected because nonconforming and the time for performance has not yet expired, the seller may seasonably notify the buyer of his intention to cure and may then within the contract time make a conforming delivery.
(b) Rejection of tender which seller believed acceptable.-- Where the buyer rejects a nonconforming tender which the seller had reasonable grounds to believe would be acceptable with or without money allowance the seller may if he seasonably notifies the buyer have a further reasonable time to substitute a conforming tender.
(a) Seller to ship by carrier.-- Where the contract requires or authorizes the seller to ship the goods by carrier:
(1) if it does not require him to deliver them at a particular destination, the risk of loss passes to the buyer when the goods are duly delivered to the carrier even though the shipment is under reservation (section 2505); but
(2) if it does require him to deliver them at a particular destination and the goods are there duly tendered while in the possession of the carrier, the risk of loss passes to the buyer when the goods are there duly so tendered as to enable the buyer to take delivery.
(b) Goods held by bailee.-- Where the goods are held by a bailee to be delivered without being moved, the risk of loss passes to the buyer:
(1) on his receipt, possession or control of a negotiable document of title covering the goods;
(2) on acknowledgment by the bailee of the right of the buyer to possession of the goods; or
(3) after his receipt, possession or control of a nonnegotiable document of title or other direction to deliver in a record, as provided in section 2503(d)(2) (relating to manner of tender of delivery by seller).
(c) All other cases.-- In any case not within subsection (a) or (b), the risk of loss passes to the buyer on his receipt of the goods if the seller is a merchant; otherwise on tender of delivery.
(d) Limitations on operation of section.-- The provisions of this section are subject to contrary agreement of the parties and to the provisions of this division on sale on approval (section 2327) and on effect of breach on risk of loss (section 2510).
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) Tender of nonconforming goods.-- Where a tender or delivery of goods so fails to conform to the contract as to give a right of rejection the risk of their loss remains on the seller until cure or acceptance.
(b) Revocation of acceptance by buyer.-- Where the buyer rightfully revokes acceptance he may to the extent of any deficiency in his effective insurance coverage treat the risk of loss as having rested on the seller from the beginning.
(c) Repudiation or breach by buyer.-- Where the buyer as to conforming goods already identified to the contract for sale repudiates or is otherwise in breach before risk of their loss has passed to him, the seller may to the extent of any deficiency in his effective insurance coverage treat the risk of loss as resting on the buyer for a commercially reasonable time.
(a) Tender of payment condition to delivery.-- Unless otherwise agreed tender of payment is a condition to the duty of the seller to tender and complete any delivery.
(b) Manner of tender of payment.-- Tender of payment is sufficient when made by any means or in any manner current in the ordinary course of business unless the seller demands payment in legal tender and gives any extension of time reasonably necessary to procure it.
(c) Payment by check.-- Subject to the provisions of this title on the effect of an instrument on an obligation (section 3310), payment by check is conditional and is defeated as between the parties by dishonor of the check on due presentment.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) General rule.-- Where the contract requires payment before inspection nonconformity of the goods does not excuse the buyer from so making payment unless:
(1) the nonconformity appears without inspection; or
(2) despite tender of the required documents the circumstances would justify injunction against honor under this title, including section 5109(b) (relating to conditions for injunction).
(b) Effect of payment on rights of buyer.-- Payment pursuant to subsection (a) does not constitute an acceptance of goods or impair the right of the buyer to inspect or any of his remedies.
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001)
(a) General rule.-- Unless otherwise agreed and subject to subsection (c), where goods are tendered or delivered or identified to the contract for sale, the buyer has a right before payment or acceptance to inspect them at any reasonable place and time and in any reasonable manner. When the seller is required or authorized to send the goods to the buyer, the inspection may be after their arrival.
(b) Expenses of inspection.-- Expenses of inspection must be borne by the buyer but may be recovered from the seller if the goods do not conform and are rejected.
(c) Limitation on right of inspection prior to payment.-- Unless otherwise agreed and subject to the provisions of this division on C.I.F. contracts (section 2321(3)), the buyer is not entitled to inspect the goods before payment of the price when the contract provides:
(1) for delivery "C.O.D." or on other like terms; or
(2) for payment against documents of title, except where such payment is due only after the goods are to become available for inspection.
(d) Agreement as to place and method of inspection.-- A place or method of inspection fixed by the parties is presumed to be exclusive but unless otherwise expressly agreed it does not postpone identification or shift the place for delivery or for passing the risk of loss. If compliance becomes impossible, inspection shall be as provided in this section unless the place or method fixed was clearly intended as an indispensable condition failure of which avoids the contract.
Unless otherwise agreed documents against which a draft is drawn are to be delivered to the drawee on acceptance of the draft if it is payable more than three days after presentment; otherwise only on payment.
In furtherance of the adjustment of any claim or dispute:
(1) either party on reasonable notification to the other and for the purpose of ascertaining the facts and preserving evidence has the right to inspect, test and sample the goods including such of them as may be in the possession or control of the other; and
(2) the parties may agree to a third party inspection or survey to determine the conformity or condition of the goods and may agree that the findings shall be binding upon them in any subsequent litigation or adjustment.
Subject to the provisions of this division on breach in installment contracts (section 2612) and unless otherwise agreed under the sections on contractual limitations of remedy (sections 2718 and 2719), if the goods or the tender of delivery fail in any respect to conform to the contract, the buyer may:
(1) reject the whole;
(2) accept the whole; or
(3) accept any commercial unit or units and reject the rest.
(a) Time and notice of rejection.-- Rejection of goods must be within a reasonable time after their delivery or tender. It is ineffective unless the buyer seasonably notifies the seller.
(b) Duties of buyer after rightful rejection.-- Subject to the provisions of sections 2603 (relating to duties of merchant buyer as to rightfully rejected goods) and 2604 (relating to options of buyer as to salvage of rightfully rejected goods):
(1) after rejection any exercise of ownership by the buyer with respect to any commercial unit is wrongful as against the seller; and
(2) if the buyer has before rejection taken physical possession of goods in which he does not have a security interest under the provisions of this division (section 2711(c) (relating to security interest of buyer in rejected goods)), he is under a duty after rejection to hold them with reasonable care at the disposition of the seller for a time sufficient to permit the seller to remove them; but
(3) the buyer has no further obligations with regard to goods rightfully rejected.
(c) Rights of seller after wrongful rejection.-- The rights of the seller with respect to goods wrongfully rejected are governed by the provisions of this division on remedies of seller in general (section 2703).
(a) General rule.-- Subject to any security interest in the buyer (section 2711(c)), when the seller has no agent or place of business at the market of rejection a merchant buyer is under a duty after rejection of goods in his possession or control to follow any reasonable instructions received from the seller with respect to the goods and in the absence of such instructions to make reasonable efforts to sell them for the account of the seller if they are perishable or threaten to decline in value speedily. Instructions are not reasonable if on demand indemnity for expenses is not forthcoming.
(b) Reimbursement for expenses and commission.-- When the buyer sells goods under subsection (a), he is entitled to reimbursement from the seller or out of the proceeds for reasonable expenses of caring for and selling them, and if the expenses include no selling commission then to such commission as is usual in the trade or if there is none to a reasonable sum not exceeding 10% on the gross proceeds.
(c) Good faith conduct.-- In complying with this section the buyer is held only to good faith and good faith conduct under this section is neither acceptance nor conversion nor the basis of an action for damages.
Subject to the provisions on perishables in section 2603 (relating to duties of merchant buyer as to rightfully rejected goods) if the seller gives no instructions within a reasonable time after notification of rejection the buyer may store the rejected goods for the account of the seller or reship them to him or resell them for the account of the seller with reimbursement as provided in section 2603. Such action is not acceptance or conversion.
(a) General rule.-- The failure of the buyer to state in connection with rejection a particular defect which is ascertainable by reasonable inspection precludes him from relying on the unstated defect to justify rejection or to establish breach:
(1) where the seller could have cured it if stated seasonably; or
(2) between merchants when the seller has after rejection made a request in writing for a full and final written statement of all defects on which the buyer proposes to rely.
(b) Payment against defective documents.-- Payment against documents made without reservation of rights precludes recovery of the payment for defects apparent in the documents.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- Acceptance of goods occurs when the buyer:
(1) after a reasonable opportunity to inspect the goods signifies to the seller that the goods are conforming or that he will take or retain them in spite of their nonconformity;
(2) fails to make an effective rejection (section 2602(a)), but such acceptance does not occur until the buyer has had a reasonable opportunity to inspect them; or
(3) does any act inconsistent with the ownership of the seller; but if such act is wrongful as against the seller it is an acceptance only if ratified by him.
(b) Part of commercial unit.-- Acceptance of a part of any commercial unit is acceptance of that entire unit.
(a) Payment for accepted goods.-- The buyer must pay at the contract rate for any goods accepted.
(b) Effect of acceptance on remedies for breach.-- Acceptance of goods by the buyer precludes rejection of the goods accepted and if made with knowledge of a nonconformity cannot be revoked because of it unless the acceptance was on the reasonable assumption that the nonconformity would be seasonably cured but acceptance does not of itself impair any other remedy provided by this division for nonconformity.
(c) Notice of breach.-- Where a tender has been accepted:
(1) the buyer must within a reasonable time after he discovers or should have discovered any breach notify the seller of breach or be barred from any remedy; and
(2) if the claim is one for infringement or the like (section 2312(c)) and the buyer is sued as a result of such a breach he must so notify the seller within a reasonable time after he receives notice of the litigation or be barred from any remedy over for liability established by the litigation.
(d) Burden of establishing breach.-- The burden is on the buyer to establish any breach with respect to the goods accepted.
(e) Notice of litigation to person answerable over.-- Where the buyer is sued for breach of a warranty or other obligation for which his seller is answerable over:
(1) He may give his seller written notice of the litigation. If the notice states that the seller may come in and defend and that if the seller does not do so he will be bound in any action against him by his buyer by any determination of fact common to the two litigations, then unless the seller after seasonable receipt of the notice does come in and defend he is so bound.
(2) If the claim is one for infringement or the like (section 2312(c)), the original seller may demand in writing that his buyer turn over to him control of the litigation including settlement or else be barred from any remedy over and if he also agrees to bear all expense and to satisfy any adverse judgment, then unless the buyer after seasonable receipt of the demand does turn over control the buyer is so barred.
(f) Obligation of buyer to hold seller harmless.-- The provisions of subsections (c), (d) and (e) apply to any obligation of a buyer to hold the seller harmless against infringement or the like (section 2312(c) (relating to warranty of merchant regularly dealing in goods)).
(a) Grounds for revocation.-- The buyer may revoke his acceptance of a lot or commercial unit whose nonconformity substantially impairs its value to him if he has accepted it:
(1) on the reasonable assumption that its nonconformity would be cured and it has not been seasonably cured; or
(2) without discovery of such nonconformity if his acceptance was reasonably induced either by the difficulty of discovery before acceptance or by the assurances of the seller.
(b) Time and notice of revocation.-- Revocation of acceptance must occur within a reasonable time after the buyer discovers or should have discovered the ground for it and before any substantial change in condition of the goods which is not caused by their own defects. It is not effective until the buyer notifies the seller of it.
(c) Rights and duties of revoking buyer.-- A buyer who so revokes has the same rights and duties with regard to the goods involved as if he had rejected them.
(a) General rule.-- A contract for sale imposes an obligation on each party that the expectation of the other of receiving due performance will not be impaired. When reasonable grounds for insecurity arise with respect to the performance of either party the other may in writing demand adequate assurance of due performance and until he receives such assurance may if commercially reasonable suspend any performance for which he has not already received the agreed return.
(b) Reasonableness and adequacy between merchants.-- Between merchants the reasonableness of grounds for insecurity and the adequacy of any assurance offered shall be determined according to commercial standards.
(c) Effect of acceptance of improper delivery or payment.-- Acceptance of any improper delivery or payment does not prejudice the right of the aggrieved party to demand adequate assurance of future performance.
(d) Effect of failure to provide assurance.-- After receipt of a justified demand failure to provide within a reasonable time not exceeding 30 days such assurance of due performance as is adequate under the circumstances of the particular case is a repudiation of the contract.
When either party repudiates the contract with respect to a performance not yet due the loss of which will substantially impair the value of the contract to the other, the aggrieved party may:
(1) for a commercially reasonable time await performance by the repudiating party; or
(2) resort to any remedy for breach (section 2703 or 2711), even though he has notified the repudiating party that he would await performance by the latter and has urged retraction; and
(3) in either case suspend his own performance or proceed in accordance with the provisions of this division on the right of the seller to identify goods to the contract notwithstanding breach or to salvage unfinished goods (section 2704).
(a) When allowable.-- Until the next performance is due by the repudiating party he can retract his repudiation unless the aggrieved party has since the repudiation cancelled or materially changed his position or otherwise indicated that he considers the repudiation final.
(b) Method.-- Retraction may be by any method which clearly indicates to the aggrieved party that the repudiating party intends to perform, but must include any assurance justifiably demanded under the provisions of this division (section 2609).
(c) Effect on contract rights.-- Retraction reinstates the rights of the repudiating party under the contract with due excuse and allowance to the aggrieved party for any delay occasioned by the repudiation.
(a) Definition of "installment contract".-- An "installment contract" is one which requires or authorizes the delivery of goods in separate lots to be separately accepted, even though the contract contains a clause "each delivery is a separate contract" or its equivalent.
(b) Right to reject nonconforming installment.-- The buyer may reject any installment which is nonconforming if the nonconformity substantially impairs the value of that installment and cannot be cured or if the nonconformity is a defect in the required documents; but if the nonconformity does not fall within subsection (c) and the seller gives adequate assurance of its cure the buyer must accept that installment.
(c) Breach.-- Whenever nonconformity or default with respect to one or more installments substantially impairs the value of the whole contract there is a breach of the whole. But the aggrieved party reinstates the contract if he accepts a nonconforming installment without seasonably notifying of cancellation or if he brings an action with respect only to past installments or demands performance as to future installments.
Where the contract requires for its performance goods identified when the contract is made and the goods suffer casualty without fault of either party before the risk of loss passes to the buyer, or in a proper case under a "no arrival, no sale" term (section 2324) then:
(1) if the loss is total the contract is avoided; and
(2) if the loss is partial or the goods have so deteriorated as no longer to conform to the contract the buyer may nevertheless demand inspection and at his option either treat the contract as avoided, or accept the goods with due allowance from the contract price for the deterioration or the deficiency in quantity but without further right against the seller.
(a) Manner of delivery.-- Where without fault of either party the agreed berthing, loading, or unloading facilities fail or an agreed type of carrier becomes unavailable or the agreed manner of delivery otherwise becomes commercially impracticable but a commercially reasonable substitute is available, such substitute performance must be tendered and accepted.
(b) Manner of payment.-- If the agreed means or manner of payment fails because of domestic or foreign governmental regulation, the seller may withhold or stop delivery unless the buyer provides a means or manner of payment which is commercially a substantial equivalent. If delivery has already been taken, payment by the means or in the manner provided by the regulation discharges the obligation of the buyer unless the regulation is discriminatory, oppressive or predatory.
Except so far as a seller may have assumed a greater obligation and subject to section 2614 (relating to substituted performance):
(1) Delay in delivery or non-delivery in whole or in part by a seller who complies with paragraphs (2) and (3) is not a breach of his duty under a contract for sale if performance as agreed has been made impracticable by the occurrence of a contingency the non-occurrence of which was a basic assumption on which the contract was made or by compliance in good faith with any applicable foreign or domestic governmental regulation or order whether or not it later proves to be invalid.
(2) Where the causes mentioned in paragraph (1) affect only a part of the capacity of the seller to perform, he must allocate production and deliveries among his customers, but may at his option include regular customers not then under contract as well as his own requirements for further manufacture. He may so allocate in any manner which is fair and reasonable.
(3) The seller must notify the buyer seasonably that there will be delay or nondelivery and, when allocation is required under paragraph (2), of the estimated quota thus made available for the buyer.
(a) Right of buyer to terminate or modify contract.-- Where the buyer receives notification of a material or indefinite delay or an allocation justified under section 2615 (relating to excuse by failure of presupposed conditions) he may by written notification to the seller as to any delivery concerned, and where the prospective deficiency substantially impairs the value of the whole contract under the provisions of this division relating to breach of installment contracts (section 2612), then also as to the whole:
(1) terminate and thereby discharge any unexecuted portion of the contract; or
(2) modify the contract by agreeing to take his available quota in substitution.
(b) Time limitation on modification.-- If after receipt of such notification from the seller the buyer fails so to modify the contract within a reasonable time not exceeding 30 days the contract lapses with respect to any deliveries affected.
(c) Effect of agreement on section.-- The provisions of this section may not be negated by agreement except insofar as the seller has assumed a greater obligation under section 2615.
Remedies for breach of any obligation or promise collateral or ancillary to a contract for sale are not impaired by the provisions of this division.
(a) Right to refuse or stop delivery.-- Where the seller discovers the buyer to be insolvent he may refuse delivery except for cash including payment for all goods theretofore delivered under the contract and stop delivery under this division (section 2705).
(b) Reclamation of goods on credit.-- Where the seller discovers that the buyer has received goods on credit while insolvent he may reclaim the goods upon demand made within ten days after the receipt, but if misrepresentation of solvency has been made to the particular seller in writing within three months before delivery the ten-day limitation does not apply. Except as provided in this subsection the seller may not base a right to reclaim goods on the buyer's fraudulent or innocent misrepresentation of solvency or of intent to pay.
(c) Limitations on right of reclamation.-- The right of the seller to reclaim under subsection (b) is subject to the rights of a buyer in ordinary course or other good faith purchaser under this division (section 2403). Successful reclamation of goods excludes all other remedies with respect to them.
(Nov. 26, 1982, P.L.696, No.201, eff. 180 days)
Where the buyer wrongfully rejects or revokes acceptance of goods or fails to make a payment due on or before delivery or repudiates with respect to a part or on the whole, then with respect to any goods directly affected and, if the breach is of the whole contract (section 2612), then also with respect to the whole undelivered balance, the aggrieved seller may:
(1) Withhold delivery of such goods.
(2) Stop delivery by any bailee as provided in section 2705 (relating to stoppage by seller of delivery in transit or otherwise).
(3) Proceed under section 2704 (relating to right of seller to identify goods to contract notwithstanding breach or to salvage unfinished goods).
(4) Resell and recover damages as hereafter provided (section 2706 (relating to resale by seller including contract for resale)).
(5) Recover damages for nonacceptance (section 2708) or in a proper case the price (section 2709).
(6) Cancel.
(a) Identification and resale of goods.-- An aggrieved seller under section 2703 (relating to remedies of seller in general) may:
(1) Identify to the contract conforming goods not already identified if at the time he learned of the breach they are in his possession or control.
(2) Treat as the subject of resale goods which have demonstrably been intended for the particular contract even though those goods are unfinished.
(b) Unfinished goods.-- Where the goods are unfinished an aggrieved seller may in the exercise of reasonable commercial judgment for the purposes of avoiding loss and of effective realization either complete the manufacture and wholly identify the goods to the contract or cease manufacture and resell for scrap or salvage value or proceed in any other reasonable manner.
(a) General rule.-- The seller may stop delivery of goods in the possession of a carrier or other bailee when he discovers the buyer to be insolvent (section 2702) and may stop delivery of carload, truckload, planeload or larger shipments of express or freight when the buyer repudiates or fails to make a payment due before delivery, or if for any other reason the seller has a right to withhold or reclaim the goods.
(b) When seller loses right.-- As against such buyer the seller may stop delivery until:
(1) receipt of the goods by the buyer;
(2) acknowledgment to the buyer by any bailee of the goods, except a carrier, that the bailee holds the goods for the buyer;
(3) such acknowledgment to the buyer by a carrier by reshipment or as a warehouse; or
(4) negotiation to the buyer of any negotiable document of title covering the goods.
(c) Notice and compliance.--
(1) To stop delivery the seller must so notify as to enable the bailee by reasonable diligence to prevent delivery of the goods.
(2) After such notification the bailee must hold and deliver the goods according to the directions of the seller but the seller is liable to the bailee for any ensuing charges or damages.
(3) If a negotiable document of title has been issued for goods the bailee is not obliged to obey a notification to stop until surrender of possession or control of the document.
(4) A carrier who has issued a nonnegotiable bill of lading is not obliged to obey a notification to stop received from a person other than the consignor.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- Under the conditions stated in section 2703 (relating to remedies of seller in general), the seller may resell the goods concerned or the undelivered balance thereof. Where the resale is made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner the seller may recover the difference between the resale price and the contract price together with any incidental damages allowed under the provisions of this division (section 2710), but less expenses saved in consequence of the breach by the buyer.
(b) Manner of resale.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) or unless otherwise agreed resale may be at public or private sale including sale by way of one or more contracts to sell or of identification to an existing contract of the seller. Sale may be as a unit or in parcels and at any time and place and on any terms but every aspect of the sale including the method, manner, time, place and terms must be commercially reasonable. The resale must be reasonably identified as referring to the broken contract, but it is not necessary that the goods be in existence or that any or all of them have been identified to the contract before the breach.
(c) Notice of private sale.-- Where the resale is at private sale the seller must give the buyer reasonable notification of his intention to resell.
(d) Public sale.-- Where the resale is at public sale:
(1) Only identified goods can be sold except where there is a recognized market for a public sale of futures in goods of the kind.
(2) It must be made at a usual place or market for public sale if one is reasonably available and except in the case of goods which are perishable or threaten to decline in value speedily the seller must give the buyer reasonable notice of the time and place of the resale.
(3) If the goods are not to be within the view of those attending the sale the notification of sale must state the place where the goods are located and provide for their reasonable inspection by prospective bidders.
(4) The seller may buy.
(e) Rights of good faith purchaser.-- A purchaser who buys in good faith at a resale takes the goods free of any rights of the original buyer even though the seller fails to comply with one or more of the requirements of this section.
(f) Accountability for profit.-- The seller is not accountable to the buyer for any profit made on any resale. A person in the position of a seller (section 2707), or buyer who has rightfully rejected or justifiably revoked acceptance must account for any excess over the amount of his security interest, as defined in section 2711(c) (relating to remedies of buyer in general; security interest of buyer in rejected goods).
(a) Definition.-- A "person in the position of a seller" includes:
(1) as against a principal an agent who has paid or become responsible for the price of goods on behalf of his principal; or
(2) anyone who otherwise holds a security interest or other right in goods similar to that of a seller.
(b) Rights.-- A person in the position of a seller may as provided in this division:
(1) withhold or stop delivery (section 2705);
(2) resell (section 2706); and
(3) recover incidental damages (section 2710).
(a) General rule.-- Subject to subsection (b) and to the provisions of this division with respect to proof of market price (section 2723), the measure of damages for nonacceptance or repudiation by the buyer is the difference between the market price at the time and place for tender and the unpaid contract price together with any incidental damages provided in this division (section 2710) but less expenses saved in consequence of the breach by the buyer.
(b) Exception.-- If the measure of damages provided in subsection (a) is inadequate to put the seller in as good a position as performance would have done then the measure of damages is the profit (including reasonable overhead) which the seller would have made from full performance by the buyer, together with any incidental damages provided in this division (section 2710), due allowance for costs reasonably incurred, and due credit for payments or proceeds of resale.
(a) When allowable.-- When the buyer fails to pay the price as it becomes due the seller may recover, together with any incidental damages under section 2710 (relating to incidental damages of seller), the price of:
(1) goods accepted or conforming goods lost or damaged within a commercially reasonable time after risk of their loss has passed to the buyer; and
(2) goods identified to the contract if the seller is unable after reasonable effort to resell them at a reasonable price or the circumstances reasonably indicate that such effort will be unavailing.
(b) Duties of seller.-- Where the seller sues for the price he must hold for the buyer any goods which have been identified to the contract and are still in his control except that if resale becomes possible he may resell them at any time prior to the collection of the judgment. The net proceeds of any resale must be credited to the buyer and payment of the judgment entitles him to any goods not resold.
(c) Remedy if price not allowable.-- After the buyer has wrongfully rejected or revoked acceptance of the goods or has failed to make a payment due or has repudiated (section 2610), a seller who is held not entitled to the price under this section shall nevertheless be awarded damages for nonacceptance under section 2708 (relating to damages of seller for nonacceptance or repudiation).
Incidental damages to an aggrieved seller include any commercially reasonable charges, expenses or commissions incurred in stopping delivery, in the transportation, care and custody of goods after the breach by the buyer, in connection with return or resale of the goods or otherwise resulting from the breach.
(a) Cancellation and additional remedies.-- Where the seller fails to make delivery or repudiates or the buyer rightfully rejects or justifiably revokes acceptance then with respect to any goods involved, and with respect to the whole if the breach goes to the whole contract (section 2612 (relating to "installment contract"; breach)), the buyer may cancel and whether or not he has done so may in addition to recovering so much of the price as has been paid:
(1) "cover" and have damages under section 2712 (relating to "cover"; procurement by buyer of substitute goods) as to all the goods affected whether or not they have been identified to the contract; or
(2) recover damages for nondelivery as provided in this division (section 2713 (relating to damages of buyer for nondelivery or repudiation)).
(b) Additional remedies for nondelivery or repudiation.-- Where the seller fails to deliver or repudiates the buyer may also:
(1) if the goods have been identified recover them as provided in this division (section 2502 (relating to right of buyer to goods upon insolvency of seller)); or
(2) in a proper case obtain specific performance or replevy the goods as provided in this division (section 2716).
(c) Security interest of buyer in rejected goods.-- On rightful rejection or justifiable revocation of acceptance a buyer has a security interest in goods in his possession or control for any payments made on their price and any expenses reasonably incurred in their inspection, receipt, transportation, care and custody and may hold such goods and resell them in like manner as an aggrieved seller (section 2706).
(a) Right and manner of cover.-- After a breach within section 2711 (relating to remedies of buyer in general; security interest of buyer in rejected goods) the buyer may "cover" by making in good faith and without unreasonable delay any reasonable purchase of or contract to purchase goods in substitution for those due from the seller.
(b) Damages recoverable.-- The buyer may recover from the seller as damages the difference between the cost of cover and the contract price, together with any incidental or consequential damages as defined in section 2715 (relating to incidental and consequential damages of buyer) but less expenses saved in consequence of the breach by the seller.
(c) Other remedies unaffected by failure to cover.-- Failure of the buyer to effect cover within this section does not bar him from any other remedy.
(a) Damages recoverable.-- Subject to the provisions of this division with respect to proof of market price (section 2723), the measure of damages for nondelivery or repudiation by the seller is the difference between the market price at the time when the buyer learned of the breach and the contract price, together with any incidental and consequential damages provided in this division (section 2715), but less expenses saved in consequence of the breach by the seller.
(b) Determination of market price.-- Market price is to be determined as of the place for tender, or in cases of rejection after arrival or revocation of acceptance, as of the place of arrival.
(a) Damages for nonconformity of tender.-- Where the buyer has accepted goods and given notification (section 2607(c)) he may recover as damages for any nonconformity of tender the loss resulting in the ordinary course of events from the breach of the seller as determined in any manner which is reasonable.
(b) Measure of damages for breach of warranty.-- The measure of damages for breach of warranty is the difference at the time and place of acceptance between the value of the goods accepted and the value they would have had if they had been as warranted, unless special circumstances show proximate damages of a different amount.
(c) Incidental and consequential damages.-- In a proper case any incidental and consequential damages under section 2715 (relating to incidental and consequential damages of buyer) may also be recovered.
(a) Incidental damages.-- Incidental damages resulting from the breach of the seller include:
(1) expenses reasonably incurred in inspection, receipt, transportation and care and custody of goods rightfully rejected;
(2) any commercially reasonable charges, expenses or commissions in connection with effecting cover; and
(3) any other reasonable expense incident to the delay or other breach.
(b) Consequential damages.-- Consequential damages resulting from the breach of the seller include:
(1) any loss resulting from general or particular requirements and needs of which the seller at the time of contracting had reason to know and which could not reasonably be prevented by cover or otherwise; and
(2) injury to person or property proximately resulting from any breach of warranty.
(a) Specific performance.-- Specific performance may be decreed where the goods are unique or in other proper circumstances.
(b) Terms and conditions of decree.-- The decree for specific performance may include such terms and conditions as to payment of the price, damages, or other relief as the court may deem just.
(c) Replevin.-- The buyer has a right of replevin for goods identified to the contract if after reasonable effort he is unable to effect cover for such goods or the circumstances reasonably indicate that such effort will be unavailing, or if the goods have been shipped under reservation and satisfaction of the security interest in them has been made or tendered. In the case of goods bought for personal, family or household purposes, the buyer's right of replevin vests upon acquisition of a special property even if the seller had not then repudiated or failed to deliver.
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001)
The buyer on notifying the seller of his intention to do so may deduct all or any part of the damages resulting from any breach of the contract from any part of the price still due under the same contract.
(a) Liquidated damages in agreement.-- Damages for breach by either party may be liquidated in the agreement but only at an amount which is reasonable in the light of the anticipated or actual harm caused by the breach, the difficulties of proof of loss, and the inconvenience or nonfeasibility of otherwise obtaining an adequate remedy. A term fixing unreasonably large liquidated damages is void as a penalty.
(b) Right of buyer to restitution.-- Where the seller justifiably withholds delivery of goods because of the breach of the buyer, the buyer is entitled to restitution of any amount by which the sum of his payments exceeds:
(1) the amount to which the seller is entitled by virtue of terms liquidating the damages of the seller in accordance with subsection (a); or
(2) in the absence of such terms, 20% of the value of the total performance for which the buyer is obligated under the contract or $500, whichever is smaller.
(c) Offset.-- The right of the buyer to restitution under subsection (b) is subject to offset to the extent that the seller establishes:
(1) a right to recover damages under the provisions of this division other than subsection (a); and
(2) the amount or value of any benefits received by the buyer directly or indirectly by reason of the contract.
(d) Payment in goods.-- Where a seller has received payment in goods their reasonable value or the proceeds of their resale shall be treated as payments for the purposes of subsection (b); but if the seller has notice of the breach of the buyer before reselling goods received in part performance, his resale is subject to the conditions laid down in this division on resale by an aggrieved seller (section 2706).
(a) General rule.-- Subject to the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) and of section 2718 (relating to liquidation or limitation of damages; deposits):
(1) The agreement may provide for remedies in addition to or in substitution for those provided in this division and may limit or alter the measure of damages recoverable under this division, as by limiting the remedies of the buyer to return of the goods and repayment of the price or to repair and replacement of nonconforming goods or parts.
(2) Resort to a remedy as provided is optional unless the remedy is expressly agreed to be exclusive, in which case it is the sole remedy.
(b) Exclusive remedy failing in purpose.-- Where circumstances cause an exclusive or limited remedy to fail of its essential purpose, remedy may be had as provided in this title.
(c) Limitation of consequential damages.-- Consequential damages may be limited or excluded unless the limitation or exclusion is unconscionable. Limitation of consequential damages for injury to the person in the case of consumer goods is prima facie unconscionable but limitation of damages where the loss is commercial is not.
Unless the contrary intention clearly appears, expressions of "cancellation" or "rescission" of the contract or the like shall not be construed as a renunciation or discharge of any claim in damages for an antecedent breach.
Remedies for material misrepresentation or fraud include all remedies available under this division for nonfraudulent breach. Neither rescission or a claim for rescission of the contract for sale nor rejection or return of the goods shall bar or be deemed inconsistent with a claim for damages or other remedy.
Where a third party so deals with goods which have been identified to a contract for sale as to cause actionable injury to a party to that contract:
(1) A right of action against the third party is in either party to the contract for sale who has title to or a security interest or a special property or an insurable interest in the goods; and if the goods have been destroyed or converted a right of action is also in the party who either bore the risk of loss under the contract for sale or has since the injury assumed that risk as against the other.
(2) If at the time of the injury the party plaintiff did not bear the risk of loss as against the other party to the contract for sale and there is no arrangement between them for disposition of the recovery, his suit or settlement is, subject to his own interest, as a fiduciary for the other party to the contract.
(3) Either party may with the consent of the other sue for the benefit of whom it may concern.
(a) Determination of market price generally.-- If an action based on anticipatory repudiation comes to trial before the time for performance with respect to some or all of the goods, any damages based on market price (section 2708 or 2713) shall be determined according to the price of such goods prevailing at the time when the aggrieved party learned of the repudiation.
(b) Other evidence available.-- If evidence of a price prevailing at the times or places described in this division is not readily available the price prevailing within any reasonable time before or after the time described or at any other place which in commercial judgment or under usage of trade would serve as a reasonable substitute for the one described, may be used, making any proper allowance for the cost of transporting the goods to or from such other place.
(c) Admissibility of other relevant evidence.-- Evidence of a relevant price prevailing at a time or place other than the one described in this division offered by one party is not admissible unless and until he has given the other party such notice as the court finds sufficient to prevent unfair surprise.
Whenever the prevailing price or value of any goods regularly bought and sold in any established commodity market is in issue, reports in official publications or trade journals or newspapers or periodicals of general circulation published as the reports of such market shall be admissible in evidence. The circumstances of the preparation of such a report may be shown to affect its weight but not its admissibility.
(a) General rule.-- An action for breach of any contract for sale must be commenced within four years after the cause of action has accrued. By the original agreement the parties may reduce the period of limitation to not less than one year but may not extend it.
(b) Accrual of cause of action.-- A cause of action accrues when the breach occurs, regardless of the aggrieved party's lack of knowledge of the breach. A breach of warranty occurs when tender of delivery is made, except that where a warranty explicitly extends to future performance of the goods and discovery of the breach must await the time of such performance the cause of action accrues when the breach is or should have been discovered.
(c) New action after termination of another.-- Where an action commenced within the time limited by subsection (a) is so terminated as to leave available a remedy by another action for the same breach such other action may be commenced after the expiration of the time limited and within six months after the termination of the first action unless the termination resulted from voluntary discontinuance or from dismissal for failure or neglect to prosecute.
(d) Laws and actions unaffected by section.-- This section does not alter the law on tolling of the statute of limitations nor does it apply to causes of action which have accrued before this title becomes effective.
This division shall be known and may be cited as the Uniform Commercial Code, Article 2A, Leases.
(a) Leases generally.-- This division applies to any transaction, regardless of form, that creates a lease; and, in the case of a hybrid lease, this division applies to the extent provided in subsection (b).
(b) Hybrid leases.-- In a hybrid lease:
(1) if the lease-of-goods aspects do not predominate:
(i) only the provisions of this division which relate primarily to the lease-of-goods aspects of the transaction apply, and the provisions that relate primarily to the transaction as a whole do not apply;
(ii) section 2A209 (relating to lessee under finance lease as beneficiary of supply contract) applies if the lease is a finance lease; and
(iii) section 2A407 (relating to irrevocable promises: finance leases) applies to the promises of the lessee in a finance lease to the extent the promises are consideration for the right to possession and use of the leased goods; and
(2) if the lease-of-goods aspects predominate, this division applies to the transaction, but does not preclude application in appropriate circumstances of other law to aspects of the lease which do not relate to the lease of goods.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Definitions.-- The following words and phrases when used in this division shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Buyer in ordinary course of business." A person who, in good faith and without knowledge that the sale to him is in violation of the ownership rights or security interest or leasehold interest of a third party in the goods, buys in ordinary course from a person in the business of selling goods of that kind but does not include a pawnbroker. "Buying" may be for cash or by exchange of other property or on secured or unsecured credit and includes acquiring goods or documents of title under a preexisting contract for sale but does not include a transfer in bulk or as security for or in total or partial satisfaction of a money debt.
"Cancellation." Occurs when either party puts an end to the lease contract for default by the other party.
"Commercial unit." Such a unit of goods as by commercial usage is a single whole for purposes of lease and division of which materially impairs its character or value on the market or in use. A commercial unit may be a single article, as a machine, or a set of articles, as a suite of furniture or a line of machinery, or a quantity, as a gross or carload, or any other unit treated in use or in the relevant market as a single whole.
"Conforming." Conforming goods or performance under a lease contract means goods or performance that are in accordance with the obligations under the lease contract.
"Consumer lease." A lease that a lessor regularly engaged in the business of leasing or selling makes to a lessee who is an individual and who takes under the lease primarily for a personal, family or household purpose, if the total payments to be made under the lease contract, excluding payments for options to renew or buy, do not exceed $25,000.
"Fault." Wrongful act, omission, breach or default.
"Finance lease." A lease with respect to which:
(1) the lessor does not select, manufacture or supply the goods;
(2) the lessor acquires the goods or the right to possession and use of the goods in connection with the lease; and
(3) one of the following occurs:
(i) the lessee receives a copy of the contract by which the lessor acquired the goods or the right to possession and use of the goods before signing the lease contract;
(ii) the lessee's approval of the contract by which the lessor acquired the goods or the right to possession and use of the goods is a condition to effectiveness of the lease contract;
(iii) the lessee, before signing the lease contract, receives an accurate and complete statement designating the promises and warranties, and any disclaimers of warranties, limitations or modifications of remedies, or liquidated damages, including those of a third party, such as the manufacturer of the goods, provided to the lessor by the person supplying the goods in connection with or as part of the contract by which the lessor acquired the goods or the right to possession and use of the goods; or
(iv) if the lease is not a consumer lease, the lessor, before the lessee signs the lease contract, informs the lessee, in writing:
(A) of the identity of the person supplying the goods to the lessor, unless the lessee has selected that person and directed the lessor to acquire the goods or the right to possession and use of the goods from that person;
(B) that the lessee is entitled under this division to the promises and warranties, including those of any third party, provided to the lessor by the person supplying the goods in connection with or as part of the contract by which the lessor acquired the goods or the right to possession and use of the goods; and
(C) that the lessee may communicate with the person supplying the goods to the lessor and receive an accurate and complete statement of those promises and warranties, including any disclaimers and limitations of them or of remedies.
"Goods." All things that are movable at the time of identification to the lease contract, or are fixtures (section 2A309), but the term does not include money, documents, instruments, accounts, chattel paper, general intangibles, or minerals or the like, including oil and gas, before extraction. The term also includes the unborn young of animals.
"Hybrid lease." A single transaction involving a lease of goods and:
(1) the provision of services;
(2) a sale of other goods; or
(3) a sale, lease or license of property other than goods.
"Installment lease contract." A lease contract that authorizes or requires the delivery of goods in separate lots to be separately accepted, even though the lease contract contains a clause "each delivery is a separate lease" or its equivalent.
"Lease." A transfer of the right to possession and use of goods for a term in return for consideration, but a sale, including a sale on approval or a sale or return, or retention or creation of a security interest is not a lease. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term includes a sublease.
"Lease agreement." The bargain, with respect to the lease, of the lessor and the lessee in fact as found in their language or by implication from other circumstances including course of dealing or usage of trade or course of performance as provided in this division. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term includes a sublease agreement.
"Lease contract." The total legal obligation that results from the lease agreement as affected by this division and any other applicable rules of law. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term includes a sublease contract.
"Leasehold interest." The interest of the lessor or the lessee under a lease contract.
"Lessee." A person who acquires the right to possession and use of goods under a lease. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term includes a sublessee.
"Lessee in ordinary course of business." A person who, in good faith and without knowledge that the lease to him is in violation of the ownership rights or security interest or leasehold interest of a third party in the goods, leases in ordinary course from a person in the business of selling or leasing goods of that kind but does not include a pawnbroker. "Leasing" may be for cash or by exchange of other property or on secured or unsecured credit and includes acquiring goods or documents of title under a preexisting lease contract but does not include a transfer in bulk or as security for or in total or partial satisfaction of a money debt.
"Lessor." A person who transfers the right to possession and use of goods under a lease. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term includes a sublessor.
"Lessor's residual interest." The lessor's interest in the goods after expiration, termination or cancellation of the lease contract.
"Lien." A charge against or interest in goods to secure payment of a debt or performance of an obligation, but the term does not include a security interest.
"Lot." A parcel or a single article that is the subject matter of a separate lease or delivery, whether or not it is sufficient to perform the lease contract.
"Merchant lessee." A lessee that is a merchant with respect to goods of the kind subject to the lease.
"Present value." The amount as of a date certain of one or more sums payable in the future, discounted to the date certain. The discount is determined by the interest rate specified by the parties if the rate was not manifestly unreasonable at the time the transaction was entered into; otherwise, the discount is determined by a commercially reasonable rate that takes into account the facts and circumstances of each case at the time the transaction was entered into.
"Purchase." Includes taking by sale, lease, mortgage, security interest, pledge, gift or any other voluntary transaction creating an interest in goods.
"Sublease." A lease of goods the right to possession and use of which was acquired by the lessor as a lessee under an existing lease.
"Supplier." A person from whom a lessor buys or leases goods to be leased under a finance lease.
"Supply contract." A contract under which a lessor buys or leases goods to be leased.
"Termination." Occurs when either party pursuant to a power created by agreement or law puts an end to the lease contract otherwise than for default.
(b) Index of other definitions in division.-- Other definitions applying to this division and the sections in which they appear are:
"Accessions." Section 2A310(a).
"Construction mortgage." Section 2A309(a).
"Encumbrance." Section 2A309(a).
"Fixture filing." Section 2A309(a).
"Fixtures." Section 2A309(a).
"Purchase money lease." Section 2A309(a).
(c) Index of definitions in other divisions.-- The following definitions in other divisions apply to this division:
"Account." Section 9102(a).
"Between merchants." Section 2104.
"Buyer." Section 2103(a).
"Chattel paper." Section 9102(a).
"Consumer goods." Section 9102(a).
"Document." Section 9102(a).
"Entrusting." Section 2403(c).
"General intangible." Section 9102(a).
"Good faith." (Deleted by amendment).
"Instrument." Section 9102(a).
"Merchant." Section 2104.
"Mortgage." Section 9102(a).
"Pursuant to commitment." Section 9102(a).
"Receipt." Section 2103(a).
"Sale." Section 2106(a).
"Sale on approval." Section 2326.
"Sale or return." Section 2326.
"Seller." Section 2103(a).
(d) Applicability of general definitions and principles.-- In addition, Division 1 (relating to general provisions) contains general definitions and principles of construction and interpretation applicable throughout this division.
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001; Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- A lease, although subject to this division, is also subject to any applicable:
(1) certificate of title statute of this Commonwealth;
(2) certificate of title statute of another jurisdiction (section 2A105); or
(3) consumer protection statute of this Commonwealth.
(b) Conflict between division and statute.-- In case of conflict between this division, other than sections 2A105 (relating to territorial application of division to goods covered by certificate of title), 2A304(c) (relating to subsequent lease of goods by lessor) and 2A305(c) (relating to sale or sublease of goods by lessee), and a statute referred to in subsection (a), the statute controls.
(c) Noncompliance with applicable law.-- Failure to comply with an applicable law has only the effect specified therein.
Subject to the provisions of sections 2A304(c) (relating to subsequent lease of goods by lessor) and 2A305(c) (relating to sale or sublease of goods by lessee), with respect to goods covered by a certificate of title issued under a statute of this Commonwealth or of another jurisdiction, compliance and the effect of compliance or noncompliance with a certificate of title statute are governed by the law (including the conflict of laws rules) of the jurisdiction issuing the certificate until the earlier of:
(1) surrender of the certificate; or
(2) four months after the goods are removed from that jurisdiction and thereafter until a new certificate of title is issued by another jurisdiction.
(a) Choice of law.-- If the law chosen by the parties to a consumer lease is that of a jurisdiction other than a jurisdiction in which the lessee resides at the time the lease agreement becomes enforceable or within 30 days thereafter or in which the goods are to be used, the choice is not enforceable.
(b) Choice of judicial forum.-- If the judicial forum chosen by the parties to a consumer lease is a forum that would not otherwise have jurisdiction over the lessee, the choice is not enforceable.
Any claim or right arising out of an alleged default or breach of warranty may be discharged in whole or in part without consideration by a waiver or renunciation in a signed record delivered by the aggrieved party.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Unconscionable lease.-- If the court as a matter of law finds a lease contract or any clause of a lease contract to have been unconscionable at the time it was made, the court may refuse to enforce the lease contract, or it may enforce the remainder of the lease contract without the unconscionable clause, or it may so limit the application of any unconscionable clause as to avoid any unconscionable result.
(b) Unconscionable conduct.-- With respect to a consumer lease, if the court as a matter of law finds that a lease contract or any clause of a lease contract has been induced by unconscionable conduct or that unconscionable conduct has occurred in the collection of a claim arising from a lease contract, the court may grant appropriate relief.
(c) Evidence by parties.-- Before making a finding of unconscionability under subsection (a) or (b), the court, on its own motion or that of a party, shall afford the parties a reasonable opportunity to present evidence as to the setting, purpose and effect of the lease contract, or clause thereof, or of the conduct.
(d) Award of attorney fees.-- In an action in which the lessee claims unconscionability with respect to a consumer lease:
(1) If the court finds unconscionability under subsection (a) or (b), the court shall award reasonable attorney fees to the lessee.
(2) If the court does not find unconscionability and the lessee claiming unconscionability has brought or maintained an action he knew to be groundless, the court shall award reasonable attorney fees to the party against whom the claim is made.
(3) In determining attorney fees, the amount of the recovery on behalf of the claimant under subsections (a) and (b) is not controlling.
(a) General rule.-- A term providing that one party or his successor in interest may accelerate payment or performance or require collateral or additional collateral "at will" or "when he deems himself insecure" or in words of similar import must be construed to mean that he has power to do so only if he in good faith believes that the prospect of payment or performance is impaired.
(b) Burden of proof.-- With respect to a consumer lease, the burden of establishing good faith under subsection (a) is on the party who exercised the power; otherwise, the burden of establishing lack of good faith is on the party against whom the power has been exercised.
(a) General rule.-- A lease contract is not enforceable by way of action or defense unless:
(1) the total payments to be made under the lease contract, excluding payments for options to renew or buy, are less than $1,000; or
(2) there is a record, signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought or by that party's authorized agent, sufficient to indicate that a lease contract has been made between the parties and to describe the goods leased and the lease term.
(b) Description of goods or term.-- Any description of leased goods or of the lease term is sufficient and satisfies subsection (a)(2), whether or not it is specific, if it reasonably identifies what is described.
(c) Omitted or incorrectly stated terms.-- A record is not insufficient because it omits or incorrectly states a term agreed upon, but the lease contract is not enforceable under subsection (a)(2) beyond the lease term and the quantity of goods shown in the record.
(d) Enforceability of lease not satisfying general requirements.-- A lease contract that does not satisfy the requirements of subsection (a), but which is valid in other respects, is enforceable:
(1) if the goods are to be specially manufactured or obtained for the lessee and are not suitable for lease or sale to others in the ordinary course of the lessor's business, and the lessor, before notice of repudiation is received and under circumstances that reasonably indicate that the goods are for the lessee, has made either a substantial beginning of their manufacture or commitments for their procurement;
(2) if the party against whom enforcement is sought admits in that party's pleading, testimony or otherwise in court that a lease contract was made, but the lease contract is not enforceable under this provision beyond the quantity of goods admitted; or
(3) with respect to goods that have been received and accepted by the lessee.
(e) Term of lease not satisfying general requirements.-- The lease term under a lease contract referred to in subsection (d) is:
(1) if there is a record signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought or by that party's authorized agent specifying the lease term, the term so specified;
(2) if the party against whom enforcement is sought admits in that party's pleading, testimony or otherwise in court a lease term, the term so admitted; or
(3) a reasonable lease term.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
Terms with respect to which the confirmatory memoranda of the parties agree or which are otherwise set forth in a record intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement with respect to such terms as are included therein may not be contradicted by evidence of any prior agreement or of a contemporaneous oral agreement but may be explained or supplemented:
(1) by course of dealing or usage of trade or by course of performance; and
(2) by evidence of consistent additional terms unless the court finds the record to have been intended also as a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of the agreement.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
The affixing of a seal to a record evidencing a lease contract or an offer to enter into a lease contract does not render the record a sealed instrument, and the law with respect to sealed instruments does not apply to the lease contract or offer.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- A lease contract may be made in any manner sufficient to show agreement, including conduct by both parties which recognizes the existence of a lease contract.
(b) Effect of undetermined time of making agreement.-- An agreement sufficient to constitute a lease contract may be found although the moment of its making is undetermined.
(c) Effect of open terms.-- Although one or more terms are left open, a lease contract does not fail for indefiniteness if the parties have intended to make a lease contract and there is a reasonably certain basis for giving an appropriate remedy.
An offer by a merchant to lease goods to or from another person in a signed record that by its terms gives assurance it will be held open is not revocable, for lack of consideration, during the time stated or, if no time is stated, for a reasonable time, but in no event may the period of irrevocability exceed three months. Any such term of assurance on a form supplied by the offeree must be separately signed by the offeror.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- Unless otherwise unambiguously indicated by the language or circumstances, an offer to make a lease contract must be construed as inviting acceptance in any manner and by any medium reasonable in the circumstances.
(b) Beginning requested performance without notice.-- If the beginning of a requested performance is a reasonable mode of acceptance, an offeror who is not notified of acceptance within a reasonable time may treat the offer as having lapsed before acceptance.
[Deleted by amendment]
(a) Consideration unnecessary for modification.-- An agreement modifying a lease contract needs no consideration to be binding.
(b) Writing excluding modification or rescission.-- A signed lease agreement that excludes modification or rescission except by a signed record may not be otherwise modified or rescinded, but, except as between merchants, such a requirement on a form supplied by a merchant must be separately signed by the other party.
(c) Ineffective modification or rescission as waiver.-- Although an attempt at modification or rescission does not satisfy the requirements of subsection (b), it may operate as a waiver.
(d) Retraction of waiver.-- A party who has made a waiver affecting an executory portion of a lease contract may retract the waiver by reasonable notification received by the other party that strict performance will be required of any term waived, unless the retraction would be unjust in view of a material change of position in reliance on the waiver.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- The benefit of a supplier's promises to the lessor under the supply contract and of all warranties, whether express or implied, including those of any third party provided in connection with or as part of the supply contract extends to the lessee to the extent of the lessee's leasehold interest under a finance lease related to the supply contract, but subject to the terms of the warranty and of the supply contract and all defenses or claims arising therefrom.
(b) Effect of extension of benefits.-- The extension of the benefit of a supplier's promises and warranties to the lessee (subsection (a)) does not:
(1) modify the rights and obligations of the parties to the supply contract, whether arising therefrom or otherwise; or
(2) impose any duty or liability under the supply contract on the lessee.
(c) Modification or rescission by supplier and lessor.-- Any modification or rescission of the supply contract by the supplier and the lessor is effective between the supplier and the lessee unless, before the modification or rescission, the supplier has received notice that the lessee has entered into a finance lease related to the supply contract. If the modification or rescission is effective between the supplier and the lessee, the lessor is deemed to have assumed, in addition to the obligations of the lessor to the lessee under the lease contract, promises of the supplier to the lessor and warranties that were so modified or rescinded as they existed and were available to the lessee before modification or rescission.
(d) Additional rights of lessee.-- In addition to the extension of the benefit of the supplier's promises and of warranties to the lessee under subsection (a), the lessee retains all rights that the lessee may have against the supplier which arise from an agreement between the lessee and the supplier or under other law.
(a) General rule.-- Express warranties by the lessor are created as follows:
(1) Any affirmation of fact or promise made by the lessor to the lessee which relates to the goods and becomes part of the basis of the bargain creates an express warranty that the goods will conform to the affirmation or promise.
(2) Any description of the goods which is made part of the basis of the bargain creates an express warranty that the goods will conform to the description.
(3) Any sample or model that is made part of the basis of the bargain creates an express warranty that the whole of the goods will conform to the sample or model.
(b) Formal words or specific intent unnecessary.-- It is not necessary to the creation of an express warranty that the lessor use formal words, such as "warrant" or "guarantee," or that the lessor have a specific intention to make a warranty, but an affirmation merely of the value of the goods or a statement purporting to be merely the lessor's opinion or commendation of the goods does not create a warranty.
(a) General rule.-- There is in a lease contract a warranty that for the lease term no person holds a claim to or interest in the goods that arose from an act or omission of the lessor, other than a claim by way of infringement or the like, which will interfere with the lessee's enjoyment of its leasehold interest.
(b) Warranty of merchant regularly dealing in goods.-- Except in a finance lease, there is in a lease contract by a lessor who is a merchant regularly dealing in goods of the kind a warranty that the goods are delivered free of the rightful claim of any person by way of infringement or the like.
(c) Obligation of lessee against infringement.-- A lessee who furnishes specifications to a lessor or a supplier shall hold the lessor and the supplier harmless against any claim by way of infringement or the like that arises out of compliance with the specifications.
(a) General rule.-- Except in a finance lease, a warranty that the goods will be merchantable is implied in a lease contract if the lessor is a merchant with respect to goods of that kind.
(b) Merchantability standards for goods.-- Goods to be merchantable must be at least such as:
(1) pass without objection in the trade under the description in the lease agreement;
(2) in the case of fungible goods, are of fair average quality within the description;
(3) are fit for the ordinary purposes for which goods of that type are used;
(4) run, within the variation permitted by the lease agreement, of even kind, quality and quantity within each unit and among all units involved;
(5) are adequately contained, packaged and labeled as the lease agreement may require; and
(6) conform to any promises or affirmations of fact made on the container or label.
(c) Course of dealing or usage of trade.-- Other implied warranties may arise from course of dealing or usage of trade.
Except in a finance lease, if the lessor at the time the lease contract is made has reason to know of any particular purpose for which the goods are required and that the lessee is relying on the lessor's skill or judgment to select or furnish suitable goods, there is in the lease contract an implied warranty that the goods will be fit for that purpose.
(a) Construction of words or conduct creating or limiting warranties.-- Words or conduct relevant to the creation of an express warranty and words or conduct tending to negate or limit a warranty must be construed wherever reasonable as consistent with each other; but, subject to the provisions of section 2A202 (relating to final expression: parol or extrinsic evidence), negation or limitation is inoperative to the extent that the construction is unreasonable.
(b) Implied warranties of merchantability and fitness; specific language.-- Subject to subsection (c), to exclude or modify the implied warranty of merchantability or any part of it, the language must mention "merchantability," be by a writing and be conspicuous. Subject to subsection (c), to exclude or modify any implied warranty of fitness, the exclusion must be by a writing and be conspicuous. Language to exclude all implied warranties of fitness is sufficient if it is in writing, is conspicuous and states, for example, "There is no warranty that the goods will be fit for a particular purpose."
(c) Implied warranties of merchantability and fitness; alternative methods.-- Notwithstanding subsection (b), but subject to subsection (d):
(1) unless the circumstances indicate otherwise, all implied warranties are excluded by expressions like "as is" or "with all faults" or by other language that in common understanding calls the lessee's attention to the exclusion of warranties and makes plain that there is no implied warranty, if in writing and conspicuous;
(2) if the lessee before entering into the lease contract has examined the goods or the sample or model as fully as desired or has refused to examine the goods, there is no implied warranty with regard to defects that an examination ought in the circumstances to have revealed; and
(3) an implied warranty may also be excluded or modified by course of dealing, course of performance or usage of trade.
(d) Warranties against interference and infringement.-- To exclude or modify a warranty against interference or against infringement (section 2A211) or any part of it, the language must be specific, be by a writing and be conspicuous, unless the circumstances, including course of performance, course of dealing, or usage of trade, give the lessee reason to know that the goods are being leased subject to a claim or interest of any person.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
Warranties, whether express or implied, must be construed as consistent with each other and as cumulative, but if that construction is unreasonable, the intention of the parties determines which warranty is dominant. In ascertaining that intention, the following rules apply:
(1) Exact or technical specifications displace an inconsistent sample or model or general language of description.
(2) A sample from an existing bulk displaces inconsistent general language of description.
(3) Express warranties displace inconsistent implied warranties other than an implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose.
A warranty to or for the benefit of a lessee under this division, whether express or implied, extends to any natural person who is in the family or household of the lessee or who is a guest in the lessee's home if it is reasonable to expect that such person may use, consume or be affected by the goods and who is injured in person by breach of the warranty. This section does not displace principles of law and equity that extend a warranty to or for the benefit of a lessee to other persons. The operation of this section may not be excluded, modified or limited, but an exclusion, modification or limitation of the warranty, including any with respect to rights and remedies, effective against the lessee is also effective against any beneficiary designated under this section.
Identification of goods as goods to which a lease contract refers may be made at any time and in any manner explicitly agreed to by the parties. In the absence of explicit agreement, identification occurs:
(1) when the lease contract is made, if the lease contract is for a lease of goods that are existing and identified;
(2) when the goods are shipped, marked or otherwise designated by the lessor as goods to which the lease contract refers, if the lease contract is for a lease of goods that are not existing and identified; or
(3) when the young are conceived, if the lease contract is for a lease of unborn young of animals.
(a) Insurable interest of lessee.-- A lessee obtains an insurable interest when existing goods are identified to the lease contract even though the goods identified are nonconforming and the lessee has an option to reject them.
(b) Substitution of goods by lessor.-- If a lessee has an insurable interest only by reason of the lessor's identification of the goods, the lessor, until default or insolvency or notification to the lessee that identification is final, may substitute other goods for those identified.
(c) Duration of insurable interest of lessor.-- Notwithstanding a lessee's insurable interest under subsections (a) and (b), the lessor retains an insurable interest until an option to buy has been exercised by the lessee and risk of loss has passed to the lessee.
(d) Other insurable interests unimpaired.-- Nothing in this section impairs any insurable interest recognized under any other statute or rule of law.
(e) Agreement to determine obligations of parties.-- The parties by agreement may determine that one or more parties have an obligation to obtain and pay for insurance covering the goods and by agreement may determine the beneficiary of the proceeds of the insurance.
(a) General rule.-- Except in the case of a finance lease, risk of loss is retained by the lessor and does not pass to the lessee. In the case of a finance lease, risk of loss passes to the lessee.
(b) Time of passage to lessee.-- Subject to the provisions of this division on the effect of default on risk of loss (section 2A220), if risk of loss is to pass to the lessee and the time of passage is not stated, the following rules apply:
(1) If the lease contract requires or authorizes the goods to be shipped by carrier:
(i) and it does not require delivery at a particular destination, the risk of loss passes to the lessee when the goods are duly delivered to the carrier; but
(ii) if it does require delivery at a particular destination and the goods are there duly tendered while in the possession of the carrier, the risk of loss passes to the lessee when the goods are there duly so tendered as to enable the lessee to take delivery.
(2) If the goods are held by a bailee to be delivered without being moved, the risk of loss passes to the lessee on acknowledgment by the bailee of the lessee's right to possession of the goods.
(3) In any case not within paragraph (1) or (2), the risk of loss passes to the lessee on the lessee's receipt of the goods if the lessor or, in the case of a finance lease, the supplier is a merchant; otherwise, the risk passes to the lessee on tender of delivery.
(a) Default by lessor.-- Where risk of loss is to pass to the lessee and the time of passage is not stated:
(1) If a tender or delivery of goods so fails to conform to the lease contract as to give a right of rejection, the risk of their loss remains with the lessor or, in the case of a finance lease, the supplier until cure or acceptance.
(2) If the lessee rightfully revokes acceptance, he, to the extent of any deficiency in his effective insurance coverage, may treat the risk of loss as having remained with the lessor from the beginning.
(b) Default by lessee.-- Whether or not risk of loss is to pass to the lessee, if the lessee as to conforming goods already identified to a lease contract repudiates or is otherwise in default under the lease contract, the lessor or, in the case of a finance lease, the supplier, to the extent of any deficiency in his effective insurance coverage, may treat the risk of loss as resting on the lessee for a commercially reasonable time.
If a lease contract requires goods identified when the lease contract is made, and the goods suffer casualty without fault of the lessee, the lessor or the supplier before delivery, or the goods suffer casualty before risk of loss passes to the lessee pursuant to the lease agreement or section 2A219 (relating to risk of loss), then:
(1) if the loss is total, the lease contract is avoided; and
(2) if the loss is partial or the goods have so deteriorated as to no longer conform to the lease contract, the lessee may nevertheless demand inspection and at his option either treat the lease contract as avoided or, except in a finance lease that is not a consumer lease, accept the goods with due allowance from the rent payable for the balance of the lease term for the deterioration or the deficiency in quantity but without further right against the lessor.
Except as otherwise provided in this division, a lease contract is effective and enforceable according to its terms between the parties, against purchasers of the goods and against creditors of the parties.
Except as otherwise provided in this division, each provision of this division applies whether the lessor or a third party has title to the goods, and whether the lessor, the lessee or a third party has possession of the goods, notwithstanding any statute or rule of law that possession or the absence of possession is fraudulent.
(a) Definition.-- As used in this section, the term "creation of a security interest" includes the sale of a lease contract that is subject to Division 9 (relating to secured transactions) by reason of section 9109(a)(3) (relating to scope).
(b) General rule.-- Except as provided in subsection (c) and section 9407 (relating to restrictions on creation or enforcement of security interest in leasehold interest or in lessor's residual interest), a provision in a lease agreement which:
(1) prohibits the voluntary or involuntary transfer, including a transfer by sale, sublease, creation or enforcement of a security interest, or attachment, levy or other judicial process, of an interest of a party under the lease contract or of the lessor's residual interest in the goods; or
(2) makes such a transfer an event of default;
gives rise to the rights and remedies provided in subsection (d), but a transfer that is prohibited or is an event of default under the lease agreement is otherwise effective.
(c) Transfer of right to damages.-- A provision in a lease agreement which:
(1) prohibits a transfer of a right to damages for default with respect to the whole lease contract or of a right to payment arising out of the transferor's due performance of the transferor's entire obligation; or
(2) makes such a transfer an event of default;
is not enforceable, and such a transfer is not a transfer that materially impairs the prospect of obtaining return performance by, materially changes the duty of or materially increases the burden or risk imposed on the other party to the lease contract within the purview of subsection (d).
(d) Certain rights and remedies.-- Subject to subsection (c) and section 9407:
(1) If a transfer is made which is made an event of default under a lease agreement, the party to the lease contract not making the transfer, unless that party waives the default or otherwise agrees, has the rights and remedies described in section 2A501(b) (relating to default: procedure).
(2) If paragraph (1) is not applicable and if a transfer is made that is prohibited under a lease agreement or materially impairs the prospect of obtaining return performance by, materially changes the duty of or materially increases the burden or risk imposed on the other party to the lease contract, unless the party not making the transfer agrees at any time to the transfer in the lease contract or otherwise, then, except as limited by contract, the transferor is liable to the party not making the transfer for damages caused by the transfer to the extent that the damages could not reasonably be prevented by the party not making the transfer and a court having jurisdiction may grant other appropriate relief, including cancellation of the lease contract or an injunction against the transfer.
(e) Effect and enforceability of general transfer.-- A transfer of "the lease" or of "all my rights under the lease" or a transfer in similar general terms is a transfer of rights, and, unless the language or the circumstances, as in a transfer for security, indicate the contrary, the transfer is a delegation of duties by the transferor to the transferee. Acceptance by the transferee constitutes a promise by the transferee to perform those duties. The promise is enforceable by either the transferor or the other party to the lease contract.
(f) Effect of delegation of performance.-- Unless otherwise agreed by the lessor and the lessee, a delegation of performance does not relieve the transferor as against the other party of any duty to perform or any liability for default.
(g) Requirements for prohibition of transfer in consumer lease.-- In a consumer lease, to prohibit the transfer of an interest of a party under the lease contract or to make a transfer an event of default, the language must be specific, by a writing and conspicuous.
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001)
(a) General rule.-- Subject to section 2A303 (relating to alienability of party's interest under lease contract or of lessor's residual interest in goods; delegation of performance; transfer of rights), a subsequent lessee from a lessor of goods under an existing lease contract obtains, to the extent of the leasehold interest transferred, the leasehold interest in the goods that the lessor had or had power to transfer, and except as provided in subsection (b) and section 2A527(d) (relating to lessor's rights to dispose of goods), takes subject to the existing lease contract. A lessor with voidable title has power to transfer a good leasehold interest to a good faith subsequent lessee for value, but only to the extent set forth in the preceding sentence. If goods have been delivered under a transaction of purchase, the lessor has that power even though:
(1) the lessor's transferor was deceived as to the identity of the lessor;
(2) the delivery was in exchange for a check which is later dishonored;
(3) it was agreed that the transaction was to be a "cash sale"; or
(4) the delivery was procured through fraud punishable as larcenous under the criminal law.
(b) Merchants regularly dealing in goods.-- A subsequent lessee in the ordinary course of business from a lessor who is a merchant dealing in goods of that kind to whom the goods were entrusted by the existing lessee of that lessor before the interest of the subsequent lessee became enforceable against that lessor obtains, to the extent of the leasehold interest transferred, all of that lessor's and the existing lessee's rights to the goods, and takes free of the existing lease contract.
(c) Goods covered by certificate of title.-- A subsequent lessee from the lessor of goods that are subject to an existing lease contract and are covered by a certificate of title issued under a statute of this Commonwealth or of another jurisdiction takes no greater rights than those provided both by this section and by the certificate of title statute.
(a) General rule.-- Subject to the provisions of section 2A303 (relating to alienability of party's interest under lease contract or of lessor's residual interest in goods; delegation of performance; transfer of rights), a buyer or sublessee from the lessee of goods under an existing lease contract obtains, to the extent of the interest transferred, the leasehold interest in the goods that the lessee had or had power to transfer, and except as provided in subsection (b) and section 2A511(d) (relating to merchant lessee's duties as to rightfully rejected goods), takes subject to the existing lease contract. A lessee with a voidable leasehold interest has power to transfer a good leasehold interest to a good faith buyer for value or a good faith sublessee for value, but only to the extent set forth in the preceding sentence. When goods have been delivered under a transaction of lease, the lessee has that power even though:
(1) the lessor was deceived as to the identity of the lessee;
(2) the delivery was in exchange for a check which is later dishonored; or
(3) the delivery was procured through fraud punishable as larcenous under the criminal law.
(b) Merchants regularly dealing in goods.-- A buyer in the ordinary course of business or a sublessee in the ordinary course of business from a lessee who is a merchant dealing in goods of that kind to whom the goods were entrusted by the lessor obtains, to the extent of the interest transferred, all of the lessor's and lessee's rights to the goods, and takes free of the existing lease contract.
(c) Goods covered by certificate of title.-- A buyer or sublessee from the lessee of goods that are subject to an existing lease contract and are covered by a certificate of title issued under a statute of this Commonwealth or of another jurisdiction takes no greater rights than those provided both by this section and by the certificate of title statute.
If a person in the ordinary course of his business furnishes services or materials with respect to goods subject to a lease contract, a lien upon those goods in the possession of that person given by statute or rule of law for those materials or services takes priority over any interest of the lessor or lessee under the lease contract or this division unless the lien is created by statute and the statute provides otherwise or unless the lien is created by rule of law and the rule of law provides otherwise.
(a) Creditor of lessee.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 2A306 (relating to priority of certain liens arising by operation of law), a creditor of a lessee takes subject to the lease contract.
(b) Creditor of lessor.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) and in sections 2A306 and 2A308 (relating to special rights of creditors), a creditor of a lessor takes subject to the lease contract unless the creditor holds a lien that attached to the goods before the lease contract became enforceable.
(c) Lessee.-- Except as otherwise provided in sections 9317 (relating to interests which take priority over or take free of security interest or agricultural lien), 9321 (relating to licensee of general intangible and lessee of goods in ordinary course of business) and 9323 (relating to future advances), a lessee takes a leasehold interest subject to a security interest held by a creditor of the lessor.
(d) Lessee not in ordinary course of business.-- (Deleted by amendment).
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001)
(a) Creditor of lessor.-- A creditor of a lessor in possession of goods subject to a lease contract may treat the lease contract as void if as against the creditor retention of possession by the lessor is fraudulent under any statute or rule of law, but retention of possession in good faith and current course of trade by the lessor for a commercially reasonable time after the lease contract becomes enforceable is not fraudulent.
(b) Nonimpairment of rights of creditor of lessor.-- Nothing in this division impairs the rights of creditors of a lessor if the lease contract:
(1) becomes enforceable, not in current course of trade but in satisfaction of or as security for a preexisting claim for money, security or the like; and
(2) is made under circumstances which under any statute or rule of law apart from this division would constitute the transaction a fraudulent transfer or voidable preference.
(c) Creditor of seller.-- A creditor of a seller may treat a sale or an identification of goods to a contract for sale as void if as against the creditor retention of possession by the seller is fraudulent under any statute or rule of law, but retention of possession of the goods pursuant to a lease contract entered into by the seller as lessee and the buyer as lessor in connection with the sale or identification of the goods is not fraudulent if the buyer bought for value and in good faith.
(a) Definitions.-- As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Construction mortgage." A mortgage is a construction mortgage to the extent it secures an obligation incurred for the construction of an improvement on land, including the acquisition cost of the land, if the recorded writing so indicates.
"Encumbrance." Includes real estate mortgages and other liens on real estate and all other rights in real estate that are not ownership interests.
"Fixture filing." The filing, in the office where a record of a mortgage on the real estate would be filed or recorded, of a financing statement covering goods that are or are to become fixtures and conforming to the requirements of section 9502(a) and (b) (relating to contents of financing statement; record of mortgage as financing statement; time of filing financing statement).
"Fixtures." Goods are fixtures when they become so related to particular real estate that an interest in them arises under real estate law.
"Purchase money lease." A lease is a purchase money lease unless the lessee has possession or use of the goods or the right to possession or use of the goods before the lease agreement is enforceable.
(b) Lease of goods that are fixtures.-- Under this division, a lease may be of goods that are fixtures or may continue in goods that become fixtures, but no lease exists under this division of ordinary building materials incorporated into an improvement on land.
(c) Lease under real estate law.-- This division does not prevent creation of a lease of fixtures pursuant to real estate law.
(d) Priority of perfected interest of lessor of fixtures.-- The perfected interest of a lessor of fixtures has priority over a conflicting interest of an encumbrancer or owner of the real estate if:
(1) the lease is a purchase money lease, the conflicting interest of the encumbrancer or owner arises before the goods become fixtures, the interest of the lessor is perfected by a fixture filing before the goods become fixtures or within ten days thereafter, and the lessee has an interest of record in the real estate or is in possession of the real estate; or
(2) the interest of the lessor is perfected by a fixture filing before the interest of the encumbrancer or owner is of record, the lessor's interest has priority over any conflicting interest of a predecessor in title of the encumbrancer or owner, and the lessee has an interest of record in the real estate or is in possession of the real estate.
(e) Priority of interest of lessor of fixtures whether or not perfected.-- The interest of a lessor of fixtures, whether or not perfected, has priority over the conflicting interest of an encumbrancer or owner of the real estate if:
(1) the fixtures are readily removable factory or office machines, readily removable equipment that is not primarily used or leased for use in the operation of the real estate, or readily removable replacements of domestic appliances that are goods subject to a consumer lease, and before the goods become fixtures the lease contract is enforceable;
(2) the conflicting interest is a lien on the real estate obtained by legal or equitable proceedings after the lease contract is enforceable;
(3) the encumbrancer or owner has consented in writing to the lease or has disclaimed an interest in the goods as fixtures; or
(4) the lessee has a right to remove the goods as against the encumbrancer or owner.
If the lessee's right to remove terminates, the priority of the interest of the lessor continues for a reasonable time.
(f) Subordination to construction mortgage.-- Notwithstanding subsection (d)(1) but otherwise subject to subsections (d) and (e), the interest of a lessor of fixtures, including the lessor's residual interest, is subordinate to the conflicting interest of an encumbrancer of the real estate under a construction mortgage recorded before the goods become fixtures if the goods become fixtures before the completion of the construction. To the extent given to refinance a construction mortgage, the conflicting interest of an encumbrancer of the real estate under a mortgage has this priority to the same extent as the encumbrancer of the real estate under the construction mortgage.
(g) Priority of interest in other cases.-- In cases not within the preceding subsections, priority between the interest of a lessor of fixtures, including the lessor's residual interest, and the conflicting interest of an encumbrancer or owner of the real estate who is not the lessee is determined by the priority rules governing conflicting interests in real estate.
(h) Removal of goods if interest of lessor has priority.-- If the interest of a lessor of fixtures, including the lessor's residual interest, has priority over all conflicting interests of all owners and encumbrancers of the real estate, the lessor or the lessee may:
(1) on default, expiration, termination or cancellation of the lease agreement but subject to the lease agreement and this division; or
(2) if necessary to enforce other rights and remedies of the lessor or lessee under this division;
remove the goods from the real estate, free and clear of all conflicting interests of all owners and encumbrancers of the real estate, but the lessor or lessee must reimburse any encumbrancer or owner of the real estate who is not the lessee and who has not otherwise agreed for the cost of repair of any physical injury, but not for any diminution in value of the real estate caused by the absence of the goods removed or by any necessity of replacing them. A person entitled to reimbursement may refuse permission to remove until the party seeking removal gives adequate security for the performance of this obligation.
(i) Perfection of interest of lessor.-- Even though the lease agreement does not create a security interest, the interest of a lessor of fixtures, including the lessor's residual interest, is perfected by filing a financing statement as a fixture filing for leased goods that are or are to become fixtures in accordance with the relevant provisions of Division 9 (relating to secured transactions).
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001)
(a) Definition.-- Goods are "accessions" when they are installed in or affixed to other goods.
(b) Priority of interest before accession.-- The interest of a lessor or a lessee under a lease contract entered into before the goods became accessions is superior to all interests in the whole except as stated in subsection (d).
(c) Priority of interest on or after accession.-- The interest of a lessor or a lessee under a lease contract entered into at the time or after the goods became accessions is superior to all subsequently acquired interests in the whole except as stated in subsection (d) but is subordinate to interests in the whole existing at the time the lease contract was made unless the holders of such interests in the whole have in writing consented to the lease or disclaimed an interest in the goods as part of the whole.
(d) Subordination to interest in the whole.-- The interest of a lessor or a lessee under a lease contract described in subsection (b) or (c) is subordinate to the interest of:
(1) a buyer in the ordinary course of business or a lessee in the ordinary course of business of any interest in the whole acquired after the goods became accessions; or
(2) a creditor with a security interest in the whole perfected before the lease contract was made to the extent that the creditor makes subsequent advances without knowledge of the lease contract.
(e) Removal of goods if interest has priority.-- When under subsections (b) or (c) and (d) a lessor or a lessee of accessions holds an interest that is superior to all interests in the whole, the lessor or the lessee may:
(1) on default, expiration, termination or cancellation of the lease contract by the other party but subject to the provisions of the lease contract and this division; or
(2) if necessary to enforce his other rights and remedies under this division;
remove the goods from the whole, free and clear of all interests in the whole, but he must reimburse any holder of an interest in the whole who is not the lessee and who has not otherwise agreed for the cost of repair of any physical injury but not for any diminution in value of the whole caused by the absence of the goods removed or by any necessity for replacing them. A person entitled to reimbursement may refuse permission to remove until the party seeking removal gives adequate security for the performance of this obligation.
Nothing in this division prevents subordination by agreement by any person entitled to priority.
(a) General rule.-- A lease contract imposes an obligation on each party that the other's expectation of receiving due performance will not be impaired.
(b) Demand for adequate assurance of performance.-- If reasonable grounds for insecurity arise with respect to the performance of either party, the insecure party may demand in writing adequate assurance of due performance. Until the insecure party receives that assurance, if commercially reasonable the insecure party may suspend any performance for which he has not already received the agreed return.
(c) Failure to provide adequate assurance of performance.-- A repudiation of the lease contract occurs if assurance of due performance adequate under the circumstances of the particular case is not provided to the insecure party within a reasonable time, not to exceed 30 days after receipt of a demand by the other party.
(d) Reasonableness and adequacy between merchants.-- Between merchants, the reasonableness of grounds for insecurity and the adequacy of any assurance offered must be determined according to commercial standards.
(e) Effect of acceptance of nonconforming delivery or payment.-- Acceptance of any nonconforming delivery or payment does not prejudice the aggrieved party's right to demand adequate assurance of future performance.
If either party repudiates a lease contract with respect to a performance not yet due under the lease contract, the loss of which performance will substantially impair the value of the lease contract to the other, the aggrieved party may:
(1) for a commercially reasonable time, await retraction of repudiation and performance by the repudiating party;
(2) make demand pursuant to section 2A401 (relating to insecurity: adequate assurance of performance) and await assurance of future performance adequate under the circumstances of the particular case; or
(3) resort to any right or remedy upon default under the lease contract or this division, even though the aggrieved party has notified the repudiating party that the aggrieved party would await the repudiating party's performance and assurance and has urged retraction.
In addition, whether or not the aggrieved party is pursuing one of the foregoing remedies, the aggrieved party may suspend performance or, if the aggrieved party is the lessor, proceed in accordance with the provisions of this division on the lessor's right to identify goods to the lease contract notwithstanding default or to salvage unfinished goods (section 2A524).
(a) When allowable.-- Until the repudiating party's next performance is due, the repudiating party can retract the repudiation unless, since the repudiation, the aggrieved party has canceled the lease contract or materially changed the aggrieved party's position or otherwise indicated that the aggrieved party considers the repudiation final.
(b) Method.-- Retraction may be by any method that clearly indicates to the aggrieved party that the repudiating party intends to perform under the lease contract and includes any assurance demanded under section 2A401 (relating to insecurity: adequate assurance of performance).
(c) Effect on contract rights.-- Retraction reinstates a repudiating party's rights under a lease contract with due excuse and allowance to the aggrieved party for any delay occasioned by the repudiation.
(a) Manner of delivery.-- If, without fault of the lessee, the lessor and the supplier, the agreed berthing, loading or unloading facilities fail or the agreed type of carrier becomes unavailable or the agreed manner of delivery otherwise becomes commercially impracticable, but a commercially reasonable substitute is available, the substitute performance must be tendered and accepted.
(b) Manner of payment.-- If the agreed means or manner of payment fails because of domestic or foreign governmental regulation:
(1) the lessor may withhold or stop delivery or cause the supplier to withhold or stop delivery unless the lessee provides a means or manner of payment that is commercially a substantial equivalent; and
(2) if delivery has already been taken, payment by the means or in the manner provided by the regulation discharges the lessee's obligation unless the regulation is discriminatory, oppressive or predatory.
Subject to section 2A404 (relating to substituted performance), the following rules apply:
(1) Delay in delivery or nondelivery in whole or in part by a lessor or a supplier who complies with paragraphs (2) and (3) is not a default under the lease contract if performance as agreed has been made impracticable by the occurrence of a contingency the nonoccurrence of which was a basic assumption on which the lease contract was made or by compliance in good faith with any applicable foreign or domestic governmental regulation or order, whether or not the regulation or order later proves to be invalid.
(2) If the causes mentioned in paragraph (1) affect only part of the lessor's or the supplier's capacity to perform, he shall allocate production and deliveries among his customers but at his option may include regular customers not then under contract for sale or lease as well as his own requirements for further manufacture. He may so allocate in any manner that is fair and reasonable.
(3) The lessor seasonably shall notify the lessee and in the case of a finance lease the supplier seasonably shall notify the lessor and the lessee, if known, that there will be delay or nondelivery and, if allocation is required under paragraph (2), of the estimated quota thus made available for the lessee.
(a) Right of lessee to terminate or modify contract.-- If the lessee receives notification of a material or indefinite delay or an allocation justified under section 2A405 (relating to excused performance), the lessee may by written notification to the lessor as to any goods involved, and with respect to all of the goods if under an installment lease contract the value of the whole lease contract is substantially impaired (section 2A510):
(1) terminate the lease contract (section 2A505(b)); or
(2) except in a finance lease that is not a consumer lease, modify the lease contract by accepting the available quota in substitution, with due allowance from the rent payable for the balance of the lease term for the deficiency but without further right against the lessor.
(b) Time limitation on modification.-- If, after receipt of a notification from the lessor under section 2A405, the lessee fails so to modify the lease agreement within a reasonable time not exceeding 30 days, the lease contract lapses with respect to any deliveries affected.
(a) General rule.-- In the case of a finance lease that is not a consumer lease, the lessee's promises under the lease contract become irrevocable and independent upon the lessee's acceptance of the goods.
(b) Effect of irrevocable and independent promise.-- A promise that has become irrevocable and independent under subsection (a):
(1) is effective and enforceable between the parties, and by or against third parties including assignees of the parties; and
(2) is not subject to cancellation, termination, modification, repudiation, excuse or substitution without the consent of the party to whom the promise runs.
(c) Limitation on applicability of section.-- This section does not affect the validity under any other law of a covenant in any lease contract making the lessee's promises irrevocable and independent upon the lessee's acceptance of the goods.
(a) Determination of default.-- Whether the lessor or the lessee is in default under a lease contract is determined by the lease agreement and this division.
(b) Available rights and remedies.-- If the lessor or the lessee is in default under the lease contract, the party seeking enforcement has rights and remedies as provided in this division and, except as limited by this division, as provided in the lease agreement.
(c) Methods of enforcement of contract.-- If the lessor or the lessee is in default under the lease contract, the party seeking enforcement may reduce the party's claim to judgment, or otherwise enforce the lease contract by self-help or any available judicial procedure or nonjudicial procedure, including administrative proceeding, arbitration or the like, in accordance with this division.
(d) Rights and remedies cumulative.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 1305(a) (relating to remedies to be liberally administered) or this division or the lease agreement, the rights and remedies referred to in subsections (b) and (c) are cumulative.
(e) Agreements covering real property and goods.-- If the lease agreement covers both real property and goods, the party seeking enforcement may proceed under this chapter as to the goods, or under other applicable law as to both the real property and the goods in accordance with that party's rights and remedies in respect of the real property, in which case this chapter does not apply.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
Except as otherwise provided in this division or the lease agreement, the lessor or lessee in default under the lease contract is not entitled to notice of default or notice of enforcement from the other party to the lease agreement.
(a) Provisions in lease agreements.-- Except as otherwise provided in this division, the lease agreement may include rights and remedies for default in addition to or in substitution for those provided in this division and may limit or alter the measure of damages recoverable under this division.
(b) Specified remedy construed as optional.-- Resort to a remedy provided under this division or in the lease agreement is optional unless the remedy is expressly agreed to be exclusive. If circumstances cause an exclusive or limited remedy to fail of its essential purpose, or provision for an exclusive remedy is unconscionable, remedy may be had as provided in this division.
(c) Consequential damages.-- Consequential damages may be liquidated under section 2A504 (relating to liquidation of damages), or may otherwise be limited, altered or excluded unless the limitation, alteration or exclusion is unconscionable. Limitation, alteration or exclusion of consequential damages for injury to the person in the case of consumer goods is prima facie unconscionable but limitation, alteration or exclusion of damages where the loss is commercial is not prima facie unconscionable.
(d) Other rights and remedies unimpaired.-- Rights and remedies on default by the lessor or the lessee with respect to any obligation or promise collateral or ancillary to the lease contract are not impaired by this division.
(a) General rule.-- Damages payable by either party for default, or any other act or omission, including indemnity for loss or diminution of anticipated tax benefits or loss or damage to lessor's residual interest, may be liquidated in the lease agreement but only at an amount or by a formula that is reasonable in light of the then anticipated harm caused by the default or other act or omission.
(b) Invalidity or failure of purpose of remedy.-- If the lease agreement provides for liquidation of damages, and such provision does not comply with subsection (a), or such provision is an exclusive or limited remedy that circumstances cause to fail of its essential purpose, remedy may be had as provided in this division.
(c) Right of lessee to restitution.-- If the lessor justifiably withholds or stops delivery of goods because of the lessee's default or insolvency (section 2A525 or 2A526), the lessee is entitled to restitution of any amount by which the sum of his payments exceeds:
(1) the amount to which the lessor is entitled by virtue of terms liquidating the lessor's damages in accordance with subsection (a); or
(2) in the absence of those terms, 20% of the then present value of the total rent the lessee was obligated to pay for the balance of the lease term, or, in the case of a consumer lease, the lesser of such amount or $500.
(d) Restitution subject to offset.-- A lessee's right to restitution under subsection (c) is subject to offset to the extent the lessor establishes:
(1) a right to recover damages under the provisions of this division other than subsection (a); and
(2) the amount or value of any benefits received by the lessee directly or indirectly by reason of the lease contract.
(a) Cancellation of contract.-- On cancellation of the lease contract, all obligations that are still executory on both sides are discharged, but any right based on prior default or performance survives, and the canceling party also retains any remedy for default of the whole lease contract or any unperformed balance.
(b) Termination of contract.-- On termination of the lease contract, all obligations that are still executory on both sides are discharged, but any right based on prior default or performance survives.
(c) Damage claim for antecedent default.-- Unless the contrary intention clearly appears, expressions of "cancellation," "rescission" or the like of the lease contract may not be construed as a renunciation or discharge of any claim in damages for an antecedent default.
(d) Misrepresentation or fraud.-- Rights and remedies for material misrepresentation or fraud include all rights and remedies available under this division for default.
(e) Inconsistency of claim or remedy.-- Neither rescission nor a claim for rescission of the lease contract nor rejection or return of the goods may bar or be deemed inconsistent with a claim for damages or other right or remedy.
(a) General rule.-- An action for default under a lease contract, including breach of warranty or indemnity, must be commenced within four years after the cause of action accrued. By the original lease contract the parties may reduce the period of limitation to not less than one year.
(b) Accrual of cause of action.-- A cause of action for default accrues when the act or omission on which the default or breach of warranty is based is or should have been discovered by the aggrieved party, or when the default occurs, whichever is later. A cause of action for indemnity accrues when the act or omission on which the claim for indemnity is based is or should have been discovered by the indemnified party, whichever is later.
(c) New action after termination of another.-- If an action commenced within the time limited by subsection (a) is so terminated as to leave available a remedy by another action for the same default or breach of warranty or indemnity, the other action may be commenced after the expiration of the time limited and within six months after the termination of the first action unless the termination resulted from voluntary discontinuance or from dismissal for failure or neglect to prosecute.
(d) Unaffected laws and actions.-- This section does not alter the law on tolling of the statute of limitations nor does it apply to causes of action that have accrued before this division becomes effective.
(a) Rent prevailing; general rule.-- Damages based on market rent (section 2A519 or 2A528) are determined according to the rent for the use of the goods concerned for a lease term identical to the remaining lease term of the original lease agreement and prevailing at the times specified in sections 2A519 (relating to lessee's damages for nondelivery, repudiation, default and breach of warranty in regard to accepted goods) and 2A528 (relating to lessor's damages for nonacceptance, failure to pay, repudiation or other default).
(b) Rent prevailing at other times.-- If evidence of rent for the use of the goods concerned for a lease term identical to the remaining lease term of the original lease agreement and prevailing at the times or places described in this division is not readily available, the rent prevailing within any reasonable time before or after the time described or at any other place or for a different lease term which in commercial judgment or under usage of trade would serve as a reasonable substitute for the one described may be used, making any proper allowance for the difference, including the cost of transporting the goods to or from the other place.
(c) Admissibility of new prevailing rent.-- Evidence of a relevant rent prevailing at a time or place or for a lease term other than the one described in this division offered by one party is not admissible unless and until he has given the other party notice the court finds sufficient to prevent unfair surprise.
(d) Admissibility of market quotations.-- If the prevailing rent or value of any goods regularly leased in any established market is in issue, reports in official publications or trade journals or in newspapers or periodicals of general circulation published as the reports of that market are admissible in evidence. The circumstances of the preparation of the report may be shown to affect its weight but not its admissibility.
(a) General rule.-- If a lessor fails to deliver the goods in conformity to the lease contract (section 2A509) or repudiates the lease contract (section 2A402), or a lessee rightfully rejects the goods (section 2A509) or justifiably revokes acceptance of the goods (section 2A517), then with respect to any goods involved, and with respect to all of the goods if under an installment lease contract the value of the whole lease contract is substantially impaired (section 2A510), the lessor is in default under the lease contract and the lessee may:
(1) cancel the lease contract (section 2A505(a));
(2) recover so much of the rent and security as has been paid and is just under the circumstances;
(3) cover and recover damages as to all goods affected, whether or not they have been identified to the lease contract (sections 2A518 and 2A520), or recover damages for nondelivery (sections 2A519 and 2A520); and
(4) exercise any other rights or pursue any other remedies provided in the lease contract.
(b) Recovery of nondelivered goods.-- If a lessor fails to deliver the goods in conformity to the lease contract or repudiates the lease contract, the lessee may also:
(1) if the goods have been identified, recover them (section 2A522); or
(2) in a proper case, obtain specific performance or replevy the goods (section 2A521).
(c) Rights and remedies for other defaults.-- If a lessor is otherwise in default under a lease contract, the lessee may exercise the rights and pursue the remedies provided in the lease contract, which may include a right to cancel the lease, and in section 2A519(c) (relating to lessee's damages for nondelivery, repudiation, default and breach of warranty in regard to accepted goods).
(d) Damages for breach of warranty.-- If a lessor has breached a warranty, whether express or implied, the lessee may recover damages (section 2A519(d)).
(e) Security interest in goods in lessee's possession.-- On rightful rejection or justifiable revocation of acceptance, a lessee has a security interest in goods in the lessee's possession or control for any rent and security that has been paid and any expenses reasonably incurred in their inspection, receipt, transportation, and care and custody and may hold those goods and dispose of them in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, subject to section 2A527(e) (relating to lessor's rights to dispose of goods).
(f) Deduction of damages from rent due.-- Subject to the provisions of section 2A407 (relating to irrevocable promises: finance leases), a lessee, on notifying the lessor of the lessee's intention to do so, may deduct all or any part of the damages resulting from any default under the lease contract from any part of the rent still due under the same lease contract.
(a) General rule.-- Subject to the provisions of section 2A510 (relating to installment lease contracts: rejection and default) on default in installment lease contracts, if the goods or the tender or delivery fail in any respect to conform to the lease contract, the lessee may reject or accept the goods or accept any commercial unit or units and reject the rest of the goods.
(b) Effectiveness of rejection.-- Rejection of goods is ineffective unless it is within a reasonable time after tender or delivery of the goods and the lessee seasonably notifies the lessor.
(a) General rule.-- Under an installment lease contract, a lessee may reject any delivery that is nonconforming if the nonconformity substantially impairs the value of that delivery and cannot be cured or the nonconformity is a defect in the required documents; but if the nonconformity does not fall within subsection (b) and the lessor or the supplier gives adequate assurance of its cure, the lessee must accept that delivery.
(b) Impairment of contract as a whole.-- Whenever nonconformity or default with respect to one or more deliveries substantially impairs the value of the installment lease contract as a whole, there is a default with respect to the whole. But, the aggrieved party reinstates the installment lease contract as a whole if the aggrieved party accepts a nonconforming delivery without seasonably notifying of cancellation or brings an action with respect only to past deliveries or demands performance as to future deliveries.
(a) General rule.-- Subject to any security interest of a lessee (section 2A508(e)), if a lessor or a supplier has no agent or place of business at the market of rejection, a merchant lessee, after rejection of goods in his possession or control, shall follow any reasonable instructions received from the lessor or the supplier with respect to the goods. In the absence of those instructions, a merchant lessee shall make reasonable efforts to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of the goods for the lessor's account if they threaten to decline in value speedily. Instructions are not reasonable if on demand indemnity for expenses is not forthcoming.
(b) Reimbursement of expenses and commission.-- If a merchant lessee (subsection (a)) or any other lessee (section 2A512) disposes of goods, he is entitled to reimbursement either from the lessor or the supplier or out of the proceeds for reasonable expenses of caring for and disposing of the goods and, if the expenses include no disposition commission, to such commission as is usual in the trade, or if there is none, to a reasonable sum not exceeding 10% of the gross proceeds.
(c) Good faith conduct.-- In complying with this section or section 2A512 (relating to lessee's duties as to rightfully rejected goods), the lessee is held only to good faith. Good faith conduct hereunder is neither acceptance or conversion nor the basis of an action for damages.
(d) Rights of good faith purchaser.-- A purchaser who purchases in good faith from a lessee pursuant to this section or section 2A512 takes the goods free of any rights of the lessor and the supplier even though the lessee fails to comply with one or more of the requirements of this division.
(a) General rule.-- Except as otherwise provided with respect to goods that threaten to decline in value speedily (section 2A511) and subject to any security interest of a lessee (section 2A508(e)):
(1) the lessee, after rejection of goods in the lessee's possession, shall hold them with reasonable care at the lessor's or the supplier's disposition for a reasonable time after the lessee's seasonable notification of rejection;
(2) if the lessor or the supplier gives no instructions within a reasonable time after notification of rejection, the lessee may store the rejected goods for the lessor's or the supplier's account or ship them to the lessor or the supplier or dispose of them for the lessor's or the supplier's account with reimbursement in the manner provided in section 2A511 (relating to merchant lessee's duties as to rightfully rejected goods); but
(3) the lessee has no further obligations with regard to goods rightfully rejected.
(b) Action of lessee not acceptance or conversion.-- Action by the lessee pursuant to subsection (a) is not acceptance or conversion.
(a) General rule.-- If any tender or delivery by the lessor or the supplier is rejected because nonconforming and the time for performance has not yet expired, the lessor or the supplier may seasonably notify the lessee of the lessor's or the supplier's intention to cure and may then make a conforming delivery within the time provided in the lease contract.
(b) Substitution of conforming tender.-- If the lessee rejects a nonconforming tender that the lessor or the supplier had reasonable grounds to believe would be acceptable with or without money allowance, the lessor or the supplier may have a further reasonable time to substitute a conforming tender if he seasonably notifies the lessee.
(a) General rule.-- In rejecting goods, a lessee's failure to state a particular defect that is ascertainable by reasonable inspection precludes the lessee from relying on the defect to justify rejection or to establish default:
(1) if, stated seasonably, the lessor or the supplier could have cured it (section 2A513); or
(2) between merchants if the lessor or the supplier after rejection has made a request in writing for a full and final written statement of all defects on which the lessee proposes to rely.
(b) Payment against defective documents.-- A lessee's failure to reserve rights when paying rent or other consideration against documents precludes recovery of the payment for defects apparent in the documents.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- Acceptance of goods occurs after the lessee has had a reasonable opportunity to inspect the goods and:
(1) the lessee signifies or acts with respect to the goods in a manner that signifies to the lessor or the supplier that the goods are conforming or that the lessee will take or retain them in spite of their nonconformity; or
(2) the lessee fails to make an effective rejection of the goods (section 2A509(b)).
(b) Part of commercial unit.-- Acceptance of a part of any commercial unit is acceptance of that entire unit.
(a) Payment for accepted goods.-- A lessee must pay rent for any goods accepted in accordance with the lease contract, with due allowance for goods rightfully rejected or not delivered.
(b) Effect of acceptance on remedies for default.-- A lessee's acceptance of goods precludes rejection of the goods accepted. In the case of a finance lease, if made with knowledge of a nonconformity, acceptance cannot be revoked because of it. In any other case, if made with knowledge of a nonconformity, acceptance cannot be revoked because of it unless the acceptance was on the reasonable assumption that the nonconformity would be seasonably cured. Acceptance does not of itself impair any other remedy provided by this division or the lease agreement for nonconformity.
(c) Notice of default and burden of proof.-- If a tender has been accepted:
(1) within a reasonable time after the lessee discovers or should have discovered any default, the lessee shall notify the lessor and the supplier, if any, or be barred from any remedy against the party not notified;
(2) except in the case of a consumer lease, within a reasonable time after the lessee receives notice of litigation for infringement or the like (section 2A211), the lessee shall notify the lessor or be barred from any remedy over for liability established by the litigation; and
(3) the burden is on the lessee to establish any default.
(d) Notice of litigation to person answerable over.-- If a lessee is sued for breach of a warranty or other obligation for which a lessor or a supplier is answerable over, the following apply:
(1) The lessee may give the lessor or the supplier written notice of the litigation. If the notice states that the person notified may come in and defend and that if the person notified does not do so that person will be bound in any action against that person by the lessee by any determination of fact common to the two litigations, then, unless the person notified after seasonable receipt of the notice does come in and defend, that person is so bound.
(2) The lessor or the supplier may demand in writing that the lessee turn over control of the litigation, including settlement, if the claim is one for infringement or the like (section 2A211) or else be barred from any remedy over. If the demand states that the lessor or the supplier agrees to bear all expense and to satisfy any adverse judgment, then, unless the lessee after seasonable receipt of the demand does turn over control, the lessee is so barred.
(e) Obligation of lessee to hold lessor or supplier harmless.-- Subsections (c) and (d) apply to any obligation of a lessee to hold the lessor or the supplier harmless against infringement or the like (section 2A211).
(a) General rule.-- A lessee may revoke acceptance of a lot or commercial unit whose nonconformity substantially impairs its value to the lessee if the lessee has accepted it:
(1) except in the case of a finance lease, on the reasonable assumption that its nonconformity would be cured and it has not been seasonably cured; or
(2) without discovery of the nonconformity if the lessee's acceptance was reasonably induced either by the lessor's assurances or, except in the case of a finance lease, by the difficulty of discovery before acceptance.
(b) Revocation of acceptance if lessor defaults under lease contract.-- Except in the case of a finance lease that is not a consumer lease, a lessee may revoke acceptance of a lot or commercial unit if the lessor defaults under the lease contract and the default substantially impairs the value of that lot or commercial unit to the lessee.
(c) Revocation for other defaults by lessor.-- If the lease agreement so provides, the lessee may revoke acceptance of a lot or commercial unit because of other defaults by the lessor.
(d) Time and notice of revocation.-- Revocation of acceptance must occur within a reasonable time after the lessee discovers or should have discovered the ground for it and before any substantial change in condition of the goods which is not caused by the nonconformity. Revocation is not effective until the lessee notifies the lessor.
(e) Rights and duties of revoking lessee.-- A lessee who so revokes has the same rights and duties with regard to the goods involved as if the lessee had rejected them.
(a) Right and manner of cover.-- After default by a lessor under the lease contract of the type described in section 2A508(a) (relating to lessee's remedies) or, if agreed, after other default by the lessor, the lessee may cover by making any purchase or lease of or contract to purchase or lease goods in substitution for those due from the lessor.
(b) Damages recoverable.-- Except as otherwise provided with respect to damages liquidated in the lease agreement (section 2A504) or otherwise determined pursuant to agreement of the parties (sections 1302 and 2A503), if a lessee's cover is by lease agreement substantially similar to the original lease agreement and the new lease agreement is made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, the lessee may recover from the lessor as damages:
(1) the present value, as of the date of the commencement of the term of the new lease agreement, of the rent under the new lease agreement applicable to that period of the new lease term which is comparable to the then remaining term of the original lease agreement minus the present value as of the same date of the total rent for the then remaining lease term of the original lease agreement; and
(2) any incidental or consequential damages less expenses saved in consequence of the lessor's default.
(c) Recovery in other cases.-- If a lessee's cover is by lease agreement that for any reason does not qualify for treatment under subsection (b), or is by purchase or otherwise, the lessee may recover from the lessor as if the lessee had elected not to cover and section 2A519 (relating to lessee's damages for nondelivery, repudiation, default and breach of warranty in regard to accepted goods) governs.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) Measure of damages for nondelivery or rejection.-- Except as otherwise provided with respect to damages liquidated in the lease agreement (section 2A504) or otherwise determined pursuant to agreement of the parties (sections 1302 and 2A503), if a lessee elects not to cover or a lessee elects to cover and the cover is by lease agreement that for any reason does not qualify for treatment under section 2A518(b) (relating to cover; substitute goods), or is by purchase or otherwise, the measure of damages for nondelivery or repudiation by the lessor or for rejection or revocation of acceptance by the lessee is the present value, as of the date of the default, of the then market rent minus the present value as of the same date of the original rent, computed for the remaining lease term of the original lease agreement, together with incidental and consequential damages, less expenses saved in consequence of the lessor's default.
(b) Determination of market rent.-- Market rent is to be determined as of the place for tender or, in cases of rejection after arrival or revocation of acceptance, as of the place of arrival.
(c) Measure of damages for nonconforming tender or delivery or other default.-- Except as otherwise agreed, if the lessee has accepted goods and given notification (section 2A516(c)), the measure of damages for nonconforming tender or delivery or other default by a lessor is the loss resulting in the ordinary course of events from the lessor's default as determined in any manner that is reasonable together with incidental and consequential damages, less expenses saved in consequence of the lessor's default.
(d) Measure of damages for breach of warranty.-- Except as otherwise agreed, the measure of damages for breach of warranty is the present value at the time and place of acceptance of the difference between the value of the use of the goods accepted and the value if they had been as warranted for the lease term, unless special circumstances show proximate damages of a different amount, together with incidental and consequential damages, less expenses saved in consequence of the lessor's default or breach of warranty.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) Incidental damages.-- Incidental damages resulting from a lessor's default include expenses reasonably incurred in inspection, receipt, transportation, and care and custody of goods rightfully rejected or goods the acceptance of which is justifiably revoked, any commercially reasonable charges, expenses or commissions in connection with effecting cover, and any other reasonable expense incident to the default.
(b) Consequential damages.-- Consequential damages resulting from a lessor's default include:
(1) any loss resulting from general or particular requirements and needs of which the lessor at the time of contracting had reason to know and which could not reasonably be prevented by cover or otherwise; and
(2) injury to person or property proximately resulting from any breach of warranty.
(a) Specific performance.-- Specific performance may be decreed if the goods are unique or in other proper circumstances.
(b) Terms and conditions of decree for specific performance.-- A decree for specific performance may include any terms and conditions as to payment of the rent, damages or other relief that the court deems just.
(c) Replevin or other similar remedy.-- A lessee has a right of replevin, detinue, sequestration, claim and delivery, or the like for goods identified to the lease contract if after reasonable effort the lessee is unable to effect cover for those goods or the circumstances reasonably indicate that the effort will be unavailing.
(a) General rule.-- Subject to subsection (b) and even though the goods have not been shipped, a lessee who has paid a part or all of the rent and security for goods identified to a lease contract (section 2A217) on making and keeping good a tender of any unpaid portion of the rent and security due under the lease contract may recover the goods identified from the lessor if the lessor becomes insolvent within ten days after receipt of the first installment of rent and security.
(b) Goods to conform to contract.-- A lessee acquires the right to recover goods identified to a lease contract only if they conform to the lease contract.
(a) General rule.-- If a lessee wrongfully rejects or revokes acceptance of goods or fails to make a payment when due or repudiates with respect to a part or the whole, then, with respect to any goods involved, and with respect to all of the goods if under an installment lease contract the value of the whole lease contract is substantially impaired (section 2A510), the lessee is in default under the lease contract and the lessor may:
(1) Cancel the lease contract (section 2A505(a)).
(2) Proceed respecting goods not identified to the lease contract (section 2A524).
(3) Withhold delivery of the goods and take possession of goods previously delivered (section 2A525).
(4) Stop delivery of the goods by any bailee (section 2A526).
(5) Dispose of the goods and recover damages (section 2A527), or retain the goods and recover damages (section 2A528), or in a proper case recover rent (section 2A529).
(6) Exercise any other rights or pursue any other remedies provided in the lease contract.
(b) When lessor does not fully exercise right or obtain remedy.-- If a lessor does not fully exercise a right or obtain a remedy to which the lessor is entitled under subsection (a), the lessor may recover the loss resulting in the ordinary course of events from the lessee's default as determined in any reasonable manner, together with incidental damages, less expenses saved in consequence of the lessee's default.
(c) Other rights and remedies.-- If a lessee is otherwise in default under a lease contract, the lessor may exercise the rights and pursue the remedies provided in the lease contract, which may include a right to cancel the lease. In addition, unless otherwise provided in the lease contract:
(1) if the default substantially impairs the value of the lease contract to the lessor, the lessor may exercise the rights and pursue the remedies provided in subsection (a) or (b); or
(2) if the default does not substantially impair the value of the lease contract to the lessor, the lessor may recover as provided in subsection (b).
(a) General rule.-- A lessor aggrieved under section 2A523(a) (relating to lessor's remedies) may:
(1) identify to the lease contract conforming goods not already identified if at the time the lessor learned of the default they were in the lessor's or the supplier's possession or control; and
(2) dispose of goods (section 2A527(a)) that demonstrably have been intended for the particular lease contract even though those goods are unfinished.
(b) Unfinished goods.-- If the goods are unfinished, in the exercise of reasonable commercial judgment for the purposes of avoiding loss and of effective realization, an aggrieved lessor or the supplier may either complete manufacture and wholly identify the goods to the lease contract or cease manufacture and lease, sell or otherwise dispose of the goods for scrap or salvage value or proceed in any other reasonable manner.
(a) Insolvency of lessee.-- If a lessor discovers the lessee to be insolvent, the lessor may refuse to deliver the goods.
(b) Default by lessee.-- After a default by the lessee under the lease contract of the type described in section 2A523(a) or (c)(1) (relating to lessor's remedies) or, if agreed, after other default by the lessee, the lessor has the right to take possession of the goods. If the lease contract so provides, the lessor may require the lessee to assemble the goods and make them available to the lessor at a place to be designated by the lessor which is reasonably convenient to both parties. Without removal, the lessor may render unusable any goods employed in trade or business, and may dispose of goods on the lessee's premises (section 2A527).
(c) Method of proceeding on default.-- The lessor may proceed under subsection (b) without judicial process if it can be done without breach of the peace or the lessor may proceed by action.
(a) General rule.-- A lessor may stop delivery of goods in the possession of a carrier or other bailee if the lessor discovers the lessee to be insolvent and may stop delivery of carload, truckload, planeload or larger shipments of express or freight if the lessee repudiates or fails to make a payment due before delivery, whether for rent, security or otherwise under the lease contract, or for any other reason the lessor has a right to withhold or take possession of the goods.
(b) When lessor loses right.-- In pursuing its remedies under subsection (a), the lessor may stop delivery until:
(1) receipt of the goods by the lessee;
(2) acknowledgment to the lessee by any bailee of the goods, except a carrier, that the bailee holds the goods for the lessee; or
(3) such an acknowledgment to the lessee by a carrier via reshipment or as a warehouse.
(c) Notice and compliance.--
(1) To stop delivery, a lessor shall so notify as to enable the bailee by reasonable diligence to prevent delivery of the goods.
(2) After notification, the bailee shall hold and deliver the goods according to the directions of the lessor, but the lessor is liable to the bailee for any ensuing charges or damages.
(3) A carrier who has issued a nonnegotiable bill of lading is not obliged to obey a notification to stop received from a person other than the consignor.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- After a default by a lessee under the lease contract of the type described in section 2A523(a) or (c)(1) (relating to lessor's remedies) or after the lessor refuses to deliver or takes possession of goods (section 2A525 or 2A526) or, if agreed, after other default by a lessee, the lessor may dispose of the goods concerned or the undelivered balance thereof by lease, sale or otherwise.
(b) Damages recoverable.-- Except as otherwise provided with respect to damages liquidated in the lease agreement (section 2A504) or otherwise determined pursuant to agreement of the parties (sections 1302 and 2A503), if the disposition is by lease agreement substantially similar to the original lease agreement and the lease agreement is made in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, the lessor may recover from the lessee as damages:
(1) accrued and unpaid rent as of the date of the commencement of the term of the new lease agreement;
(2) the present value, as of the same date, of the total rent for the then remaining lease term of the original lease agreement minus the present value, as of the same date, of the rent under the new lease agreement applicable to that period of the new lease term which is comparable to the then remaining term of the original lease agreement; and
(3) any incidental damages allowed under section 2A530 (relating to lessor's incidental damages), less expenses saved in consequence of the lessee's default.
(c) Recovery in other cases.-- If the lessor's disposition is by lease agreement that for any reason does not qualify for treatment under subsection (b), or is by sale or otherwise, the lessor may recover from the lessee as if the lessor had elected not to dispose of the goods and section 2A528 (relating to lessor's damages for nonacceptance, failure to pay, repudiation or other default) governs.
(d) Rights of good faith buyer or lessee.-- A subsequent buyer or lessee who buys or leases from the lessor in good faith for value as a result of a disposition under this section takes the goods free of the original lease contract and any rights of the original lessee even though the lessor fails to comply with one or more of the requirements of this division.
(e) Accountability for profits.-- The lessor is not accountable to the lessee for any profit made on any disposition. A lessee who has rightfully rejected or justifiably revoked acceptance shall account to the lessor for any excess over the amount of the lessee's security interest (section 2A508(e)).
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- Except as otherwise provided with respect to damages liquidated in the lease agreement (section 2A504) or otherwise determined pursuant to agreement of the parties (sections 1302 and 2A523), if a lessor elects to retain the goods or a lessor elects to dispose of the goods and the disposition is by lease agreement that for any reason does not qualify for treatment under section 2A527(b) (relating to lessor's rights to dispose of goods), or is by sale or otherwise, the lessor may recover from the lessee as damages for a default of the type described in section 2A523(a) or (c)(1) (relating to lessor's remedies) or, if agreed, for other default of the lessee:
(1) accrued and unpaid rent as of the date of default if the lessee has never taken possession of the goods or, if the lessee has taken possession of the goods, as of the date the lessor repossesses the goods or an earlier date on which the lessee makes a tender of the goods to the lessor;
(2) the present value as of the date determined under paragraph (1) of the total rent for the then remaining lease term of the original lease agreement minus the present value as of the same date of the market rent at the place where the goods are located computed for the same lease term; and
(3) any incidental damages allowed under section 2A530 (relating to lessor's incidental damages), less expenses saved in consequence of the lessee's default.
(b) Exception.-- If the measure of damages provided in subsection (a) is inadequate to put a lessor in as good a position as performance would have, the measure of damages is the present value of the profit, including reasonable overhead, the lessor would have made from full performance by the lessee, together with any incidental damages allowed under section 2A530, due allowance for costs reasonably incurred and due credit for payments or proceeds of disposition.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- After default by the lessee under the lease contract of the type described in section 2A523(a) or (c)(1) (relating to lessor's remedies) or, if agreed, after other default by the lessee, if the lessor complies with subsection (b), the lessor may recover from the lessee as damages:
(1) for goods accepted by the lessee and not repossessed by or tendered to the lessor, and for conforming goods lost or damaged within a commercially reasonable time after risk of loss passes to the lessee (section 2A219):
(i) accrued and unpaid rent as of the date of entry of judgment in favor of the lessor;
(ii) the present value as of the same date of the rent for the then remaining lease term of the lease agreement; and
(iii) any incidental damages allowed under section 2A530 (relating to lessor's incidental damages), less expenses saved in consequence of the lessee's default; and
(2) for goods identified to the lease contract if the lessor is unable after reasonable effort to dispose of them at a reasonable price or the circumstances reasonably indicate that effort will be unavailing:
(i) accrued and unpaid rent as of the date of entry of judgment in favor of the lessor;
(ii) the present value as of the same date of the rent for the then remaining lease term of the lease agreement; and
(iii) any incidental damages allowed under section 2A530, less expenses saved in consequence of the lessee's default.
(b) Duty of lessor to hold goods.-- Except as provided in subsection (c), the lessor shall hold for the lessee for the remaining lease term of the lease agreement any goods that have been identified to the lease contract and are in the lessor's control.
(c) Rights of lessor before collection of judgment.-- The lessor may dispose of the goods at any time before collection of the judgment for damages obtained pursuant to subsection (a). If the disposition is before the end of the remaining lease term of the lease agreement, the lessor's recovery against the lessee for damages is governed by section 2A527 (relating to lessor's rights to dispose of goods) or 2A528 (relating to lessor's damages for nonacceptance, failure to pay, repudiation or other default), and the lessor will cause an appropriate credit to be provided against a judgment for damages to the extent that the amount of the judgment exceeds the recovery available pursuant to section 2A527 or 2A528.
(d) Rights of lessee after payment of judgment.-- Payment of the judgment for damages obtained pursuant to subsection (a) entitles the lessee to the use and possession of the goods not then disposed of for the remaining lease term of and in accordance with the lease agreement.
(e) Remedy if rent not allowable.-- After a lessee has wrongfully rejected or revoked acceptance of goods, has failed to pay rent then due or has repudiated (section 2A402), a lessor who is held not entitled to rent under this section must nevertheless be awarded damages for nonacceptance under sections 2A527 and 2A528.
Incidental damages to an aggrieved lessor include any commercially reasonable charges, expenses or commissions incurred in stopping delivery, in the transportation, care and custody of goods after the lessee's default, in connection with return or disposition of the goods, or otherwise resulting from the default.
(a) General rule.-- If a third party so deals with goods that have been identified to a lease contract as to cause actionable injury to a party to the lease contract:
(1) the lessor has a right of action against the third party; and
(2) the lessee also has a right of action against the third party if the lessee:
(i) has a security interest in the goods;
(ii) has an insurable interest in the goods; or
(iii) bears the risk of loss under the lease contract or has since the injury assumed that risk as against the lessor and the goods have been converted or destroyed.
(b) Status of plaintiff as fiduciary.-- If at the time of the injury the party plaintiff did not bear the risk of loss as against the other party to the lease contract and there is no arrangement between them for disposition of the recovery, his suit or settlement, subject to his own interest, is as a fiduciary for the other party to the lease contract.
(c) Consent of parties as to suing.-- Either party with the consent of the other may sue for the benefit of whom it may concern.
In addition to any other recovery permitted by this division or other law, the lessor may recover from the lessee an amount that will fully compensate the lessor for any loss of or damage to the lessor's residual interest in the goods caused by the default of the lessee.
This division shall be known and may be cited as the Uniform Commercial Code, Article 3, Negotiable Instruments.
(a) Applicability.-- This division applies to negotiable instruments. It does not apply to money, to payment orders governed by Division 4A (relating to funds transfers) or to securities governed by Division 8 (relating to investment securities).
(b) Conflict.-- If there is conflict between this division and Division 4 (relating to bank deposits and collections) or 9 (relating to secured transactions), Division 4 and Division 9 govern.
(c) Federal Reserve regulations and operating circulars.-- Regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and operating circulars of the Federal Reserve banks supersede any inconsistent provision of this division to the extent of the inconsistency.
(a) Definitions.-- The following words and phrases when used in this division shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Acceptor." A drawee who has accepted a draft.
"Drawee." A person ordered in a draft to make payment.
"Drawer." A person who signs or is identified in a draft as a person ordering payment.
"Good faith." (Deleted by amendment).
"Maker." A person who signs or is identified in a note as a person undertaking to pay.
"Order." A written instruction to pay money signed by the person giving the instruction. The instruction may be addressed to any person, including the person giving the instruction, or to one or more persons jointly or in the alternative but not in succession. An authorization to pay is not an order unless the person authorized to pay is also instructed to pay.
"Ordinary care." In the case of a person engaged in business, means observance of reasonable commercial standards, prevailing in the area in which the person is located, with respect to the business in which the person is engaged. In the case of a bank that takes an instrument for processing for collection or payment by automated means, reasonable commercial standards do not require the bank to examine the instrument if the failure to examine does not violate the bank's prescribed procedures and the bank's procedures do not vary unreasonably from general banking usage not disapproved by this division or Division 4 (relating to bank deposits and collections).
"Party." A party to an instrument.
"Promise." A written undertaking to pay money signed by the person undertaking to pay. An acknowledgment of an obligation by the obligor is not a promise unless the obligor also undertakes to pay the obligation.
"Prove." With respect to a fact means to meet the burden of establishing the fact (section 1201(b)(8)).
"Remitter." A person who purchases an instrument from its issuer if the instrument is payable to an identified person other than the purchaser.
(b) Index of other definitions in division.-- Other definitions applying to this division and the sections in which they appear are:
"Acceptance." Section 3409.
"Accommodated party." Section 3419.
"Accommodation party." Section 3419.
"Alteration." Section 3407.
"Anomalous indorsement." Section 3205.
"Blank indorsement." Section 3205.
"Cashier's check." Section 3104.
"Certificate of deposit." Section 3104.
"Certified check." Section 3409.
"Check." Section 3104.
"Consideration." Section 3303.
"Draft." Section 3104.
"Holder in due course." Section 3302.
"Incomplete instrument." Section 3115.
"Indorsement." Section 3204.
"Indorser." Section 3204.
"Instrument." Section 3104.
"Issue." Section 3105.
"Issuer." Section 3105.
"Negotiable instrument." Section 3104.
"Negotiation." Section 3201.
"Note." Section 3104.
"Payable at a definite time." Section 3108.
"Payable on demand." Section 3108.
"Payable to bearer." Section 3109.
"Payable to order." Section 3109.
"Payment." Section 3602.
"Person entitled to enforce." Section 3301.
"Presentment." Section 3501.
"Reacquisition." Section 3207.
"Special indorsement." Section 3205.
"Teller's check." Section 3104.
"Transfer of instrument." Section 3203.
"Traveler's check." Section 3104.
"Value." Section 3303.
(c) Index of definitions in other divisions.-- The following definitions in other divisions of this title apply to this division:
"Bank." Section 4105.
"Banking day." Section 4104.
"Clearing house." Section 4104.
"Collecting bank." Section 4105.
"Depositary bank." Section 4105.
"Documentary draft." Section 4104.
"Intermediary bank." Section 4105.
"Item." Section 4104.
"Payor bank." Section 4105.
"Suspends payments." Section 4104.
(d) Applicability of general definitions and principles.-- In addition, Division 1 (relating to general provisions) contains general definitions and principles of construction and interpretation applicable throughout this division.
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001; Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) Definition of "negotiable instrument".-- Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d), "negotiable instrument" means an unconditional promise or order to pay a fixed amount of money, with or without interest or other charges described in the promise or order, if it:
(1) is payable to bearer or to order at the time it is issued or first comes into possession of a holder;
(2) is payable on demand or at a definite time; and
(3) does not state any other undertaking or instruction by the person promising or ordering payment to do any act in addition to the payment of money, but the promise or order may contain:
(i) an undertaking or power to give, maintain or protect collateral to secure payment;
(ii) an authorization or power to the holder to confess judgment or realize on or dispose of collateral;
(iii) a waiver of the benefit of any law intended for the advantage or protection of an obligor;
(iv) a term which specifies the law that governs the promise or order; or
(v) an undertaking to resolve in a specified forum a dispute concerning the promise or order.
(b) Definition of "instrument".-- "Instrument" means a negotiable instrument.
(c) Negotiable instrument and check.-- An order that meets all of the requirements of subsection (a), except paragraph (1), and otherwise falls within the definition of "check" in subsection (f) is a negotiable instrument and a check.
(d) When promise or order not an instrument.-- A promise or order other than a check is not an instrument if, at the time it is issued or first comes into possession of a holder, it contains a conspicuous statement, however expressed, to the effect that the promise or order is not negotiable or is not an instrument governed by this division.
(e) Note and draft.-- An instrument is a "note" if it is a promise and is a "draft" if it is an order. If an instrument falls within the definition of both "note" and "draft," a person entitled to enforce the instrument may treat it as either.
(f) Definition of "check".-- "Check" means:
(1) a draft, other than a documentary draft, payable on demand and drawn on a bank; or
(2) a cashier's check or teller's check.
An instrument may be a check even though it is described on its face by another term, such as "money order."
(g) Definition of "cashier's check".-- "Cashier's check" means a draft with respect to which the drawer and drawee are the same bank or branches of the same bank.
(h) Definition of "teller's check".-- "Teller's check" means a draft drawn by a bank:
(1) on another bank; or
(2) payable at or through a bank.
(i) Definition of "traveler's check".-- "Traveler's check" means an instrument that:
(1) is payable on demand;
(2) is drawn on or payable at or through a bank;
(3) is designated by the term "traveler's check" or by a substantially similar term; and
(4) requires, as a condition to payment, a countersignature by a person whose specimen signature appears on the instrument.
(j) Definition of "certificate of deposit".-- "Certificate of deposit" means an instrument containing an acknowledgment by a bank that a sum of money has been received by the bank and a promise by the bank to repay the sum of money. A certificate of deposit is a note of the bank.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Definition of "issue".-- "Issue" means:
(1) the first delivery of an instrument by the maker or drawer, whether to a holder or nonholder, for the purpose of giving rights on the instrument to any person; or
(2) if agreed by the payee, the first transmission by the drawer to the payee of an image of an item and information derived from the item which enables the depositary bank to collect the item by transferring or presenting under Federal law an electronic check.
(b) When certain instruments are binding on maker or drawer.-- An unissued instrument, or an unissued incomplete instrument that is completed, is binding on the maker or drawer, but nonissuance is a defense. An instrument that is conditionally issued or is issued for a special purpose is binding on the maker or drawer, but failure of the condition or special purpose to be fulfilled is a defense.
(c) Definition of "issuer".-- "Issuer" applies to issued and unissued instruments and means a maker or drawer of an instrument.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) When conditional.-- Except as provided in this section, for the purposes of section 3104(a) (relating to negotiable instrument), a promise or order is unconditional unless it states:
(1) an express condition to payment;
(2) that the promise or order is subject to or governed by another writing; or
(3) that rights or obligations with respect to the promise or order are stated in another writing.
A reference to another writing does not of itself make the promise or order conditional.
(b) When promise or order not made conditional.-- A promise or order is not made conditional:
(1) by a reference to another writing for a statement of rights with respect to collateral, prepayment or acceleration; or
(2) because payment is limited to resort to a particular fund or source.
(c) Promise or order not made conditional when countersignature as condition to payment is required.-- If a promise or order requires, as a condition to payment, a countersignature by a person whose specimen signature appears on the promise or order, the condition does not make the promise or order conditional for the purposes of section 3104(a). If the person whose specimen signature appears on an instrument fails to countersign the instrument, the failure to countersign is a defense to the obligation of the issuer, but the failure does not prevent a transferee of the instrument from becoming a holder of the instrument.
(d) Promise or order not made conditional by containing certain statements required by law.-- If a promise or order at the time it is issued or first comes into possession of a holder contains a statement, required by applicable statutory or administrative law, to the effect that the rights of a holder or transferee are subject to claims or defenses that the issuer could assert against the original payee, the promise or order is not thereby made conditional for the purposes of section 3104(a); but if the promise or order is an instrument, there cannot be a holder in due course of the instrument.
Unless the instrument otherwise provides, an instrument that states the amount payable in foreign money may be paid in the foreign money or in an equivalent amount in dollars calculated by using the current bank-offered spot rate at the place of payment for the purchase of dollars on the day on which the instrument is paid.
(a) Payable on demand.-- A promise or order is "payable on demand" if it:
(1) states that it is payable on demand or at sight or otherwise indicates that it is payable at the will of the holder; or
(2) does not state any time of payment.
(b) Payable at a definite time.-- A promise or order is "payable at a definite time" if it is payable on elapse of a definite period of time after sight or acceptance or at a fixed date or dates or at a time or times readily ascertainable at the time the promise or order is issued, subject to rights of:
(1) prepayment;
(2) acceleration;
(3) extension at the option of the holder; or
(4) extension to a further definite time at the option of the maker or acceptor or automatically upon or after a specified act or event.
(c) Payable upon demand made before fixed date.-- If an instrument, payable at a fixed date, is also payable upon demand made before the fixed date, the instrument is payable on demand until the fixed date and, if demand for payment is not made before that date, becomes payable at a definite time on the fixed date.
(a) Payable to bearer.-- A promise or order is payable to bearer if it:
(1) states that it is payable to bearer or to the order of bearer or otherwise indicates that the person in possession of the promise or order is entitled to payment;
(2) does not state a payee; or
(3) states that it is payable to or to the order of cash or otherwise indicates that it is not payable to an identified person.
(b) Payable to order.-- A promise or order that is not payable to bearer is payable to order if it is payable:
(1) to the order of an identified person; or
(2) to an identified person or order.
A promise or order that is payable to order is payable to the identified person.
(c) Payable to an identified person.-- An instrument payable to bearer may become payable to an identified person if it is specially indorsed pursuant to section 3205(a) (relating to special indorsement; blank indorsement; anomalous indorsement). An instrument payable to an identified person may become payable to bearer if it is indorsed in blank pursuant to section 3205(b).
(a) Intent of issuer.-- The person to whom an instrument is initially payable is determined by the intent of the person, whether or not authorized, signing as, or in the name or behalf of, the issuer of the instrument. The instrument is payable to the person intended by the signer even if that person is identified in the instrument by a name or other identification that is not that of the intended person. If more than one person signs in the name or behalf of the issuer of an instrument and all the signers do not intend the same person as payee, the instrument is payable to any person intended by one or more of the signers.
(b) When signature of issuer made by automated means.-- If the signature of the issuer of an instrument is made by automated means, such as a check-writing machine, the payee of the instrument is determined by the intent of the person who supplied the name or identification of the payee, whether or not authorized to do so.
(c) Identification of person to whom instrument is payable and rules for determining holder.-- A person to whom an instrument is payable may be identified in any way, including by name, identifying number, office or account number. For the purpose of determining the holder of an instrument, the following rules apply:
(1) If an instrument is payable to an account and the account is identified only by number, the instrument is payable to the person to whom the account is payable. If an instrument is payable to an account identified by number and by the name of a person, the instrument is payable to the named person, whether or not that person is the owner of the account identified by number.
(2) If an instrument is payable to:
(i) a trust, an estate or a person described as trustee or representative of a trust or estate, the instrument is payable to the trustee, the representative or a successor of either, whether or not the beneficiary or estate is also named;
(ii) a person described as agent or similar representative of a named or identified person, the instrument is payable to the represented person, the representative or a successor of the representative;
(iii) a fund or organization that is not a legal entity, the instrument is payable to a representative of the members of the fund or organization; or
(iv) an office or to a person described as holding an office, the instrument is payable to the named person, the incumbent of the office or a successor to the incumbent.
(d) Instrument payable to two or more persons.-- If an instrument is payable to two or more persons alternatively, it is payable to any of them and may be negotiated, discharged or enforced by any or all of them in possession of the instrument. If an instrument is payable to two or more persons not alternatively, it is payable to all of them and may be negotiated, discharged or enforced only by all of them. If an instrument payable to two or more persons is ambiguous as to whether it is payable to the persons alternatively, the instrument is payable to the persons alternatively.
Except as otherwise provided for items in Division 4 (relating to bank deposits and collections), an instrument is payable at the place of payment stated in the instrument. If no place of payment is stated, an instrument is payable at the address of the drawee or maker stated in the instrument. If no address is stated, the place of payment is the place of business of the drawee or maker. If a drawee or maker has more than one place of business, the place of payment is any place of business of the drawee or maker chosen by the person entitled to enforce the instrument. If the drawee or maker has no place of business, the place of payment is the residence of the drawee or maker.
(a) General rule.-- Unless otherwise provided in the instrument:
(1) an instrument is not payable with interest; and
(2) interest on an interest-bearing instrument is payable from the date of the instrument.
(b) Instrument may provide for interest.-- Interest may be stated in an instrument as a fixed or variable amount of money or it may be expressed as a fixed or variable rate or rates. The amount or rate of interest may be stated or described in the instrument in any manner and may require reference to information not contained in the instrument. If an instrument provides for interest, but the amount of interest payable cannot be ascertained from the description, interest is payable at the judgment rate in effect at the place of payment of the instrument and at the time interest first accrues.
(a) Dated instrument.-- An instrument may be antedated or postdated. The date stated determines the time of payment if the instrument is payable at a fixed period after date. Except as provided in section 4401(c) (relating to when bank may charge account of customer), an instrument payable on demand is not payable before the date of the instrument.
(b) Undated instrument.-- If an instrument is undated, its date is the date of its issue or, in the case of an unissued instrument, the date it first comes into possession of a holder.
If an instrument contains contradictory terms, typewritten terms prevail over printed terms, handwritten terms prevail over both, and words prevail over numbers.
(a) Definition of "incomplete instrument".-- "Incomplete instrument" means a signed writing, whether or not issued by the signer, the contents of which show at the time of signing that it is incomplete but that the signer intended it to be completed by the addition of words or numbers.
(b) Enforcement.-- Subject to subsection (c), if an incomplete instrument is an instrument under section 3104 (relating to negotiable instrument), it may be enforced according to its terms if it is not completed or according to its terms as augmented by completion. If an incomplete instrument is not an instrument under section 3104, but, after completion, the requirements of section 3104 are met, the instrument may be enforced according to its terms as augmented by completion.
(c) Alteration of incomplete instrument.-- If words or numbers are added to an incomplete instrument without authority of the signer, there is an alteration of the incomplete instrument under section 3407 (relating to alteration).
(d) Burden of establishing alteration.-- The burden of establishing that words or numbers were added to an incomplete instrument without authority of the signer is on the person asserting the lack of authority.
(a) Joint and several liability.-- Except as otherwise provided in the instrument, two or more persons who have the same liability on an instrument as makers, drawers, acceptors, indorsers who indorse as joint payees, or anomalous indorsers are jointly and severally liable in the capacity in which they sign.
(b) Contribution.-- Except as provided in section 3419(e) (relating to instruments signed for accommodation) or by agreement of the affected parties, a party having joint and several liability who pays the instrument is entitled to receive from any party having the same joint and several liability contribution in accordance with applicable law.
(c) Discharge.-- Discharge of one party having joint and several liability by a person entitled to enforce the instrument does not affect the right under subsection (b) of a party having the same joint and several liability to receive contribution from the party discharged.
Subject to applicable law regarding exclusion of proof of contemporaneous or previous agreements, the obligation of a party to an instrument to pay the instrument may be modified, supplemented or nullified by a separate agreement of the obligor and a person entitled to enforce the instrument if the instrument is issued or the obligation is incurred in reliance on the agreement or as part of the same transaction giving rise to the agreement. To the extent an obligation is modified, supplemented or nullified by an agreement under this section, the agreement is a defense to the obligation.
(a) Note payable at definite time.-- Except as provided in subsection (e), an action to enforce the obligation of a party to pay a note payable at a definite time must be commenced within six years after the due date or dates stated in the note or, if a due date is accelerated, within six years after the accelerated due date.
(b) Note payable on demand.-- Except as provided in subsection (d) or (e), if demand for payment is made to the maker of a note payable on demand, an action to enforce the obligation of a party to pay the note must be commenced within six years after the demand. If no demand for payment is made to the maker, an action to enforce the note is barred if neither principal nor interest on the note has been paid for a continuous period of ten years.
(c) Unaccepted draft.-- Except as provided in subsection (d), an action to enforce the obligation of a party to an unaccepted draft to pay the draft must be commenced within three years after dishonor of the draft or ten years after the date of the draft, whichever period expires first.
(d) Certified check, teller's check, cashier's check and traveler's check.-- An action to enforce the obligation of the acceptor of a certified check or the issuer of a teller's check, cashier's check or traveler's check must be commenced within three years after demand for payment is made to the acceptor or issuer, as the case may be.
(e) Certificate of deposit.-- An action to enforce the obligation of a party to a certificate of deposit to pay the instrument must be commenced within six years after demand for payment is made to the maker, but, if the instrument states a due date and the maker is not required to pay before that date, the six-year period begins when a demand for payment is in effect and the due date has passed.
(f) Accepted draft.-- An action to enforce the obligation of a party to pay an accepted draft, other than a certified check, must be commenced:
(1) within six years after the due date or dates stated in the draft or acceptance if the obligation of the acceptor is payable at a definite time; or
(2) within six years after the date of the acceptance if the obligation of the acceptor is payable on demand.
(g) Conversion, breach of warranty and other Division 3 actions.-- Unless governed by other law regarding claims for indemnity or contribution, an action:
(1) for conversion of an instrument, for money had and received or like action based on conversion;
(2) for breach of warranty; or
(3) to enforce an obligation, duty or right arising under this division and not governed by this section;
must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues.
In an action for breach of an obligation for which a third person is answerable over pursuant to this division or Division 4 (relating to bank deposits and collections), the defendant may give the third person written notice of the litigation, and the person notified may then give similar notice to any other person who is answerable over. If the notice states that the person notified may come in and defend and that failure to do so will bind the person notified in an action later brought by the person giving the notice as to any determination of fact common to the two litigations, the person notified is so bound unless after seasonable receipt of the notice the person notified does come in and defend.
(a) Definition of "negotiation".-- "Negotiation" means a transfer of possession, whether voluntary or involuntary, of an instrument by a person other than the issuer to a person who thereby becomes its holder.
(b) Manner of negotiation.-- Except for negotiation by a remitter, if an instrument is payable to an identified person, negotiation requires transfer of possession of the instrument and its indorsement by the holder. If an instrument is payable to bearer, it may be negotiated by transfer of possession alone.
(a) General rule.-- Negotiation is effective even if obtained:
(1) from an infant, a corporation exceeding its powers or a person without capacity;
(2) by fraud, duress or mistake; or
(3) in breach of duty or as part of an illegal transaction.
(b) Rescission or other remedies.-- To the extent permitted by other law, negotiation may be rescinded or may be subject to other remedies, but those remedies may not be asserted against a subsequent holder in due course or a person paying the instrument in good faith and without knowledge of facts that are a basis for rescission or other remedy.
(a) When transfer effected.-- An instrument is transferred when it is delivered by a person other than its issuer for the purpose of giving to the person receiving delivery the right to enforce the instrument.
(b) Rights obtained upon transfer of instrument.-- Transfer of an instrument, whether or not the transfer is a negotiation, vests in the transferee any right of the transferor to enforce the instrument, including any right as a holder in due course, but the transferee cannot acquire rights of a holder in due course by a transfer, directly or indirectly, from a holder in due course if the transferee engaged in fraud or illegality affecting the instrument.
(c) Right of transferee to demand indorsement.-- Unless otherwise agreed, if an instrument is transferred for value and the transferee does not become a holder because of lack of indorsement by the transferor, the transferee has a specifically enforceable right to the unqualified indorsement of the transferor, but negotiation of the instrument does not occur until the indorsement is made.
(d) Effect of transfer of less than entire instrument.-- If a transferor purports to transfer less than the entire instrument, negotiation of the instrument does not occur. The transferee obtains no rights under this division and has only the rights of a partial assignee.
(a) Definition of "indorsement".-- "Indorsement" means a signature, other than that of a signer as maker, drawer or acceptor, that alone or accompanied by other words is made on an instrument for the purpose of negotiating the instrument, restricting payment of the instrument or incurring indorser's liability on the instrument, but regardless of the intent of the signer, a signature and its accompanying words is an indorsement unless the accompanying words, terms of the instrument, place of the signature or other circumstances unambiguously indicate that the signature was made for a purpose other than indorsement. For the purpose of determining whether a signature is made on an instrument, a paper affixed to the instrument is a part of the instrument.
(b) Definition of "indorser".-- "Indorser" means a person who makes an indorsement.
(c) When transferee is a holder.-- For the purpose of determining whether the transferee of an instrument is a holder, an indorsement that transfers a security interest in the instrument is effective as an unqualified indorsement of the instrument.
(d) Wrong name.-- If an instrument is payable to a holder under a name that is not the name of the holder, indorsement may be made by the holder in the name stated in the instrument or in the holder's name or both, but signature in both names may be required by a person paying or taking the instrument for value or collection.
(a) Special indorsement.-- If an indorsement is made by the holder of an instrument, whether payable to an identified person or payable to bearer, and the indorsement identifies a person to whom it makes the instrument payable, it is a "special indorsement." When specially indorsed, an instrument becomes payable to the identified person and may be negotiated only by the indorsement of that person. The principles stated in section 3110 (relating to identification of person to whom instrument is payable) apply to special indorsements.
(b) Blank indorsement.-- If an indorsement is made by the holder of an instrument and it is not a special indorsement, it is a "blank indorsement." When indorsed in blank, an instrument becomes payable to bearer and may be negotiated by transfer of possession alone until specially indorsed.
(c) Conversion of blank indorsement into special indorsement.-- The holder may convert a blank indorsement that consists only of a signature into a special indorsement by writing, above the signature of the indorser, words identifying the person to whom the instrument is made payable.
(d) Definition of "anomalous indorsement".-- "Anomalous indorsement" means an indorsement made by a person who is not the holder of the instrument. An anomalous indorsement does not affect the manner in which the instrument may be negotiated.
(a) Indorsement prohibiting further transfer or negotiation.-- An indorsement limiting payment to a particular person or otherwise prohibiting further transfer or negotiation of the instrument is not effective to prevent further transfer or negotiation of the instrument.
(b) Conditional indorsement.-- An indorsement stating a condition to the right of the indorsee to receive payment does not affect the right of the indorsee to enforce the instrument. A person paying the instrument or taking it for value or collection may disregard the condition, and the rights and liabilities of that person are not affected by whether the condition has been fulfilled.
(c) Specified purpose indorsement.-- If an instrument bears an indorsement described in section 4201(b) (relating to status of collecting bank as agent and provisional status of credits; applicability of division; item indorsed "pay any bank") or in blank or to a particular bank using the words "for deposit," "for collection" or other words indicating a purpose of having the instrument collected by a bank for the indorser or for a particular account, the following rules apply:
(1) A person, other than a bank, who purchases the instrument when so indorsed converts the instrument unless the amount paid for the instrument is received by the indorser or applied consistently with the indorsement.
(2) A depositary bank that purchases the instrument or takes it for collection when so indorsed converts the instrument unless the amount paid by the bank with respect to the instrument is received by the indorser or applied consistently with the indorsement.
(3) A payor bank that is also the depositary bank or that takes the instrument for immediate payment over the counter from a person other than a collecting bank converts the instrument unless the proceeds of the instrument are received by the indorser or applied consistently with the indorsement.
(4) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (3), a payor bank or intermediary bank may disregard the indorsement and is not liable if the proceeds of the instrument are not received by the indorser or applied consistently with the indorsement.
(d) Indorsement for benefit of indorser or another person.-- Except for an indorsement covered by subsection (c), if an instrument bears an indorsement using words to the effect that payment is to be made to the indorsee as agent, trustee or other fiduciary for the benefit of the indorser or another person, the following rules apply:
(1) Unless there is notice of breach of fiduciary duty as provided in section 3307 (relating to notice of breach of fiduciary duty), a person who purchases the instrument from the indorsee or takes the instrument from the indorsee for collection or payment may pay the proceeds of payment or the value given for the instrument to the indorsee without regard to whether the indorsee violates a fiduciary duty to the indorser.
(2) A subsequent transferee of the instrument or person who pays the instrument is neither given notice nor otherwise affected by the restriction in the indorsement unless the transferee or payor knows that the fiduciary dealt with the instrument or its proceeds in breach of fiduciary duty.
(e) Holder in due course.-- The presence on an instrument of an indorsement to which this section applies does not prevent a purchaser of the instrument from becoming a holder in due course of the instrument unless the purchaser is a converter under subsection (c) or has notice or knowledge of breach of fiduciary duty as stated in subsection (d).
(f) Defense of obligor.-- In an action to enforce the obligation of a party to pay the instrument, the obligor has a defense if payment would violate an indorsement to which this section applies and the payment is not permitted by this section.
Reacquisition of an instrument occurs if it is transferred to a former holder, by negotiation or otherwise. A former holder who reacquires the instrument may cancel indorsements made after the reacquirer first became a holder of the instrument. If the cancellation causes the instrument to be payable to the reacquirer or to bearer, the reacquirer may negotiate the instrument. An indorser whose indorsement is canceled is discharged, and the discharge is effective against any subsequent holder.
"Person entitled to enforce" an instrument means:
(1) the holder of the instrument;
(2) a nonholder in possession of the instrument who has the rights of a holder; or
(3) a person not in possession of the instrument who is entitled to enforce the instrument pursuant to section 3309 (relating to enforcement of lost, destroyed or stolen instrument) or 3418(d) (relating to payment or acceptance by mistake).
A person may be a person entitled to enforce the instrument even though the person is not the owner of the instrument or is in wrongful possession of the instrument.
(a) Definition of "holder in due course".-- Subject to subsection (c) and section 3106(d) (relating to unconditional promise or order), "holder in due course" means the holder of an instrument if:
(1) the instrument when issued or negotiated to the holder does not bear such apparent evidence of forgery or alteration or is not otherwise so irregular or incomplete as to call into question its authenticity; and
(2) the holder took the instrument:
(i) for value;
(ii) in good faith;
(iii) without notice that the instrument is overdue or has been dishonored or that there is an uncured default with respect to payment of another instrument issued as part of the same series;
(iv) without notice that the instrument contains an unauthorized signature or has been altered;
(v) without notice of any claim to the instrument described in section 3306 (relating to claims to an instrument); and
(vi) without notice that any party has a defense or claim in recoupment described in section 3305(a) (relating to defenses and claims in recoupment).
(b) Notice of discharge.-- Notice of discharge of a party, other than discharge in an insolvency proceeding, is not notice of a defense under subsection (a), but discharge is effective against a person who became a holder in due course with notice of the discharge. Public filing or recording of a document does not of itself constitute notice of a defense, claim in recoupment or claim to the instrument.
(c) When one does not acquire rights of holder in due course.-- Except to the extent a transferor or predecessor in interest has rights as a holder in due course, a person does not acquire rights of a holder in due course of an instrument taken:
(1) by legal process or by purchase in an execution, bankruptcy or creditor's sale or similar proceeding;
(2) by purchase as part of a bulk transaction not in ordinary course of business of the transferor; or
(3) as the successor in interest to an estate or other organization.
(d) Limited right as holder in due course; partial performance.-- If, under section 3303(a)(1) (relating to value and consideration), the promise of performance that is the consideration for an instrument has been partially performed, the holder may assert rights as a holder in due course of the instrument only to the fraction of the amount payable under the instrument equal to the value of the partial performance divided by the value of the promised performance.
(e) Limited right as holder in due course; security interest.-- If:
(1) the person entitled to enforce an instrument has only a security interest in the instrument; and
(2) the person obliged to pay the instrument has a defense, claim in recoupment or claim to the instrument that may be asserted against the person who granted the security interest;
the person entitled to enforce the instrument may assert rights as a holder in due course only to an amount payable under the instrument which, at the time of enforcement of the instrument, does not exceed the amount of the unpaid obligation secured.
(f) Manner of notice.-- To be effective, notice must be received at a time and in a manner that gives a reasonable opportunity to act on it.
(g) Applicability of other law.-- This section is subject to any law limiting status as a holder in due course in particular classes of transactions.
(a) Value.-- An instrument is issued or transferred for value if:
(1) the instrument is issued or transferred for a promise of performance, to the extent the promise has been performed;
(2) the transferee acquires a security interest or other lien in the instrument other than a lien obtained by judicial proceeding;
(3) the instrument is issued or transferred as payment of, or as security for, an antecedent claim against any person, whether or not the claim is due;
(4) the instrument is issued or transferred in exchange for a negotiable instrument; or
(5) the instrument is issued or transferred in exchange for the incurring of an irrevocable obligation to a third party by the person taking the instrument.
(b) Definition of "consideration".-- "Consideration" means any consideration sufficient to support a simple contract. The drawer or maker of an instrument has a defense if the instrument is issued without consideration. If an instrument is issued for a promise of performance, the issuer has a defense to the extent performance of the promise is due and the promise has not been performed. If an instrument is issued for value as stated in subsection (a), the instrument is also issued for consideration.
(a) Instrument payable on demand.-- An instrument payable on demand becomes overdue at the earliest of the following times:
(1) on the day after the day demand for payment is duly made;
(2) if the instrument is a check, 90 days after its date; or
(3) if the instrument is not a check, when the instrument has been outstanding for a period of time after its date which is unreasonably long under the circumstances of the particular case in light of the nature of the instrument and usage of the trade.
(b) Instrument payable at a definite time.-- With respect to an instrument payable at a definite time, the following rules apply:
(1) If the principal is payable in installments and a due date has not been accelerated, the instrument becomes overdue upon default under the instrument for nonpayment of an installment, and the instrument remains overdue until the default is cured.
(2) If the principal is not payable in installments and the due date has not been accelerated, the instrument becomes overdue on the day after the due date.
(3) If a due date with respect to principal has been accelerated, the instrument becomes overdue on the day after the accelerated due date.
(c) Instrument not overdue if default in payment of interest.-- Unless the due date of principal has been accelerated, an instrument does not become overdue if there is default in payment of interest but no default in payment of principal.
(a) General rule.-- Except as stated in subsection (b), the right to enforce the obligation of a party to pay an instrument is subject to the following:
(1) a defense of the obligor based on:
(i) infancy of the obligor to the extent it is a defense to a simple contract;
(ii) duress, lack of legal capacity or illegality of the transaction which, under other law, nullifies the obligation of the obligor;
(iii) fraud that induced the obligor to sign the instrument with neither knowledge nor reasonable opportunity to learn of its character or its essential terms; or
(iv) discharge of the obligor in insolvency proceedings;
(2) a defense of the obligor stated in another section of this division or a defense of the obligor that would be available if the person entitled to enforce the instrument were enforcing a right to payment under a simple contract; and
(3) a claim in recoupment of the obligor against the original payee of the instrument if the claim arose from the transaction that gave rise to the instrument, but the claim of the obligor may be asserted against a transferee of the instrument only to reduce the amount owing on the instrument at the time the action is brought.
(b) Right of holder in due course to enforce obligation.-- The right of a holder in due course to enforce the obligation of a party to pay the instrument is subject to defenses of the obligor stated in subsection (a)(1), but is not subject to defenses of the obligor stated in subsection (a)(2) or claims in recoupment stated in subsection (a)(3) against a person other than the holder.
(c) Claims and defenses of person other than obligor on instrument.-- Except as stated in subsection (d), in an action to enforce the obligation of a party to pay the instrument, the obligor may not assert against the person entitled to enforce the instrument a defense, claim in recoupment or claim to the instrument (section 3306) of another person, but the other person's claim to the instrument may be asserted by the obligor if the other person is joined in the action and personally asserts the claim against the person entitled to enforce the instrument. An obligor is not obliged to pay the instrument if the person seeking enforcement of the instrument does not have rights of a holder in due course and the obligor proves that the instrument is a lost or stolen instrument.
(d) Instrument signed for accommodation.-- In an action to enforce the obligation of an accommodation party to pay an instrument, the accommodation party may assert against the person entitled to enforce the instrument any defense or claim in recoupment under subsection (a) that the accommodated party could assert against the person entitled to enforce the instrument, except the defenses of discharge in insolvency proceedings, infancy and lack of legal capacity.
A person taking an instrument, other than a person having rights of a holder in due course, is subject to a claim of a property or possessory right in the instrument or its proceeds, including a claim to rescind a negotiation and to recover the instrument or its proceeds. A person having rights of a holder in due course takes free of the claim to the instrument.
(a) Definitions.-- As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Fiduciary." An agent, trustee, partner, corporate officer or director or other representative owing a fiduciary duty with respect to an instrument.
"Represented person." The principal, beneficiary, partnership, corporation or other person to whom the duty stated under the definition of fiduciary is owed.
(b) General rule.-- If an instrument is taken from a fiduciary for payment or collection or for value, the taker has knowledge of the fiduciary status of the fiduciary and the represented person makes a claim to the instrument or its proceeds on the basis that the transaction of the fiduciary is a breach of fiduciary duty, the following rules apply:
(1) Notice of breach of fiduciary duty by the fiduciary is notice of the claim of the represented person.
(2) In the case of an instrument payable to the represented person or the fiduciary as such, the taker has notice of the breach of fiduciary duty if the instrument is:
(i) taken in payment of or as security for a debt known by the taker to be the personal debt of the fiduciary;
(ii) taken in a transaction known by the taker to be for the personal benefit of the fiduciary; or
(iii) deposited to an account other than an account of the fiduciary, as such, or an account of the represented person.
(3) If an instrument is issued by the represented person or the fiduciary as such and made payable to the fiduciary personally, the taker does not have notice of the breach of fiduciary duty unless the taker knows of the breach of fiduciary duty.
(4) If an instrument is issued by the represented person or the fiduciary as such to the taker as payee, the taker has notice of the breach of fiduciary duty if the instrument is:
(i) taken in payment of or as security for a debt known by the taker to be the personal debt of the fiduciary;
(ii) taken in a transaction known by the taker to be for the personal benefit of the fiduciary; or
(iii) deposited to an account other than an account of the fiduciary, as such, or an account of the represented person.
(a) Proof of signatures.-- In an action with respect to an instrument, the authenticity of, and authority to make, each signature on the instrument is admitted unless specifically denied in the pleadings. If the validity of a signature is denied in the pleadings, the burden of establishing validity is on the person claiming validity, but the signature is presumed to be authentic and authorized unless the action is to enforce the liability of the purported signer and the signer is dead or incompetent at the time of trial of the issue of validity of the signature. If an action to enforce the instrument is brought against a person as the undisclosed principal of a person who signed the instrument as a party to the instrument, the plaintiff has the burden of establishing that the defendant is liable on the instrument as a represented person under section 3402(a) (relating to signature by representative).
(b) Status as holder in due course.-- If the validity of signatures is admitted or proved and there is compliance with subsection (a), a plaintiff producing the instrument is entitled to payment if the plaintiff proves entitlement to enforce the instrument under section 3301 (relating to person entitled to enforce instrument), unless the defendant proves a defense or claim in recoupment. If a defense or claim in recoupment is proved, the right to payment of the plaintiff is subject to the defense or claim, except to the extent the plaintiff proves that the plaintiff has rights of a holder in due course which are not subject to the defense or claim.
(a) Enforcement.-- A person not in possession of an instrument is entitled to enforce the instrument if:
(1) the person was in possession of the instrument and entitled to enforce it when loss of possession occurred;
(2) the loss of possession was not the result of a transfer by the person or a lawful seizure; and
(3) the person cannot reasonably obtain possession of the instrument because the instrument was destroyed, its whereabouts cannot be determined or it is in the wrongful possession of an unknown person or a person that cannot be found or is not amenable to service of process.
(b) Proof.-- A person seeking enforcement of an instrument under subsection (a) must prove the terms of the instrument and the person's right to enforce the instrument. If that proof is made, section 3308 (relating to proof of signatures and status as holder in due course) applies to the case as if the person seeking enforcement had produced the instrument. The court may not enter judgment in favor of the person seeking enforcement unless it finds that the person required to pay the instrument is adequately protected against loss that might occur by reason of a claim by another person to enforce the instrument. Adequate protection may be provided by any reasonable means.
(a) Certified check, cashier's check or teller's check given in payment of obligation.-- Unless otherwise agreed, if a certified check, cashier's check or teller's check is taken for an obligation, the obligation is discharged to the same extent discharge would result if an amount of money equal to the amount of the instrument were taken in payment of the obligation. Discharge of the obligation does not affect any liability that the obligor may have as an indorser of the instrument.
(b) Note or uncertified check taken for obligation.-- Unless otherwise agreed and except as provided in subsection (a), if a note or an uncertified check is taken for an obligation, the obligation is suspended to the same extent the obligation would be discharged if an amount of money equal to the amount of the instrument were taken, and the following rules apply:
(1) In the case of an uncertified check, suspension of the obligation continues until dishonor of the check or until it is paid or certified. Payment or certification of the check results in discharge of the obligation to the extent of the amount of the check.
(2) In the case of a note, suspension of the obligation continues until dishonor of the note or until it is paid. Payment of the note results in discharge of the obligation to the extent of the payment.
(3) Except as provided in paragraph (4), if the check or note is dishonored and the obligee of the obligation for which the instrument was taken is the person entitled to enforce the instrument, the obligee may enforce either the instrument or the obligation. In the case of an instrument of a third person which is negotiated to the obligee by the obligor, discharge of the obligor on the instrument also discharges the obligation.
(4) If the person entitled to enforce the instrument taken for an obligation is a person other than the obligee, the obligee may not enforce the obligation to the extent the obligation is suspended. If the obligee is the person entitled to enforce the instrument but no longer has possession of it because it was lost, stolen or destroyed, the obligation may not be enforced to the extent of the amount payable on the instrument, and to that extent the obligee's rights against the obligor are limited to enforcement of the instrument.
(c) Other instruments taken for obligation.-- If an instrument other than one described in subsection (a) or (b) is taken for an obligation, the effect is:
(1) that stated in subsection (a) if the instrument is one on which a bank is liable as maker or acceptor; or
(2) that stated in subsection (b) in any other case.
(a) Requirements.-- If a person against whom a claim is asserted proves that:
(1) that person in good faith tendered an instrument to the claimant as full satisfaction of the claim;
(2) the amount of the claim was unliquidated or subject to a bona fide dispute; and
(3) the claimant obtained payment of the instrument;
the following subsections apply.
(b) Proof of conspicuous statement.-- Unless subsection (c) applies, the claim is discharged if the person against whom the claim is asserted proves that the instrument or an accompanying written communication contained a conspicuous statement to the effect that the instrument was tendered as full satisfaction of the claim.
(c) Designated person, office or place and 90-day limitations.-- Subject to subsection (d), a claim is not discharged under subsection (b) if either of the following applies:
(1) The claimant, if an organization, proves that:
(i) within a reasonable time before the tender, the claimant sent a conspicuous statement to the person against whom the claim is asserted that communications concerning disputed debts, including an instrument tendered as full satisfaction of a debt, are to be sent to a designated person, office or place; and
(ii) the instrument or accompanying communication was not received by that designated person, office or place.
(2) The claimant, whether or not an organization, proves that within 90 days after payment of the instrument, the claimant tendered repayment of the amount of the instrument to the person against whom the claim is asserted. This paragraph does not apply if the claimant is an organization that sent a statement complying with paragraph (1)(i).
(d) Discharge.-- A claim is discharged if the person against whom the claim is asserted proves that within a reasonable time before collection of the instrument was initiated, the claimant, or an agent of the claimant having direct responsibility with respect to the disputed obligation, knew that the instrument was tendered in full satisfaction of the claim.
(a) Definitions.-- As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Check." A cashier's check, teller's check or certified check.
"Claimant." A person who claims the right to receive the amount of a cashier's check, teller's check or certified check that was lost, destroyed or stolen.
"Declaration of loss." A written statement made under penalty of perjury to the effect that:
(1) the declarer lost possession of a check;
(2) the declarer is the drawer or payee of the check, in the case of a certified check, or the remitter or payee of the check, in the case of a cashier's check or teller's check;
(3) the loss of possession was not the result of a transfer by the declarer or a lawful seizure; and
(4) the declarer cannot reasonably obtain possession of the check because the check was destroyed, its whereabouts cannot be determined or it is in the wrongful possession of an unknown person or a person that cannot be found or is not amenable to service of process.
"Obligated bank." The issuer of a cashier's check or teller's check or the acceptor of a certified check.
(b) Claims.--
(1) A claimant may assert a claim to the amount of a check by a communication to the obligated bank describing the check with reasonable certainty and requesting payment of the amount of the check if:
(i) the claimant is the drawer or payee of a certified check or remitter or payee of a cashier's check or teller's check;
(ii) the communication contains or is accompanied by a declaration of loss of the claimant with respect to the check;
(iii) the communication is received at a time and in a manner affording the bank a reasonable time to act on it before the check is paid; and
(iv) the claimant provides reasonable identification if requested by the obligated bank.
Delivery of a declaration of loss is a warranty of the truth of the statements made in the declaration.
(2) If a claim is asserted in compliance with this subsection, the following rules apply:
(i) The claim becomes enforceable at the later of:
(A) the time the claim is asserted; or
(B) the 90th day following the date of the check, in the case of a cashier's check or teller's check, or the 90th day following the date of the acceptance, in the case of a certified check.
(ii) Until the claim becomes enforceable, it has no legal effect and the obligated bank may pay the check or, in the case of a teller's check, may permit the drawee to pay the check. Payment to a person entitled to enforce the check discharges all liability of the obligated bank with respect to the check.
(iii) If the claim becomes enforceable before the check is presented for payment, the obligated bank is not obliged to pay the check.
(iv) When the claim becomes enforceable, the obligated bank becomes obliged to pay the amount of the check to the claimant if payment of the check has not been made to a person entitled to enforce the check. Subject to section 4302(a)(1) (relating to responsibility of payor bank for late return of item), payment to the claimant discharges all liability of the obligated bank with respect to the check.
(c) Claimant obligation.-- If the obligated bank pays the amount of a check to a claimant under subsection (b)(2)(iv) and the check is presented for payment by a person having rights of a holder in due course, the claimant is obliged to:
(1) refund the payment to the obligated bank if the check is paid; or
(2) pay the amount of the check to the person having rights of a holder in due course if the check is dishonored.
(d) Claimant remedies.-- If a claimant has the right to assert a claim under subsection (b) and is also a person entitled to enforce a cashier's check, teller's check or certified check which is lost, destroyed or stolen, the claimant may assert rights with respect to the check either under this section or section 3309 (relating to enforcement of lost, destroyed or stolen instrument).
(May 22, 1996, P.L.248, No.44, eff. 180 days)
(a) Nonliability in absence of signature.-- A person is not liable on an instrument unless:
(1) the person signed the instrument; or
(2) the person is represented by an agent or representative who signed the instrument and the signature is binding on the represented person under section 3402 (relating to signature by representative).
(b) Form of signature.-- (Deleted by amendment).
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Represented person bound by signature.-- If a person acting, or purporting to act, as a representative signs an instrument by signing either the name of the represented person or the name of the signer, the represented person is bound by the signature to the same extent the represented person would be bound if the signature were on a simple contract. If the represented person is bound, the signature of the representative is the "authorized signature of the represented person" and the represented person is liable on the instrument, whether or not identified in the instrument.
(b) When representative is bound by signature.-- If a representative signs the name of the representative to an instrument and the signature is an authorized signature of the represented person, the following rules apply:
(1) If the form of the signature shows unambiguously that the signature is made on behalf of the represented person who is identified in the instrument, the representative is not liable on the instrument.
(2) Subject to subsection (c), if the form of the signature does not show unambiguously that the signature is made in a representative capacity or the represented person is not identified in the instrument, the representative is liable on the instrument to a holder in due course that took the instrument without notice that the representative was not intended to be liable on the instrument. With respect to any other person, the representative is liable on the instrument unless the representative proves that the original parties did not intend the representative to be liable on the instrument.
(c) Checks.-- If a representative signs the name of the representative as drawer of a check without indication of the representative status and the check is payable from an account of the represented person who is identified on the check, the signer is not liable on the check if the signature is an authorized signature of the represented person.
(a) Ineffectiveness or ratification.-- Unless otherwise provided in this division or Division 4 (relating to bank deposits and collections), an unauthorized signature is ineffective except as the signature of the unauthorized signer in favor of a person who in good faith pays the instrument or takes it for value. An unauthorized signature may be ratified for all purposes of this division.
(b) Signature of organization.-- If the signature of more than one person is required to constitute the authorized signature of an organization, the signature of the organization is unauthorized if one of the required signatures is lacking.
(c) Liability.-- The civil or criminal liability of a person who makes an unauthorized signature is not affected by any provision of this division which makes the unauthorized signature effective for the purposes of this division.
(a) Impostor.-- If an impostor, by use of the mails or otherwise, induces the issuer of an instrument to issue the instrument to the impostor, or to a person acting in concert with the impostor, by impersonating the payee of the instrument or a person authorized to act for the payee, an indorsement of the instrument by any person in the name of the payee is effective as the indorsement of the payee in favor of a person who, in good faith, pays the instrument or takes it for value or for collection.
(b) Fictitious payee.-- If a person whose intent determines to whom an instrument is payable (section 3110(a) or (b)) does not intend the person identified as payee to have any interest in the instrument or the person identified as payee of an instrument is a fictitious person, the following rules apply until the instrument is negotiated by special indorsement:
(1) Any person in possession of the instrument is its holder.
(2) An indorsement by any person in the name of the payee stated in the instrument is effective as the indorsement of the payee in favor of a person who, in good faith, pays the instrument or takes it for value or for collection.
(c) When indorsement made in name of payee.-- Under subsection (a) or (b), an indorsement is made in the name of a payee if:
(1) it is made in a name substantially similar to that of the payee; or
(2) the instrument, whether or not indorsed, is deposited in a depositary bank to an account in a name substantially similar to that of the payee.
(d) Failure to exercise ordinary care.-- With respect to an instrument to which subsection (a) or (b) applies, if a person paying the instrument or taking it for value or for collection fails to exercise ordinary care in paying or taking the instrument and that failure substantially contributes to loss resulting from payment of the instrument, the person bearing the loss may recover from the person failing to exercise ordinary care to the extent the failure to exercise ordinary care contributed to the loss.
(a) Definitions.-- As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Employee." Includes an independent contractor and employee of an independent contractor retained by the employer.
"Fraudulent indorsement."
(1) In the case of an instrument payable to the employer, a forged indorsement purporting to be that of the employer.
(2) In the case of an instrument with respect to which the employer is the issuer, a forged indorsement purporting to be that of the person identified as payee.
"Responsibility." With respect to instruments means authority:
(1) to sign or indorse instruments on behalf of the employer;
(2) to process instruments received by the employer for bookkeeping purposes, for deposit to an account or for other disposition;
(3) to prepare or process instruments for issue in the name of the employer;
(4) to supply information determining the names or addresses of payees of instruments to be issued in the name of the employer;
(5) to control the disposition of instruments to be issued in the name of the employer; or
(6) to act otherwise with respect to instruments in a responsible capacity.
The term does not include authority that merely allows an employee to have access to instruments or blank or incomplete instrument forms that are being stored or transported or are part of incoming or outgoing mail or similar access.
(b) Rights and liabilities.-- For the purpose of determining the rights and liabilities of a person who, in good faith, pays an instrument or takes it for value or for collection, if an employer entrusted an employee with responsibility with respect to the instrument and the employee or a person acting in concert with the employee makes a fraudulent indorsement of the instrument, the indorsement is effective as the indorsement of the person to whom the instrument is payable if it is made in the name of that person. If the person paying the instrument or taking it for value or for collection fails to exercise ordinary care in paying or taking the instrument and that failure substantially contributes to loss resulting from the fraud, the person bearing the loss may recover from the person failing to exercise ordinary care to the extent the failure to exercise ordinary care contributed to the loss.
(c) Application.-- Under subsection (b), an indorsement is made in the name of the person to whom an instrument is payable if:
(1) it is made in a name substantially similar to the name of that person; or
(2) the instrument, whether or not indorsed, is deposited in a depositary bank to an account in a name substantially similar to the name of that person.
(a) Failure to exercise ordinary care.-- A person whose failure to exercise ordinary care substantially contributes to an alteration of an instrument or to the making of a forged signature on an instrument is precluded from asserting the alteration or the forgery against a person who, in good faith, pays the instrument or takes it for value or for collection.
(b) Allocation of loss.-- Under subsection (a), if the person asserting the preclusion fails to exercise ordinary care in paying or taking the instrument and that failure substantially contributes to loss, the loss is allocated between the person precluded and the person asserting the preclusion according to the extent to which the failure of each to exercise ordinary care contributed to the loss.
(c) Burden of proof.-- Under subsection (a), the burden of proving failure to exercise ordinary care is on the person asserting the preclusion. Under subsection (b), the burden of proving failure to exercise ordinary care is on the person precluded.
(a) Definition of "alteration".-- "Alteration" means:
(1) an unauthorized change in an instrument that purports to modify in any respect the obligation of a party; or
(2) an unauthorized addition of words or numbers or other change to an incomplete instrument relating to the obligation of a party.
(b) Fraudulent alteration; discharge.-- Except as provided in subsection (c), an alteration fraudulently made discharges a party whose obligation is affected by the alteration unless that party assents or is precluded from asserting the alteration. No other alteration discharges a party, and the instrument may be enforced according to its original terms.
(c) Certain persons not affected by discharge.-- A payor bank or drawee paying a fraudulently altered instrument or a person taking it for value, in good faith and without notice of the alteration, may enforce rights with respect to the instrument according to its original terms or, in the case of an incomplete instrument altered by unauthorized completion, according to its terms as completed.
A check or other draft does not of itself operate as an assignment of funds in the hands of the drawee available for its payment, and the drawee is not liable on the instrument until the drawee accepts it.
(a) Definition of "acceptance".-- "Acceptance" means the drawee's signed agreement to pay a draft as presented. It must be written on the draft and may consist of the drawee's signature alone. Acceptance may be made at any time and becomes effective when notification pursuant to instructions is given or the accepted draft is delivered for the purpose of giving rights on the acceptance to any person.
(b) Acceptance of incomplete, overdue or dishonored draft.-- A draft may be accepted although it has not been signed by the drawer, is otherwise incomplete, is overdue or has been dishonored.
(c) Failure to date acceptance of sight draft.-- If a draft is payable at a fixed period after sight and the acceptor fails to date the acceptance, the holder may complete the acceptance by supplying a date in good faith.
(d) Definition of "certified check".-- "Certified check" means a check accepted by the bank on which it is drawn. Acceptance may be made as stated in subsection (a) or by a writing on the check which indicates that the check is certified. The drawee of a check has no obligation to certify the check, and refusal to certify is not dishonor of the check.
(a) Right of holder to refuse acceptance.-- If the terms of a drawee's acceptance vary from the terms of the draft as presented, the holder may refuse the acceptance and treat the draft as dishonored. In that case, the drawee may cancel the acceptance.
(b) Effect of acceptance designating place of payment.-- The terms of a draft are not varied by an acceptance to pay at a particular bank or place in the United States, unless the acceptance states that the draft is to be paid only at that bank or place.
(c) Assent of holder to acceptance.-- If the holder assents to an acceptance varying the terms of a draft, the obligation of each drawer and indorser that does not expressly assent to the acceptance is discharged.
(a) Definition.-- As used in this section, the term "obligated bank" means the acceptor of a certified check or the issuer of a cashier's check or teller's check bought from the issuer.
(b) Refusal to pay.-- If the obligated bank wrongfully:
(1) refuses to pay a cashier's check or certified check;
(2) stops payment of a teller's check; or
(3) refuses to pay a dishonored teller's check;
the person asserting the right to enforce the check is entitled to compensation for expenses and loss of interest resulting from the nonpayment and may recover consequential damages if the obligated bank refuses to pay after receiving notice of particular circumstances giving rise to the damages.
(c) Expenses or consequential damages not recoverable under certain circumstances.-- Expenses or consequential damages under subsection (b) are not recoverable if the refusal of the obligated bank to pay occurs because:
(1) the bank suspends payments;
(2) the obligated bank asserts a claim or defense of the bank that it has reasonable grounds to believe is available against the person entitled to enforce the instrument;
(3) the obligated bank has a reasonable doubt whether the person demanding payment is the person entitled to enforce the instrument; or
(4) payment is prohibited by law.
The issuer of a note or cashier's check or other draft drawn on the drawer is obliged to pay the instrument according to its terms at the time it was issued or, if not issued, at the time it first came into possession of a holder, or if the issuer signed an incomplete instrument, according to its terms when completed, to the extent stated in sections 3115 (relating to incomplete instrument) and 3407 (relating to alteration). The obligation is owed to a person entitled to enforce the instrument or to an indorser who paid the instrument under section 3415 (relating to obligation of indorser).
(a) General rule.-- The acceptor of a draft is obliged to pay the draft:
(1) according to its terms at the time it was accepted, even though the acceptance states that the draft is payable "as originally drawn" or equivalent terms;
(2) if the acceptance varies the terms of the draft, according to the terms of the draft as varied; or
(3) if the acceptance is of a draft that is an incomplete instrument, according to its terms when completed, to the extent stated in sections 3115 (relating to incomplete instrument) and 3407 (relating to alteration).
The obligation is owed to a person entitled to enforce the draft or to the drawer or an indorser who paid the draft under section 3414 (relating to obligation of drawer) or 3415 (relating to obligation of indorser).
(b) Certified check or accepted draft.-- If the certification of a check or other acceptance of a draft states the amount certified or accepted, the obligation of the acceptor is that amount. If the certification or acceptance does not state an amount, the amount of the instrument is subsequently raised and the instrument is then negotiated to a holder in due course, the obligation of the acceptor is the amount of the instrument at the time it was taken by the holder in due course.
(a) Scope of section.-- This section does not apply to cashier's checks or other drafts drawn on the drawer.
(b) Obligation of drawer if unaccepted draft is dishonored.-- If an unaccepted draft is dishonored, the drawer is obliged to pay the draft:
(1) according to its terms at the time it was issued or, if not issued, at the time it first came into possession of a holder; or
(2) if the drawer signed an incomplete instrument, according to its terms when completed, to the extent stated in sections 3115 (relating to incomplete instrument) and 3407 (relating to alteration).
The obligation is owed to a person entitled to enforce the draft or to an indorser who paid the draft under section 3415 (relating to obligation of indorser).
(c) Draft accepted by bank.-- If a draft is accepted by a bank, the drawer is discharged, regardless of when or by whom acceptance was obtained.
(d) Draft accepted by drawer other than bank.-- If a draft is accepted and the acceptor is not a bank, the obligation of the drawer to pay the draft if the draft is dishonored by the acceptor is the same as the obligation of an indorser under section 3415(a) and (c).
(e) Disclaimer of liability.-- If a draft states that it is drawn "without recourse" or otherwise disclaims liability of the drawer to pay the draft, the drawer is not liable under subsection (b) to pay the draft if the draft is not a check. A disclaimer of the liability stated in subsection (b) is not effective if the draft is a check.
(f) Certain protections.-- If:
(1) a check is not presented for payment or given to a depositary bank for collection within 30 days after its date;
(2) the drawee suspends payments after expiration of the 30-day period without paying the check; and
(3) because of the suspension of payments, the drawer is deprived of funds maintained with the drawee to cover payment of the check;
the drawer to the extent deprived of funds may discharge its obligation to pay the check by assigning to the person entitled to enforce the check the rights of the drawer against the drawee with respect to the funds.
(a) General rule.-- Subject to subsections (b), (c) and (d) and to section 3419(d) (relating to instruments signed for accommodation), if an instrument is dishonored, an indorser is obliged to pay the amount due on the instrument:
(1) according to the terms of the instrument at the time it was indorsed; or
(2) if the indorser indorsed an incomplete instrument, according to its terms when completed, to the extent stated in sections 3115 (relating to incomplete instrument) and 3407 (relating to alteration).
The obligation of the indorser is owed to a person entitled to enforce the instrument or to a subsequent indorser who paid the instrument under this section.
(b) Disclaimer of liability.-- If an indorsement states that it is made "without recourse" or otherwise disclaims liability of the indorser, the indorser is not liable under subsection (a) to pay the instrument.
(c) Notice of dishonor.-- If notice of dishonor of an instrument is required by section 3503 (relating to notice of dishonor) and notice of dishonor complying with that section is not given to an indorser, the liability of the indorser under subsection (a) is discharged.
(d) Draft accepted by bank.-- If a draft is accepted by a bank after an indorsement is made, the liability of the indorser under subsection (a) is discharged.
(e) Discharge of liability.-- If an indorser of a check is liable under subsection (a) and the check is not presented for payment, or given to a depositary bank for collection, within 30 days after the day the indorsement was made, the liability of the indorser under subsection (a) is discharged.
(a) Warranties to transferees.-- A person who transfers an instrument for consideration warrants to the transferee and, if the transfer is by indorsement, to any subsequent transferee that:
(1) the warrantor is a person entitled to enforce the instrument;
(2) all signatures on the instrument are authentic and authorized;
(3) the instrument has not been altered;
(4) the instrument is not subject to a defense or claim in recoupment of any party which can be asserted against the warrantor; and
(5) the warrantor has no knowledge of any insolvency proceeding commenced with respect to the maker or acceptor or, in the case of an unaccepted draft, the drawer.
(b) Damages for breach of warranty.-- A person to whom the warranties under subsection (a) are made and who took the instrument in good faith may recover from the warrantor as damages for breach of warranty an amount equal to the loss suffered as a result of the breach, but not more than the amount of the instrument plus expenses and loss of interest incurred as a result of the breach.
(c) Prohibition against disclaimer of warranties regarding checks.-- The warranties stated in subsection (a) cannot be disclaimed with respect to checks. Unless notice of a claim for breach of warranty is given to the warrantor within 30 days after the claimant has reason to know of the breach and the identity of the warrantor, the liability of the warrantor under subsection (b) is discharged to the extent of any loss caused by the delay in giving notice of the claim.
(d) Action for breach of warranty.-- A cause of action for breach of warranty under this section accrues when the claimant has reason to know of the breach.
(a) Statement of warranties.-- If an unaccepted draft is presented to the drawee for payment or acceptance and the drawee pays or accepts the draft, the person obtaining payment or acceptance, at the time of presentment, and a previous transferor of the draft, at the time of transfer, warrant to the drawee making payment or accepting the draft in good faith that:
(1) the warrantor is, or was, at the time the warrantor transferred the draft, a person entitled to enforce the draft or authorized to obtain payment or acceptance of the draft on behalf of a person entitled to enforce the draft;
(2) the draft has not been altered; and
(3) the warrantor has no knowledge that the signature of the drawer of the draft is unauthorized.
(b) Damages for breach of warranty.-- A drawee making payment may recover from any warrantor damages for breach of warranty equal to the amount paid by the drawee less the amount the drawee received or is entitled to receive from the drawer because of the payment. In addition, the drawee is entitled to compensation for expenses and loss of interest resulting from the breach. The right of the drawee to recover damages under this subsection is not affected by any failure of the drawee to exercise ordinary care in making payment. If the drawee accepts the draft, breach of warranty is a defense to the obligation of the acceptor. If the acceptor makes payment with respect to the draft, the acceptor is entitled to recover from any warrantor for breach of warranty the amounts stated in this subsection.
(c) Defense.-- If a drawee asserts a claim for breach of warranty under subsection (a) based on an unauthorized indorsement of the draft or an alteration of the draft, the warrantor may defend by proving that the indorsement is effective under section 3404 (relating to impostors; fictitious payees) or 3405 (relating to employer's responsibility for fraudulent indorsement by employee) or the drawer is precluded under section 3406 (relating to negligence contributing to forged signature or alteration of instrument) or 4406 (relating to duty of customer to discover and report unauthorized signature or alteration) from asserting against the drawee the unauthorized indorsement or alteration.
(d) Statement of warranty in certain other cases.-- If a dishonored draft is presented for payment to the drawer or an indorser or any other instrument is presented for payment to a party obliged to pay the instrument and payment is received, the following rules apply:
(1) The person obtaining payment and a prior transferor of the instrument warrant to the person making payment in good faith that the warrantor is, or was, at the time the warrantor transferred the instrument, a person entitled to enforce the instrument or authorized to obtain payment on behalf of a person entitled to enforce the instrument.
(2) The person making payment may recover from any warrantor for breach of warranty an amount equal to the amount paid plus expenses and loss of interest resulting from the breach.
(e) Prohibition against disclaimer of warranties regarding checks.-- The warranties stated in subsections (a) and (d) cannot be disclaimed with respect to checks. Unless notice of a claim for breach of warranty is given to the warrantor within 30 days after the claimant has reason to know of the breach and the identity of the warrantor, the liability of the warrantor under subsection (b) or (d) is discharged to the extent of any loss caused by the delay in giving notice of the claim.
(f) Action for breach of warranty.-- A cause of action for breach of warranty under this section accrues when the claimant has reason to know of the breach.
(a) General rule.-- Except as provided in subsection (c), if the drawee of a draft pays or accepts the draft and the drawee acted on the mistaken belief that:
(1) payment of the draft had not been stopped pursuant to section 4403 (relating to right of customer to stop payment; burden of proof of loss); or
(2) the signature of the drawer of the draft was authorized;
the drawee may recover the amount of the draft from the person to whom or for whose benefit payment was made or, in the case of acceptance, may revoke the acceptance. Rights of the drawee under this subsection are not affected by failure of the drawee to exercise ordinary care in paying or accepting the draft.
(b) Other cases.-- Except as provided in subsection (c), if an instrument has been paid or accepted by mistake and the case is not covered by subsection (a), the person paying or accepting may, to the extent permitted by the law governing mistake and restitution, recover the payment from the person to whom or for whose benefit payment was made or, in the case of acceptance, may revoke the acceptance.
(c) Limitation on remedies.-- The remedies provided by subsection (a) or (b) may not be asserted against a person who took the instrument in good faith and for value or who in good faith changed position in reliance on the payment or acceptance. This subsection does not limit remedies provided by section 3417 (relating to presentment warranties) or 4407 (relating to right of payor bank to subrogation on improper payment).
(d) Under certain circumstances an instrument is deemed dishonored.-- Notwithstanding section 4215 (relating to final payment of item by payor bank; when provisional debits and credits become final; when certain credits become available for withdrawal), if an instrument is paid or accepted by mistake and the payor or acceptor recovers payment or revokes acceptance under subsection (a) or (b), the instrument is deemed not to have been paid or accepted and is treated as dishonored, and the person from whom payment is recovered has rights as a person entitled to enforce the dishonored instrument.
(a) Accommodation party.-- If an instrument is issued for value given for the benefit of a party to the instrument ("accommodated party") and another party to the instrument ("accommodation party") signs the instrument for the purpose of incurring liability on the instrument without being a direct beneficiary of the value given for the instrument, the instrument is signed by the accommodation party "for accommodation."
(b) Liability of accommodation party.-- An accommodation party may sign the instrument as maker, drawer, acceptor or indorser and, subject to subsection (d), is obliged to pay the instrument in the capacity in which the accommodation party signs. The obligation of an accommodation party may be enforced notwithstanding any statute of frauds and whether or not the accommodation party receives consideration for the accommodation.
(c) Presumption.-- A person signing an instrument is presumed to be an accommodation party and there is notice that the instrument is signed for accommodation if the signature is an anomalous indorsement or is accompanied by words indicating that the signer is acting as surety or guarantor with respect to the obligation of another party to the instrument. Except as provided in section 3605 (relating to discharge of indorsers and accommodation parties), the obligation of an accommodation party to pay the instrument is not affected by the fact that the person enforcing the obligation had notice when the instrument was taken by that person that the accommodation party signed the instrument for accommodation.
(d) Limitation on liability.-- If the signature of a party to an instrument is accompanied by words indicating unambiguously that the party is guaranteeing collection rather than payment of the obligation of another party to the instrument, the signer is obliged to pay the amount due on the instrument to a person entitled to enforce the instrument only if:
(1) execution of judgment against the other party has been returned unsatisfied;
(2) the other party is insolvent or in an insolvency proceeding;
(3) the other party cannot be served with process; or
(4) it is otherwise apparent that payment cannot be obtained from the other party.
(e) Rights between accommodation and accommodated parties.-- An accommodation party who pays the instrument is entitled to reimbursement from the accommodated party and is entitled to enforce the instrument against the accommodated party. An accommodated party who pays the instrument has no right of recourse against, and is not entitled to contribution from, an accommodation party.
(a) General rule.-- The law applicable to conversion of personal property applies to instruments. An instrument is also converted if it is taken by transfer, other than a negotiation, from a person not entitled to enforce the instrument or a bank makes or obtains payment with respect to the instrument for a person not entitled to enforce the instrument or receive payment. An action for conversion of an instrument may not be brought by the issuer or acceptor of the instrument or a payee or indorsee who did not receive delivery of the instrument either directly or through delivery to an agent or a copayee.
(b) Measure of damages.-- In an action under subsection (a), the measure of liability is presumed to be the amount payable on the instrument, but recovery may not exceed the amount of the plaintiff's interest in the instrument.
(c) Limitation on liability.-- A representative, other than a depositary bank, who has in good faith dealt with an instrument or its proceeds on behalf of one who was not the person entitled to enforce the instrument is not liable in conversion to that person beyond the amount of any proceeds that it has not paid out.
(a) Definition of "presentment".-- "Presentment" means a demand made by or on behalf of a person entitled to enforce an instrument:
(1) to pay the instrument made to the drawee or a party obliged to pay the instrument or, in the case of a note or accepted draft payable at a bank, to the bank; or
(2) to accept a draft made to the drawee.
(b) Application of certain rules.-- The following rules are subject to Division 4 (relating to bank deposits and collections), agreement of the parties and clearinghouse rules and the like:
(1) Presentment may be made at the place of payment of the instrument and must be made at the place of payment if the instrument is payable at a bank in the United States; may be made by any commercially reasonable means, including an oral, written or electronic communication; is effective when the demand for payment or acceptance is received by the person to whom presentment is made; and is effective if made to any one of two or more makers, acceptors, drawees or other payors.
(2) Upon demand of the person to whom presentment is made, the person making presentment must:
(i) exhibit the instrument;
(ii) give reasonable identification and, if presentment is made on behalf of another person, reasonable evidence of authority to do so; and
(iii) sign a receipt on the instrument for any payment made or surrender the instrument if full payment is made.
(3) Without dishonoring the instrument, the party to whom presentment is made may:
(i) return the instrument for lack of a necessary indorsement; or
(ii) refuse payment or acceptance for failure of the presentment to comply with the terms of the instrument, an agreement of the parties or other applicable law or rule.
(4) The party to whom presentment is made may treat presentment as occurring on the next business day after the day of presentment if the party to whom presentment is made has established a cutoff hour not earlier than 2 p.m. for the receipt and processing of instruments presented for payment or acceptance and presentment is made after the cutoff hour.
(a) Dishonor of note.-- Dishonor of a note is governed by the following rules:
(1) If the note is payable on demand, the note is dishonored if presentment is duly made to the maker and the note is not paid on the day of presentment.
(2) If the note is not payable on demand and is payable at or through a bank or the terms of the note require presentment, the note is dishonored if presentment is duly made and the note is not paid on the day it becomes payable or the day of presentment, whichever is later.
(3) If the note is not payable on demand and paragraph (2) does not apply, the note is dishonored if it is not paid on the day it becomes payable.
(b) Dishonor of unaccepted draft.-- Dishonor of an unaccepted draft other than a documentary draft is governed by the following rules:
(1) If a check is duly presented for payment to the payor bank otherwise than for immediate payment over the counter, the check is dishonored if the payor bank makes timely return of the check or sends timely notice of dishonor or nonpayment under section 4301 (relating to deferred posting; recovery of payment by return of items; time of dishonor; return of items by payor bank) or 4302 (relating to responsibility of payor bank for late return of item) or becomes accountable for the amount of the check under section 4302.
(2) If a draft is payable on demand and paragraph (1) does not apply, the draft is dishonored if presentment for payment is duly made to the drawee and the draft is not paid on the day of presentment.
(3) If a draft is payable on a date stated in the draft, the draft is dishonored if:
(i) presentment for payment is duly made to the drawee and payment is not made on the day the draft becomes payable or the day of presentment, whichever is later; or
(ii) presentment for acceptance is duly made before the day the draft becomes payable and the draft is not accepted on the day of presentment.
(4) If a draft is payable on elapse of a period of time after sight or acceptance, the draft is dishonored if presentment for acceptance is duly made and the draft is not accepted on the day of presentment.
(c) Dishonor of unaccepted documentary draft.-- Dishonor of an unaccepted documentary draft occurs according to the rules stated in subsection (b)(2), (3) and (4), except that payment or acceptance may be delayed without dishonor until no later than the close of the third business day of the drawee following the day on which payment or acceptance is required by those paragraphs.
(d) Dishonor of accepted draft.-- Dishonor of an accepted draft is governed by the following rules:
(1) If the draft is payable on demand, the draft is dishonored if presentment for payment is duly made to the acceptor and the draft is not paid on the day of presentment.
(2) If the draft is not payable on demand, the draft is dishonored if presentment for payment is duly made to the acceptor and payment is not made on the day it becomes payable or the day of presentment, whichever is later.
(e) Certain limitations.-- In any case in which presentment is otherwise required for dishonor under this section and presentment is excused under section 3504 (relating to excused presentment and notice of dishonor), dishonor occurs without presentment if the instrument is not duly accepted or paid.
(f) Late acceptance cures dishonor.-- If a draft is dishonored because timely acceptance of the draft was not made and the person entitled to demand acceptance consents to a late acceptance, from the time of acceptance the draft is treated as never having been dishonored.
(a) Requirement of notice.-- The obligation of an indorser stated in section 3415(a) (relating to obligation of indorser) and the obligation of a drawer stated in section 3414(d) (relating to obligation of drawer) may not be enforced unless:
(1) the indorser or drawer is given notice of dishonor of the instrument complying with this section; or
(2) notice of dishonor is excused under section 3504(b) (relating to excused presentment and notice of dishonor).
(b) Manner of notice.-- Notice of dishonor may be given by any person; may be given by any commercially reasonable means, including an oral, written or electronic communication; and is sufficient if it reasonably identifies the instrument and indicates that the instrument has been dishonored or has not been paid or accepted. Return of an instrument given to a bank for collection is sufficient notice of dishonor.
(c) Time of notice.-- Subject to section 3504(c), with respect to an instrument taken for collection by a collecting bank, notice of dishonor must be given:
(1) by the bank before midnight of the next banking day following the banking day on which the bank receives notice of dishonor of the instrument; or
(2) by any other person within 30 days following the day on which the person receives notice of dishonor.
With respect to any other instrument, notice of dishonor must be given within 30 days following the day on which dishonor occurs.
(a) Excused presentment.-- Presentment for payment or acceptance of an instrument is excused if:
(1) the person entitled to present the instrument cannot with reasonable diligence make presentment;
(2) the maker or acceptor has repudiated an obligation to pay the instrument or is dead or in insolvency proceedings;
(3) by the terms of the instrument presentment is not necessary to enforce the obligation of indorsers or the drawer;
(4) the drawer or indorser whose obligation is being enforced has waived presentment or otherwise has no reason to expect or right to require that the instrument be paid or accepted; or
(5) the drawer instructed the drawee not to pay or accept the draft or the drawee was not obligated to the drawer to pay the draft.
(b) Excused notice of dishonor.-- Notice of dishonor is excused if:
(1) by the terms of the instrument notice of dishonor is not necessary to enforce the obligation of a party to pay the instrument; or
(2) the party whose obligation is being enforced waived notice of dishonor.
A waiver of presentment is also a waiver of notice of dishonor.
(c) Excused delay in notice of dishonor.-- Delay in giving notice of dishonor is excused if the delay was caused by circumstances beyond the control of the person giving the notice and the person giving the notice exercised reasonable diligence after the cause of the delay ceased to operate.
(a) Admissible evidence.-- The following are admissible as evidence and create a presumption of dishonor and of any notice of dishonor stated:
(1) A document regular in form as provided in subsection (b) which purports to be a protest.
(2) A purported stamp or writing of the drawee, payor bank or presenting bank on or accompanying the instrument stating that acceptance or payment has been refused unless reasons for the refusal are stated and the reasons are not consistent with dishonor.
(3) A book or record of the drawee, payor bank or collecting bank, kept in the usual course of business which shows dishonor, even if there is no evidence of who made the entry.
(b) Protest.-- A protest is a certificate of dishonor made by a United States consul or vice consul, or a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths by the law of the place where dishonor occurs. It may be made upon information satisfactory to that person. The protest must identify the instrument and certify either that presentment has been made or, if not made, the reason why it was not made, and that the instrument has been dishonored by nonacceptance or nonpayment. The protest may also certify that notice of dishonor has been given to some or all parties.
(a) Discharge.-- The obligation of a party to pay the instrument is discharged as stated in this division or by an act or agreement with the party which would discharge an obligation to pay money under a simple contract.
(b) Effect of discharge.-- Discharge of the obligation of a party is not effective against a person acquiring rights of a holder in due course of the instrument without notice of the discharge.
(a) General rule.-- Subject to subsection (b), an instrument is paid to the extent payment is made by or on behalf of a party obliged to pay the instrument and to a person entitled to enforce the instrument. To the extent of the payment, the obligation of the party obliged to pay the instrument is discharged even though payment is made with knowledge of a claim to the instrument under section 3306 (relating to claims to an instrument) by another person.
(b) Obligation not discharged.-- The obligation of a party to pay the instrument is not discharged under subsection (a) if:
(1) a claim to the instrument under section 3306 is enforceable against the party receiving payment and:
(i) payment is made with knowledge by the payor that payment is prohibited by injunction or similar process of a court of competent jurisdiction; or
(ii) in the case of an instrument other than a cashier's check, teller's check or certified check, the party making payment accepted, from the person having a claim to the instrument, indemnity against loss resulting from refusal to pay the person entitled to enforce the instrument; or
(2) the person making payment knows that the instrument is a stolen instrument and pays a person it knows is in wrongful possession of the instrument.
(a) Applicability of contract law.-- If tender of payment of an obligation to pay an instrument is made to a person entitled to enforce the instrument, the effect of tender is governed by principles of law applicable to tender of payment under a simple contract.
(b) Effect of refusal of tender of payment.-- If tender of payment of an obligation to pay an instrument is made to a person entitled to enforce the instrument and the tender is refused, there is discharge, to the extent of the amount of the tender, of the obligation of an indorser or accommodation party having a right of recourse with respect to the obligation to which the tender relates.
(c) Obligation to pay interest discharged.-- If tender of payment of an amount due on an instrument is made to a person entitled to enforce the instrument, the obligation of the obligor to pay interest after the due date on the amount tendered is discharged. If presentment is required with respect to an instrument and the obligor is able and ready to pay on the due date at every place of payment stated in the instrument, the obligor is deemed to have made tender of payment on the due date to the person entitled to enforce the instrument.
(a) Methods of discharge.--
(1) A person entitled to enforce an instrument, with or without consideration, may discharge the obligation of a party to pay the instrument:
(i) by an intentional voluntary act, such as surrender of the instrument to the party, destruction, mutilation or cancellation of the instrument, cancellation or striking out of the party's signature or the addition of words to the instrument indicating discharge; or
(ii) by agreeing not to sue or otherwise renouncing rights against the party by a signed writing.
(2) The obligation of a party to pay a check is not discharged solely by destruction of the check in connection with a process in which:
(i) information is extracted from the check, and an image of the check is made; and
(ii) subsequently, the information and image are transmitted for payment.
(b) Certain rights unaffected.-- Cancellation or striking out of an indorsement pursuant to subsection (a) does not affect the status and rights of a party derived from the indorsement.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Definition.-- As used in this section, the term "indorser" includes a drawer having the obligation described in section 3414(d) (relating to obligation of drawer).
(b) Effect of discharge in certain situation.-- Discharge, under section 3604 (relating to discharge by cancellation or renunciation), of the obligation of a party to pay an instrument does not discharge the obligation of an indorser or accommodation party having a right of recourse against the discharged party.
(c) Agreement to extension of due date.-- If a person entitled to enforce an instrument agrees, with or without consideration, to an extension of the due date of the obligation of a party to pay the instrument, the extension discharges an indorser or accommodation party having a right of recourse against the party whose obligation is extended to the extent the indorser or accommodation party proves that the extension caused loss to the indorser or accommodation party with respect to the right of recourse.
(d) Agreement to material modification.-- If a person entitled to enforce an instrument agrees, with or without consideration, to a material modification of the obligation of a party other than an extension of the due date, the modification discharges the obligation of an indorser or accommodation party having a right of recourse against the person whose obligation is modified to the extent the modification causes loss to the indorser or accommodation party with respect to the right of recourse. The loss suffered by the indorser or accommodation party as a result of the modification is equal to the amount of the right of recourse unless the person enforcing the instrument proves that no loss was caused by the modification or that the loss caused by the modification was an amount less than the amount of the right of recourse.
(e) Impairment of collateral; discharge of indorser or accommodation party.-- If the obligation of a party to pay an instrument is secured by an interest in collateral and a person entitled to enforce the instrument impairs the value of the interest in collateral, the obligation of an indorser or accommodation party having a right of recourse against the obligor is discharged to the extent of the impairment. The value of an interest in collateral is impaired to the extent the value of the interest is reduced to an amount less than the amount of the right of recourse of the party asserting discharge or the reduction in value of the interest causes an increase in the amount by which the amount of the right of recourse exceeds the value of the interest. The burden of proving impairment is on the party asserting discharge.
(f) Impairment of collateral; discharge of party jointly and severally liable.-- If the obligation of a party is secured by an interest in collateral not provided by an accommodation party and a person entitled to enforce the instrument impairs the value of the interest in collateral, the obligation of any party who is jointly and severally liable with respect to the secured obligation is discharged to the extent the impairment causes the party asserting discharge to pay more than that party would have been obliged to pay, taking into account rights of contribution, if impairment had not occurred. If the party asserting discharge is an accommodation party not entitled to discharge under subsection (e), the party is deemed to have a right to contribution based on joint and several liability rather than a right to reimbursement. The burden of proving impairment is on the party asserting discharge.
(g) Impairing value of an interest in collateral.-- Under subsection (e) or (f), impairing value of an interest in collateral includes:
(1) failure to obtain or maintain perfection or recordation of the interest in collateral;
(2) release of collateral without substitution of collateral of equal value;
(3) failure to perform a duty to preserve the value of collateral owed, under Division 9 (relating to secured transactions) or other law, to a debtor or surety or other person secondarily liable; or
(4) failure to comply with applicable law in disposing of collateral.
(h) Accommodation party not discharged in certain circumstances.-- An accommodation party is not discharged under subsection (c), (d) or (e) unless the person entitled to enforce the instrument knows of the accommodation or has notice under section 3419(c) (relating to instruments signed for accommodation) that the instrument was signed for accommodation.
(i) Other limitations on discharge.-- A party is not discharged under this section if:
(1) the party asserting discharge consents to the event or conduct that is the basis of the discharge; or
(2) the instrument or a separate agreement of the party provides for waiver of discharge under this section either specifically or by general language indicating that parties waive defenses based on suretyship or impairment of collateral.
This division shall be known and may be cited as the Uniform Commercial Code, Article 4, Bank Deposits and Collections.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Commercial paper and investment securities.-- To the extent that items within this division are also within Division 3 (relating to negotiable instruments) and Division 8 (relating to investment securities), they are subject to the provisions of those divisions. If there is conflict, this division governs Division 3, but Division 8 governs this division.
(b) Law applicable regarding liability of bank with respect to items handled.-- The liability of a bank for action or nonaction with respect to an item handled by it for purposes of presentment, payment or collection is governed by the law of the place where the bank is located. In the case of action or nonaction by or at a branch or separate office of a bank, its liability is governed by the law of the place where the branch or separate office is located.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Variation by agreement.-- The effect of the provisions of this division may be varied by agreement, but the parties to the agreement cannot disclaim the responsibility of a bank for its lack of good faith or failure to exercise ordinary care or limit the measure of damages for the lack or failure. However, the parties may determine by agreement the standards by which the responsibility of the bank is to be measured if those standards are not manifestly unreasonable.
(b) Rules and regulations having effect of agreements.-- Federal Reserve regulations and operating circulars, clearinghouse rules and the like have the effect of agreements under subsection (a), whether or not specifically assented to by all parties interested in items handled.
(c) Certain action constituting ordinary care.-- Action or nonaction approved by this division or pursuant to Federal Reserve regulations or operating circulars is the exercise of ordinary care and, in the absence of special instructions, action or nonaction consistent with clearinghouse rules and the like or with a general banking usage not disapproved by this division, is prima facie the exercise of ordinary care.
(d) Effect of approval of certain procedures by this division.-- The specification or approval of certain procedures by this division is not disapproval of other procedures that may be reasonable under the circumstances.
(e) Measure of damages for failure to exercise ordinary care.-- The measure of damages for failure to exercise ordinary care in handling an item is the amount of the item reduced by an amount that could not have been realized by the exercise of ordinary care. If there is also bad faith it includes any other damages the party suffered as a proximate consequence.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Definitions.-- The following words and phrases when used in this division shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Account." Any deposit or credit account with a bank, including a demand, time, savings, passbook, share draft or like account, other than an account evidenced by a certificate of deposit.
"Afternoon." The period of a day between noon and midnight.
"Banking day." The part of a day on which a bank is open to the public for carrying on substantially all of its banking functions.
"Clearinghouse." An association of banks or other payors regularly clearing items.
"Customer." A person having an account with a bank or for whom a bank has agreed to collect items, including a bank that maintains an account at another bank.
"Documentary draft." A draft to be presented for acceptance or payment if specified documents, certificated securities (section 8102) or instructions for uncertificated securities (section 8102) or other certificates, statements or the like are to be received by the drawee or other payor before acceptance or payment of the draft.
"Draft." A draft as defined in section 3104 (relating to negotiable instrument) or an item, other than an instrument, that is an order.
"Drawee." A person ordered in a draft to make payment.
"Item." An instrument or a promise or order to pay money handled by a bank for collection or payment. The term does not include a payment order governed by Division 4A (relating to funds transfers) or a credit or debit card slip.
"Midnight deadline." With respect to a bank is midnight on its next banking day following the banking day on which it receives the relevant item or notice or from which the time for taking action commences to run, whichever is later.
"Settle." To pay in cash, by clearinghouse settlement, in a charge or credit or by remittance, or otherwise as agreed. A settlement may be either provisional or final.
"Suspends payments." With respect to a bank means that it has been closed by order of the supervisory authorities, that a public officer has been appointed to take it over or that it ceases or refuses to make payments in the ordinary course of business.
(b) Index of other definitions in division.-- Other definitions applying to this division and the sections in which they appear are:
"Agreement for electronic presentment." Section 4110.
"Bank." Section 4105.
"Collecting bank." Section 4105.
"Depositary bank." Section 4105.
"Intermediary bank." Section 4105.
"Payor bank." Section 4105.
"Presenting bank." Section 4105.
"Presentment notice." Section 4110.
(c) Index of definitions in other divisions.-- The following definitions in other divisions apply to this division:
"Acceptance." Section 3409.
"Alteration." Section 3407.
"Cashier's check." Section 3104.
"Certificate of deposit." Section 3104.
"Certified check." Section 3409.
"Check." Section 3104.
"Control." Section 7106.
"Good faith." (Deleted by amendment).
"Holder in due course." Section 3302.
"Instrument." Section 3104.
"Notice of dishonor." Section 3503.
"Order." Section 3103.
"Ordinary care." Section 3103.
"Person entitled to enforce." Section 3301.
"Presentment." Section 3501.
"Promise." Section 3103.
"Prove." Section 3103.
"Teller's check." Section 3104.
"Unauthorized signature." Section 3403.
(d) Applicability of general definitions and principles.-- In addition Division 1 contains general definitions and principles of construction and interpretation applicable throughout this division.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year; May 22, 1996, P.L.248, No.44, eff. 180 days; Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
The following words and phrases when used in this division shall have the meanings given to them in this section:
"Bank." A person engaged in the business of banking, including a savings bank, savings and loan association, credit union or trust company.
"Collecting bank." A bank handling an item for collection except the payor bank.
"Depositary bank." The first bank to take an item even though it is also the payor bank unless the item is presented for immediate payment over the counter.
"Intermediary bank." A bank to which an item is transferred in course of collection except the depositary or payor bank.
"Payor bank." A bank that is the drawee of a draft.
"Presenting bank." A bank presenting an item except a payor bank.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year; June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001)
(a) "Payable through" a bank.-- If an item states that it is "payable through" a bank identified in the item, the item designates the bank as a collecting bank and does not by itself authorize the bank to pay the item, and the item may be presented for payment only by or through the bank.
(b) "Payable at" a bank.-- If an item states that it is "payable at" a bank identified in the item, the item is equivalent to a draft drawn on the bank.
(c) Draft names nonbank drawee.-- If a draft names a nonbank drawee and it is unclear whether a bank named in the draft is a co-drawee or a collecting bank, the bank is a collecting bank.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
A branch or separate office of a bank is a separate bank for the purpose of computing the time within which and determining the place at or to which action may be taken or notices or orders must be given under this division and under Division 3 (relating to negotiable instruments).
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Cutoff hour for handling and book entries.-- For the purpose of allowing time to process items, prove balances and make the necessary entries on its books to determine its position for the day, a bank may fix an afternoon hour of 2 p.m. or later as a cutoff hour for the handling of money and items and the making of entries on its books.
(b) Items or deposits received after cutoff hour.-- An item or deposit of money received on any day after a cutoff hour so fixed or after the close of the banking day may be treated as being received at the opening of the next banking day.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Two-banking-day delay permitted in effort to secure payment.-- Unless otherwise instructed, a collecting bank in a good faith effort to secure payment of a specified item drawn on a payor other than a bank, and with or without the approval of any person involved, may waive, modify or extend time limits imposed or permitted by this title for a period not exceeding two additional banking days without discharge of drawers or indorsers or liability to its transferor or a prior party.
(b) Delay excused by conditions beyond control of bank.-- Delay by a collecting bank or payor bank beyond time limits prescribed or permitted by this title or by instructions is excused if the delay is caused by interruption of communication or computer facilities, suspension of payments by another bank, war, emergency conditions, failure of equipment or other circumstances beyond the control of the bank and the bank exercises such diligence as the circumstances require.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Definition of "agreement for electronic presentment".-- "Agreement for electronic presentment" means an agreement, clearinghouse rule or Federal Reserve regulation or operating circular, providing that presentment of an item may be made by transmission of an image of an item or information describing the item ("presentment notice") rather than delivery of the item itself. The agreement may provide for procedures governing retention, presentment, payment, dishonor and other matters concerning items subject to the agreement.
(b) When presentment made.-- Presentment of an item pursuant to an agreement for presentment is made when the presentment notice is received.
(c) Presentment by presentment notice.-- If presentment is made by presentment notice, a reference to "item" or "check" in this division means the presentment notice unless the context otherwise indicates.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
An action to enforce an obligation, duty or right arising under this division must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Agency status of bank and provisional status of settlement.-- Unless a contrary intent clearly appears and before the time that a settlement given by a collecting bank for an item is or becomes final, the bank, with respect to the item, is an agent or sub-agent of the owner of the item and any settlement given for the item is provisional. This provision applies regardless of the form of indorsement or lack of indorsement and even though credit given for the item is subject to immediate withdrawal as of right or is in fact withdrawn; but the continuance of ownership of an item by its owner and any rights of the owner to proceeds of the item are subject to rights of a collecting bank, such as those resulting from outstanding advances on the item and rights of recoupment or setoff. If an item is handled by banks for purposes of presentment, payment, collection or return, the relevant provisions of this division apply even though action of the parties clearly establishes that a particular bank has purchased the item and is the owner of it.
(b) Effect of "pay any bank" indorsement.-- After an item has been indorsed with the words "pay any bank" or the like, only a bank may acquire the rights of a holder until the item has been:
(1) returned to the customer initiating collection; or
(2) specially indorsed by a bank to a person who is not a bank.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) When collecting bank must exercise ordinary care.-- A collecting bank must exercise ordinary care in:
(1) presenting an item or sending it for presentment;
(2) sending notice of dishonor or nonpayment or returning an item other than a documentary draft to the transferor of the bank after learning that the item has not been paid or accepted, as the case may be;
(3) settling for an item when the bank receives final settlement; and
(4) notifying its transferor of any loss or delay in transit within a reasonable time after discovery thereof.
(b) Exercise of ordinary care.-- A collecting bank exercises ordinary care under subsection (a) by taking proper action before its midnight deadline following receipt of an item, notice or settlement. Taking proper action within a reasonably longer time may constitute the exercise of ordinary care, but the bank has the burden of establishing timeliness.
(c) Nonliability of bank for action of others.-- Subject to subsection (a)(1), a bank is not liable for the insolvency, neglect, misconduct, mistake or default of another bank or person or for loss or destruction of an item in the possession of others or in transit.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
Subject to Division 3 (relating to negotiable instruments) concerning conversion of instruments (section 3420) and restrictive indorsements (section 3206), only a collecting bank's transferor can give instructions that affect the bank or constitute notice to it, and a collecting bank is not liable to prior parties for any action taken pursuant to the instructions or in accordance with any agreement with its transferor.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Collecting bank to send items by reasonably prompt method.-- A collecting bank shall send items by a reasonably prompt method, taking into consideration relevant instructions, the nature of the item, the number of those items on hand, the cost of collection involved and the method generally used by it or others to present those items.
(b) Persons to whom bank may send items.-- A collecting bank may send:
(1) an item directly to the payor bank;
(2) an item to a nonbank payor if authorized by its transferor; and
(3) an item other than documentary drafts to a nonbank payor, if authorized by Federal Reserve regulation or operating circular, clearinghouse rule or the like.
(c) Presentment where payor has requested.-- Presentment may be made by a presenting bank at a place where the payor bank or other payor has requested that presentment be made.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
If a customer delivers an item to a depositary bank for collection:
(1) the depositary bank becomes a holder of the item at the time it receives the item for collection if the customer at the time of delivery was a holder of the item, whether or not the customer indorses the item, and, if the bank satisfies the other requirements of section 3302 (relating to holder in due course), it is a holder in due course; and
(2) the depositary bank warrants to collecting banks, the payor bank or other payor, and the drawer that the amount of the item was paid to the customer or deposited to the customer's account.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
Any agreed method that identifies the transferor bank is sufficient for the further transfer of the item to another bank.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) General rule.-- A customer or collecting bank that transfers an item and receives a settlement or other consideration warrants to the transferee and to any subsequent collecting bank that:
(1) the warrantor is a person entitled to enforce the item;
(2) all signatures on the item are authentic and authorized;
(3) the item has not been altered;
(4) the item is not subject to a defense or claim in recoupment (section 3305(a)) of any party that can be asserted against the warrantor; and
(5) the warrantor has no knowledge of any insolvency proceeding commenced with respect to the maker or acceptor or, in the case of an unaccepted draft, the drawer.
(b) Effect of dishonor.-- If an item is dishonored, a customer or collecting bank transferring the item and receiving settlement or other consideration is obliged to pay the amount due on the item according to the terms of the item at the time it was transferred or, if the transfer was of an incomplete item, according to its terms when completed as stated in sections 3115 (relating to incomplete instrument) and 3407 (relating to alteration). The obligation of a transferor is owed to the transferee and to any subsequent collecting bank that takes the item in good faith. A transferor cannot disclaim its obligation under this subsection by an indorsement stating that it is made "without recourse" or otherwise disclaiming liability.
(c) Measure of damages for breach of warranty.-- A person to whom the warranties under subsection (a) are made and who took the item in good faith may recover from the warrantor as damages for breach of warranty an amount equal to the loss suffered as a result of the breach, but not more than the amount of the item plus expenses and loss of interest incurred as a result of the breach.
(d) Prohibition against certain disclaimers and discharge.-- The warranties stated in subsection (a) cannot be disclaimed with respect to checks. Unless notice of a claim for breach of warranty is given to the warrantor within 30 days after the claimant has reason to know of the breach and the identity of the warrantor, the warrantor is discharged to the extent of any loss caused by the delay in giving notice of the claim.
(e) Cause of action.-- A cause of action for breach of warranty under this section accrues when the claimant has reason to know of the breach.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) General rule.-- If an unaccepted draft is presented to the drawee for payment or acceptance and the drawee pays or accepts the draft, the person obtaining payment or acceptance, at the time of presentment, and a previous transferor of the draft, at the time of transfer, warrant to the drawee that pays or accepts the draft in good faith that:
(1) the warrantor is, or was, at the time the warrantor transferred the draft, a person entitled to enforce the draft or authorized to obtain payment or acceptance of the draft on behalf of a person entitled to enforce the draft;
(2) the draft has not been altered; and
(3) the warrantor has no knowledge that the signature of the purported drawer of the draft is unauthorized.
(b) Measure of damages for breach of warranty.-- A drawee making payment may recover from a warrantor damages for breach of warranty equal to the amount paid by the drawee less the amount the drawee received or is entitled to receive from the drawer because of the payment. In addition, the drawee is entitled to compensation for expenses and loss of interest resulting from the breach. The right of the drawee to recover damages under this subsection is not affected by any failure of the drawee to exercise ordinary care in making payment. If the drawee accepts the draft, breach of warranty is a defense to the obligation of the acceptor, and if the acceptor makes payment with respect to the draft, the acceptor is entitled to recover from a warrantor for breach of warranty the amounts stated in this subsection.
(c) Defense.-- If a drawee asserts a claim for breach of warranty under subsection (a) based on an unauthorized indorsement of the draft or an alteration of the draft, the warrantor may defend by proving that the indorsement is effective under section 3404 (relating to imposters; fictitious payees) or 3405 (relating to employer's responsibility for fraudulent indorsement by employee) or the drawer is precluded under section 3406 (relating to negligence contributing to forged signature or alteration of instrument) or 4406 (relating to duty of customer to discover and report unauthorized signature or alteration) from asserting against the drawee the unauthorized indorsement or alteration.
(d) Other warranties.-- If a dishonored draft is presented for payment to the drawer or an indorser or any other item is presented for payment to a party obliged to pay the item, and the item is paid, the person obtaining payment and a prior transferor of the item warrant to the person making payment in good faith that the warrantor is, or was, at the time the warrantor transferred the item, a person entitled to enforce the item or authorized to obtain payment on behalf of a person entitled to enforce the item. The person making payment may recover from any warrantor for breach of warranty an amount equal to the amount paid plus expenses and loss of interest resulting from the breach.
(e) Prohibition against certain disclaimers and discharge.-- The warranties stated in subsections (a) and (d) cannot be disclaimed with respect to checks. Unless notice of a claim for breach of warranty is given to the warrantor within 30 days after the claimant has reason to know of the breach and the identity of the warrantor, the warrantor is discharged to the extent of any loss caused by the delay in giving notice of the claim.
(f) Cause of action.-- A cause of action for breach of warranty under this section accrues when the claimant has reason to know of the breach.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Encoding warranty.-- A person who encodes information on or with respect to an item after issue warrants to any subsequent collecting bank and to the payor bank or other payor that the information is correctly encoded. If the customer of a depositary bank encodes, that bank also makes the warranty.
(b) Retention warranty.-- A person who undertakes to retain an item pursuant to an agreement for electronic presentment warrants to any subsequent collecting bank and to the payor bank or other payor that retention and presentment of the item comply with the agreement. If a customer of a depositary bank undertakes to retain an item, that bank also makes this warranty.
(c) Measure of damages for breach of warranty.-- A person to whom warranties are made under this section and who took the item in good faith may recover from the warrantor as damages for breach of warranty an amount equal to the loss suffered as a result of the breach, plus expenses and loss of interest incurred as a result of the breach.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) General rule.-- A collecting bank has a security interest in an item and any accompanying documents or the proceeds of either:
(1) in case of an item deposited in an account, to the extent to which credit given for the item has been withdrawn or applied;
(2) in case of an item for which it has given credit available for withdrawal as of right, to the extent of the credit given, whether or not the credit is drawn upon or there is a right of charge-back; or
(3) if it makes an advance on or against the item.
(b) Partial withdrawal of credit given for several items.-- If credit given for several items received at one time or pursuant to a single agreement is withdrawn or applied in part, the security interest remains upon all the items, any accompanying documents or the proceeds of either. For the purpose of this section, credits first given are first withdrawn.
(c) Satisfaction and continuation of security interest.-- Receipt by a collecting bank of a final settlement for an item is a realization on its security interest in the item, accompanying documents and proceeds. So long as the bank does not receive final settlement for the item or give up possession of the item or possession or control of the accompanying documents for purposes other than collection, the security interest continues to that extent and is subject to Division 9 (relating to secured transactions), but:
(1) no security agreement is necessary to make the security interest enforceable (section 9203(b)(3)(i) (relating to attachment and enforceability of security interest; proceeds; supporting obligations; formal requisites));
(2) no filing is required to perfect the security interest; and
(3) the security interest has priority over conflicting perfected security interests in the item, accompanying documents or proceeds.
(Nov. 26, 1982, P.L.696, No.201, eff. 180 days; July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year; June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001; Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
For purposes of determining its status as a holder in due course, a bank has given value to the extent it has a security interest in an item, if the bank otherwise complies with the requirements of section 3302 (relating to holder in due course).
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Presentment by notice.-- Unless otherwise instructed, a collecting bank may present an item not payable by, through or at a bank by sending to the party to accept or pay a written notice that the bank holds the item for acceptance or payment. The notice must be sent in time to be received on or before the day when presentment is due and the bank must meet any requirement of the party to accept or pay under section 3501 (relating to presentment) by the close of the next banking day of the bank after it knows of the requirement.
(b) Dishonor and notice to drawer or indorser.-- If presentment is made by notice and payment, acceptance or request for compliance with a requirement under section 3501 is not received by the close of business on the day after maturity or, in the case of demand items, by the close of business on the third banking day after notice was sent, the presenting bank may treat the item as dishonored and charge any drawer or indorser by sending it notice of the facts.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Certain rules regarding settlement by bank.-- With respect to settlement by a bank, the medium and time of settlement may be prescribed by Federal Reserve regulations or circulars, clearinghouse rules, and the like, or agreement. In the absence of such prescription:
(1) the medium of settlement is cash or credit to an account in a Federal Reserve bank of or specified by the person to receive settlement; and
(2) the time of settlement is:
(i) with respect to tender of settlement by cash, a cashier's check or teller's check, when the cash or check is sent or delivered;
(ii) with respect to tender of settlement by credit in an account in a Federal Reserve bank, when the credit is made;
(iii) with respect to tender of settlement by a credit or debit to an account in a bank, when the credit or debit is made or, in the case of tender of settlement by authority to charge an account, when the authority is sent or delivered; or
(iv) with respect to tender of settlement by a funds transfer, when payment is made pursuant to section 4A406(a) (relating to payment by originator to beneficiary; discharge of underlying obligation) to the person receiving settlement.
(b) When settlement occurs under certain circumstances not covered by subsection (a).-- If the tender of settlement is not by a medium authorized by subsection (a) or the time of settlement is not fixed by subsection (a), no settlement occurs until the tender of settlement is accepted by the person receiving settlement.
(c) Settlement by cashier's check or teller's check.-- If settlement for an item is made by cashier's check or teller's check and the person receiving settlement, before its midnight deadline:
(1) presents or forwards the check for collection, settlement is final when the check is finally paid; or
(2) fails to present or forward the check for collection, settlement is final at the midnight deadline of the person receiving settlement.
(d) Settlement by tender of authority to charge account of bank making settlement in bank receiving settlement.-- If settlement for an item is made by giving authority to charge the account of the bank giving settlement in the bank receiving settlement, settlement is final when the charge is made by the bank receiving settlement if there are funds available in the account for the amount of the item.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Right of collecting bank to charge-back or refund.-- If a collecting bank has made provisional settlement with its customer for an item and fails by reason of dishonor, suspension of payments by a bank, or otherwise to receive settlement for the item which is or becomes final, the bank may revoke the settlement given by it, charge back the amount of any credit given for the item to the account of its customer, or obtain refund from its customer, whether or not it is able to return the item, if by its midnight deadline or within a longer reasonable time after it learns the facts it returns the item or sends notification of the facts. If the return or notice is delayed beyond the bank's midnight deadline or a longer reasonable time after it learns the facts, the bank may revoke the settlement, charge back the credit or obtain refund from its customer, but it is liable for any loss resulting from the delay. These rights to revoke, charge-back and obtain refund terminate if and when a settlement for the item received by the bank is or becomes final.
(b) Return of item by collecting bank.-- A collecting bank returns an item when it is sent or delivered to the bank's customer or transferor or pursuant to its instructions.
(c) Right of depositary-payor bank to charge-back or refund.-- A depositary bank that is also the payor may charge-back the amount of an item to the account of its customer or obtain refund in accordance with the section governing return of an item received by a payor bank for credit on its books (section 4301).
(d) Right of charge-back unaffected in certain cases.-- The right to charge-back is not affected by:
(1) previous use of a credit given for the item; or
(2) failure by any bank to exercise ordinary care with respect to the item, but a bank so failing remains liable.
(e) Effect of failure to charge-back or claim refund.-- A failure to charge-back or claim refund does not affect other rights of the bank against the customer or any other party.
(f) Credit in dollars for item payable in foreign money.-- If credit is given in dollars as the equivalent of the value of an item payable in foreign money, the dollar amount of any charge-back or refund must be calculated on the basis of the bank-offered spot rate for the foreign money prevailing on the day when the person entitled to the charge-back or refund learns that it will not receive payment in ordinary course.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) When item is finally paid by payor bank.-- An item is finally paid by a payor bank when the bank has first done any of the following:
(1) Paid the item in cash.
(2) Settled for the item without having a right to revoke the settlement under statute, clearinghouse rule or agreement.
(3) Made a provisional settlement for the item and failed to revoke the settlement in the time and manner permitted by statute, clearinghouse rule or agreement.
(b) Effect of provisional settlement which does not become final.-- If provisional settlement for an item does not become final, the item is not finally paid.
(c) When provisional debits and credits become final.-- If provisional settlement for an item between the presenting and payor banks is made through a clearinghouse or by debits or credits in an account between them, then to the extent that provisional debits or credits for the item are entered in accounts between the presenting and payor banks or between the presenting and successive prior collecting banks seriatim, they become final upon final payment of the item by the payor bank.
(d) Accountability of collecting bank to customer upon final settlement.-- If a collecting bank receives a settlement for an item which is or becomes final, the bank is accountable to its customer for the amount of the item and any provisional credit given for the item in an account with its customer becomes final.
(e) When credit becomes available for withdrawal.-- Subject to applicable law stating a time for availability of funds and any right of the bank to apply the credit to an obligation of the customer, credit given by a bank for an item in a customer's account becomes available for withdrawal as of right:
(1) if the bank has received a provisional settlement for the item, when the settlement becomes final and the bank has had a reasonable time to receive return of the item and the item has not been received within that time; and
(2) if the bank is both the depositary bank and the payor bank and the item is finally paid, at the opening of the second banking day of the bank following receipt of the item.
(f) When deposit of money becomes available for withdrawal.-- Subject to applicable law stating a time for availability of funds and any right of a bank to apply a deposit to an obligation of the depositor, a deposit of money becomes available for withdrawal as of right at the opening of the next banking day of the bank after receipt of the deposit.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Return of unpaid item by agent of closed bank.-- If an item is in or comes into the possession of a payor or collecting bank that suspends payment and the item has not been finally paid, the item must be returned by the receiver, trustee or agent in charge of the closed bank to the presenting bank or the customer of the closed bank.
(b) Preferred claim against payor bank by owner of unsettled item.-- If a payor bank finally pays an item and suspends payments without making a settlement for the item with its customer or the presenting bank which settlement is or becomes final, the owner of the item has preferred claim against the payor bank.
(c) Finality of provisional settlement by payor or collecting bank unaffected.-- If a payor bank gives or a collecting bank gives or receives a provisional settlement for an item and thereafter suspends payments, the suspension does not prevent or interfere with the settlement's becoming final if the finality occurs automatically upon the lapse of certain time or the happening of certain events.
(d) Preferred claim against collecting bank by owner of unsettled item.-- If a collecting bank receives from subsequent parties settlement for an item, which settlement is or becomes final and the bank suspends payments without making a settlement for the item with its customer which settlement is or becomes final, the owner of the item has a preferred claim against the collecting bank.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Return by payor bank of item provisionally settled.-- If a payor bank settles for a demand item other than a documentary draft presented otherwise than for immediate payment over the counter before midnight of the banking day of receipt, the payor bank may revoke the settlement and recover the settlement if, before it has made final payment and before its midnight deadline, it:
(1) returns the item; or
(2) sends written notice of dishonor or nonpayment if the item is unavailable for return.
(b) Time for return of provisionally settled item.-- If a demand item is received by a payor bank for credit on its books, it may return the item or send notice of dishonor and may revoke any credit given or recover the amount thereof withdrawn by its customer, if it acts within the time limit and in the manner specified in subsection (a).
(c) Time when item is dishonored.-- Unless previous notice of dishonor has been sent, an item is dishonored at the time when for purposes of dishonor it is returned or notice sent in accordance with this section.
(d) Acts constituting return of item.-- An item is returned:
(1) as to an item presented through a clearinghouse, when it is delivered to the presenting or last collecting bank or to the clearinghouse or is sent or delivered in accordance with clearinghouse rules; or
(2) in all other cases, when it is sent or delivered to the bank's customer or transferor or pursuant to his instructions.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) General rule.-- If an item is presented to and received by a payor bank the bank is accountable for the amount of:
(1) a demand item, other than a documentary draft, whether properly payable or not, if the bank, in any case in which it is not also the depositary bank, retains the item beyond midnight of the banking day of receipt without settling for it or, whether or not it is also the depositary bank, does not pay or return the item or send notice of dishonor until after its midnight deadline; or
(2) any other properly payable item unless, within the time allowed for acceptance or payment of that item, the bank either accepts or pays the item or returns it and accompanying documents.
(b) Liability of payor bank subject to certain defenses.-- The liability of a payor bank to pay an item pursuant to subsection (a) is subject to defenses based on breach of a presentment warranty (section 4208) or proof that the person seeking enforcement of the liability presented or transferred the item for the purpose of defrauding the payor bank.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) When items subject to knowledge, notice, stop-payment order, legal process or set-off.-- Any knowledge, notice or stop-payment order received by, legal process served upon or set-off exercised by a payor bank comes too late to terminate, suspend or modify the right or duty of the bank to pay an item or to charge the account of its customer for the item if the knowledge, notice, stop-payment order or legal process is received or served and a reasonable time for the bank to act thereon expires or the set-off is exercised after the earliest of the following:
(1) The bank accepts or certifies the item.
(2) The bank pays the item in cash.
(3) The bank settles for the item without having a right to revoke the settlement under statute, clearinghouse rule or agreement.
(4) The bank becomes accountable for the amount of the item under section 4302 (relating to responsibility of payor bank for late return of item).
(5) With respect to checks, a cutoff hour no earlier than one hour after the opening of the next banking day after the banking day on which the bank received the check and no later than the close of that next banking day or, if no cutoff hour is fixed, the close of the next banking day after the banking day on which the bank received the check.
(b) Order in which items may be accepted, paid, certified or charged.-- Subject to subsection (a), items may be accepted, paid, certified or charged to the indicated account of its customer in any order.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) General rule.-- A bank may charge against the account of a customer an item that is properly payable from that account even though the charge creates an overdraft. An item is properly payable if it is authorized by the customer and is in accordance with any agreement between the customer and the bank.
(b) Limitation on customer liability.-- A customer is not liable for the amount of an overdraft if the customer neither signed the item nor benefited from the proceeds of the item.
(c) Postdated checks.-- A bank may charge against the account of a customer a check that is otherwise properly payable from the account, even though payment was made before the date of the check, unless the customer has given notice to the bank of the postdating describing the check with reasonable certainty. The notice is effective for the period stated in section 4403(b) (relating to right of customer to stop payment; burden of proof of loss) for stop-payment orders and must be received at such time and in such manner as to afford the bank a reasonable opportunity to act on it before the bank takes any action with respect to the check described in section 4303 (relating to when items subject to notice, stop-payment order, legal process or set-off; order in which items may be charged or certified). If a bank charges against the account of a customer a check before the date stated in the notice of postdating, the bank is liable for damages for the loss resulting from its act. The loss may include damages for dishonor of subsequent items under section 4402 (relating to liability of bank to customer for wrongful dishonor; time of determining insufficiency of account).
(d) Payment to holder on altered or completed item.-- A bank that in good faith makes payment to a holder may charge the indicated account of its customer according to:
(1) the original terms of the altered item; or
(2) the terms of the completed item, even though the bank knows the item has been completed unless the bank has notice that the completion was improper.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Wrongful dishonor.-- Except as otherwise provided in this division, a payor bank wrongfully dishonors an item if it dishonors an item that is properly payable, but a bank may dishonor an item that would create an overdraft unless it has agreed to pay the overdraft.
(b) Liability of bank.-- A payor bank is liable to its customer for damages proximately caused by the wrongful dishonor of an item. Liability is limited to actual damages proved and may include damages for an arrest or prosecution of the customer or other consequential damages. Whether any consequential damages are proximately caused by the wrongful dishonor is a question of fact to be determined in each case.
(c) Determination of bank.-- A payor bank's determination of the customer's account balance on which a decision to dishonor for insufficiency of available funds is based may be made at any time between the time the item is received by the payor bank and the time that the payor bank returns the item or gives notice in lieu of return, and no more than one determination need be made. If, at the election of the payor bank, a subsequent balance determination is made for the purpose of reevaluating the bank's decision to dishonor the item, the account balance at that time is determinative of whether a dishonor for insufficiency of available funds is wrongful.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Right of customer to stop payment.-- A customer or any person authorized to draw on the account if there is more than one person may stop payment of any item drawn on the customer's account or close the account by an order to the bank describing the item or account with reasonable certainty received at a time and in a manner that affords the bank a reasonable opportunity to act on it before any action by the bank with respect to the item described in section 4303 (relating to when items subject to notice, stop-payment order, legal process or set-off; order in which items may be charged or certified). If the signature of more than one person is required to draw on an account, any of these persons may stop payment or close the account.
(b) Duration of stop-payment orders.-- A stop-payment order is effective for six months, but it lapses after 14 calendar days if the original order was oral and was not confirmed in writing within that period. A stop-payment order may be renewed for additional six-month periods by a writing given to the bank within a period during which the stop-payment order is effective.
(c) Burden of proof of loss.-- The burden of establishing the fact and amount of loss resulting from the payment of an item contrary to a stop-payment order or order to close an account is on the customer. The loss from payment of an item contrary to a stop-payment order may include damages for dishonor of subsequent items under section 4402 (relating to liability of bank to customer for wrongful dishonor; time of determining insufficiency of account).
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
A bank is under no obligation to a customer having a checking account to pay a check, other than a certified check, which is presented more than six months after its date, but it may charge the account of its customer for a payment made thereafter in good faith.
(a) Authority of bank unaffected in absence of knowledge.-- The authority of a payor or collecting bank to accept, pay or collect an item or to account for proceeds of its collection, if otherwise effective, is not rendered ineffective by incapacity of a customer of either bank existing at the time the item is issued or its collection is undertaken if the bank does not know of an adjudication of incapacity. Neither death nor incapacity of a customer revokes the authority to accept, pay, collect or account until the bank knows of the fact of death or of an adjudication of incapacity and has reasonable opportunity to act on it.
(b) Limited authority of bank following knowledge.-- Even with knowledge, a bank may for ten days after the date of death pay or certify checks drawn on or before that date unless ordered to stop payment by a person claiming an interest in the account.
(Apr. 16, 1992, P.L.108, No.24, eff. 60 days; July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Statement of account.-- A bank that sends or makes available to a customer a statement of account showing payment of items for the account shall either return or make available to the customer the items paid or provide information in the statement of account sufficient to allow the customer reasonably to identify the items paid. The statement of account provides sufficient information if the item is described by item number, amount and date of payment.
(b) Retention of items.-- If the items are not returned to the customer, the person retaining the items shall either retain the items or, if the items are destroyed, maintain the capacity to furnish legible copies of the items until the expiration of seven years after receipt of the items. A customer may request an item from the bank that paid the item, and that bank must provide in a reasonable time either the item or, if the item has been destroyed or is not otherwise obtainable, a legible copy of the item.
(c) Duty of customer.-- If a bank sends or makes available a statement of account or items pursuant to subsection (a), the customer must exercise reasonable promptness in examining the statement or the items to determine whether any payment was not authorized because of an alteration of an item or because a purported signature by or on behalf of the customer was not authorized. If, based on the statement or items provided, the customer should reasonably have discovered the unauthorized payment, the customer must promptly notify the bank of the relevant facts.
(d) Effect of failure to report unauthorized signature or alteration.-- If the bank proves that the customer failed, with respect to an item, to comply with the duties imposed on the customer by subsection (c), the customer is precluded from asserting against the bank:
(1) the customer's unauthorized signature or any alteration on the item if the bank also proves that it suffered a loss by reason of the failure; and
(2) the customer's unauthorized signature or alteration by the same wrongdoer on any other item paid in good faith by the bank if the payment was made before the bank received notice from the customer of the unauthorized signature or alteration and after the customer had been afforded a reasonable period of time, not exceeding 30 days, in which to examine the item or statement of account and notify the bank.
(e) Allocation of loss.-- If subsection (d) applies and the customer proves that the bank failed to exercise ordinary care in paying the item and that the failure substantially contributed to loss, the loss is allocated between the customer precluded and the bank asserting the preclusion according to the extent to which the failure of the customer to comply with subsection (c) and the failure of the bank to exercise ordinary care contributed to the loss. If the customer proves that the bank did not pay the item in good faith, the preclusion under subsection (d) does not apply.
(f) Statutes of limitations applicable to customer.-- Without regard to care or lack of care of either the customer or the bank, a customer who does not within one year after the statement or items are made available to the customer (subsection (a)) discover and report the customer's unauthorized signature on or any alteration on the item is precluded from asserting against the bank the unauthorized signature or alteration. If there is a preclusion under this subsection, the payor bank may not recover for breach of warranty under section 4208 (relating to presentment warranties) with respect to the unauthorized signature or alteration to which the preclusion applies.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
If a payor bank has paid an item over the order of the drawer or maker to stop payment, or after an account has been closed, or otherwise under circumstances giving a basis for objection by the drawer or maker, to prevent unjust enrichment and only to the extent necessary to prevent loss to the bank by reason of its payment of the item, the payor bank is subrogated to the rights:
(1) of any holder in due course on the item against the drawer or maker;
(2) of the payee or any other holder of the item against the drawer or maker either on the item or under the transaction out of which the item arose; and
(3) of the drawer or maker against the payee or any other holder of the item with respect to the transaction out of which the item arose.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
A bank that takes a documentary draft for collection shall present or send the draft and accompanying documents for presentment and, upon learning that the draft has not been paid or accepted in due course, shall seasonably notify its customer of the fact even though it may have discounted or bought the draft or extended credit available for withdrawal as of right.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
If a draft or the relevant instructions require presentment "on arrival", "when goods arrive" or the like, the collecting bank need not present until in its judgment a reasonable time for arrival of the goods has expired. Refusal to pay or accept because the goods have not arrived is not dishonor; the bank must notify its transferor of the refusal but need not present the draft again until it is instructed to do so or learns of the arrival of the goods.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
Unless otherwise instructed and except as provided in Division 5 (relating to letters of credit), a bank presenting a documentary draft:
(1) must deliver the documents to the drawee on acceptance of the draft if it is payable more than three days after presentment; otherwise, only on payment; and
(2) upon dishonor, either in the case of presentment for acceptance or presentment for payment, may seek and follow instructions from any referee in case of need designated in the draft or, if the presenting bank does not choose to utilize the referee's services, it must use diligence and good faith to ascertain the reason for dishonor, must notify its transferor of the dishonor and of the results of its effort to ascertain the reasons therefor and must request instructions.
However, the presenting bank is under no obligation with respect to goods represented by the documents except to follow any reasonable instructions seasonably received; it has a right to reimbursement for any expense incurred in following instructions and to prepayment of or indemnity for those expenses.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
(a) Dealing with goods following dishonor of documentary draft.-- A presenting bank that, following the dishonor of a documentary draft, has seasonably requested instructions but does not receive them within a reasonable time may store, sell or otherwise deal with the goods in any reasonable manner.
(b) Security interest for expenses.-- For its reasonable expenses incurred by action under subsection (a), the presenting bank has a lien upon the goods or their proceeds, which may be foreclosed in the same manner as an unpaid lien of a seller.
(July 9, 1992, P.L.507, No.97, eff. one year)
This division shall be known and may be cited as the Uniform Commercial Code, Article 4A, Funds Transfers.
Except as otherwise provided in section 4A108 (relating to relationship to Electronic Fund Transfer Act), this division applies to funds transfers defined in section 4A104 (relating to funds transfer; definitions).
(July 9, 2013, P.L.262, No.49, eff. 60 days)
(a) Definition of "payment order" and related terms.-- The following words and phrases when used in this division shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
(1) "Payment order." An instruction of a sender to a receiving bank, transmitted orally or in a record, to pay, or to cause another bank to pay, a fixed or determinable amount of money to a beneficiary if:
(i) the instruction does not state a condition to payment to the beneficiary other than time of payment;
(ii) the receiving bank is to be reimbursed by debiting an account of, or otherwise receiving payment from, the sender; and
(iii) the instruction is transmitted by the sender directly to the receiving bank or to an agent, funds-transfer system or communication system for transmittal to the receiving bank.
(2) "Beneficiary." The person to be paid by the beneficiary's bank.
(3) "Beneficiary's bank." The bank identified in a payment order in which an account of the beneficiary is to be credited pursuant to the order or which otherwise is to make payment to the beneficiary if the order does not provide for payment to an account.
(4) "Receiving bank." The bank to which the sender's instruction is addressed.
(5) "Sender." The person giving the instruction to the receiving bank.
(b) Instruction.-- If an instruction complying with subsection (a)(1) is to make more than one payment to a beneficiary, the instruction is a separate payment order with respect to each payment.
(c) When payment order is issued.-- A payment order is issued when it is sent to the receiving bank.
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Definition of "funds transfer".-- "Funds transfer" means the series of transactions, beginning with the originator's payment order, made for the purpose of making payment to the beneficiary of the order. The term includes any payment order issued by the originator's bank or an intermediary bank intended to carry out the originator's payment order. A funds transfer is completed by acceptance by the beneficiary's bank of a payment order for the benefit of the beneficiary of the originator's payment order.
(b) Definition of "intermediary bank".-- "Intermediary bank" means a receiving bank other than the originator's bank or the beneficiary's bank.
(c) Definition of "originator".-- "Originator" means the sender of the first payment order in a funds transfer.
(d) Definition of "originator's bank".-- "Originator's bank" means:
(1) the receiving bank to which the payment order of the originator is issued if the originator is not a bank; or
(2) the originator if the originator is a bank.
(a) Definitions.-- The following words and phrases when used in this division shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Authorized account." A deposit account of a customer in a bank designated by the customer as a source of payment of payment orders issued by the customer to the bank. If a customer does not so designate an account, any account of the customer is an authorized account if payment of a payment order from that account is not inconsistent with a restriction on the use of that account.
"Bank." A person engaged in the business of banking, including a savings bank, savings and loan association, credit union and trust company. A branch or separate office of a bank is a separate bank for purposes of this division.
"Customer." A person, including a bank, having an account with a bank or from whom a bank has agreed to receive payment orders.
"Funds-transfer business day." The part of a day during which the receiving bank is open for the receipt, processing and transmittal of payment orders and cancellations and amendments of payment orders.
"Funds-transfer system." A wire transfer network, automated clearinghouse or other communication system of a clearinghouse or other association of banks through which a payment order by a bank may be transmitted to the bank to which the order is addressed.
"Good faith." (Deleted by amendment).
"Prove." With respect to a fact, means to meet the burden of establishing the fact (section 1201(b)(8)).
(b) Index of other definitions in division.-- Other definitions applying to this division and the sections in which they appear are:
"Acceptance." Section 4A209.
"Beneficiary." Section 4A103.
"Beneficiary's bank." Section 4A103.
"Executed." Section 4A301.
"Execution date." Section 4A301.
"Funds transfer." Section 4A104.
"Funds-transfer system rule." Section 4A501.
"Intermediary bank." Section 4A104.
"Originator." Section 4A104.
"Originator's bank." Section 4A104.
"Payment by beneficiary's bank to beneficiary." Section 4A405.
"Payment by originator to beneficiary." Section 4A406.
"Payment by sender to receiving bank." Section 4A403.
"Payment date." Section 4A401.
"Payment order." Section 4A103.
"Receiving bank." Section 4A103.
"Security procedure." Section 4A201.
"Sender." Section 4A103.
(c) Index of definitions in other divisions.-- The following definitions in Division 4 (relating to bank deposits and collections) apply to this division:
"Clearinghouse." Section 4104.
"Item." Section 4104.
"Suspends payments." Section 4104.
(d) Applicability of general definitions and principles.-- In addition, Division 1 (relating to general provisions) contains general definitions and principles of construction and interpretation applicable throughout this division.
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001; Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- The time of receipt of a payment order or communication canceling or amending a payment order is determined by the rules applicable to receipt of a notice stated in section 1202 (relating to notice; knowledge). A receiving bank may fix a cutoff time or times on a funds-transfer business day for the receipt and processing of payment orders and communications canceling or amending payment orders. Different cutoff times may apply to payment orders, cancellations or amendments or to different categories of payment orders, cancellations or amendments. A cutoff time may apply to senders generally or different cutoff times may apply to different senders or categories of payment orders. If a payment order or communication canceling or amending a payment order is received after the close of a funds-transfer business day or after the appropriate cutoff time on a funds-transfer business day, the receiving bank may treat the payment order or communication as received at the opening of the next funds-transfer business day.
(b) When date of certain required action does not fall on funds-transfer business day.-- If this division refers to an execution date or payment date or states a day on which a receiving bank is required to take action and the date or day does not fall on a funds-transfer business day, the next day that is a funds-transfer business day is treated as the date or day stated, unless the contrary is stated in this division.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
Regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and operating circulars of the Federal Reserve banks supersede any inconsistent provision of this division to the extent of the inconsistency.
(a) Nonapplicability.-- Except as set forth in subsection (b), this division does not apply to a funds transfer any part of which is governed by the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (Public Law 95-630, 15 U.S.C. § 1693 et seq.).
(b) Applicability.-- This division applies to a funds transfer that is a "remittance transfer" as defined in section 919(g)(2) and (3) of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (Public Law 95-630, 15 U.S.C. § 1693o-1(g)(2) and (3)), unless the remittance transfer is an "electronic fund transfer" as defined in section 903(7) of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (Public Law 95-630, 15 U.S.C. § 1693a(7)).
(c) Inconsistency.-- In a funds transfer to which this division applies, in the event of an inconsistency between an applicable provision of this division and an applicable provision of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, the provision of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act governs to the extent of the inconsistency.
(July 9, 2013, P.L.262, No.49, eff. 60 days)
"Security procedure" means a procedure established by agreement of a customer and a receiving bank for the purpose of:
(1) verifying that a payment order or communication amending or canceling a payment order is that of the customer; or
(2) detecting error in the transmission or the content of the payment order or communication.
A security procedure may impose an obligation on the receiving bank or the customer and may require the use of algorithms or other codes, identifying words, numbers, symbols, sounds, biometrics, encryption, callback procedures or similar security devices. Comparison of a signature on a payment order or communication with an authorized specimen signature of the customer or requiring a payment order to be sent from a known email address, IP address or telephone number is not by itself a security procedure.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Authorized payment order.-- A payment order received by the receiving bank is the authorized order of the person identified as sender if that person authorized the order or is otherwise bound by it under the law of agency.
(b) Verified payment order.-- If a bank and its customer have agreed that the authenticity of payment orders issued to the bank in the name of the customer as sender will be verified pursuant to a security procedure, a payment order received by the receiving bank is effective as the order of the customer, whether or not authorized, if:
(1) the security procedure is a commercially reasonable method of providing security against unauthorized payment orders; and
(2) the bank proves that it accepted the payment order in good faith and in compliance with the bank's obligations under the security procedure and any agreement or instruction of the customer, evidenced by a record, restricting acceptance of payment orders issued in the name of the customer.
The bank is not required to follow an instruction that violates an agreement with the customer, evidenced by a record, or notice of which is not received at a time and in a manner affording the bank a reasonable opportunity to act on it before the payment order is accepted.
(c) Commercial reasonableness of security procedure.-- Commercial reasonableness of a security procedure is a question of law to be determined by considering the wishes of the customer expressed to the bank, the circumstances of the customer known to the bank, including the size, type and frequency of payment orders normally issued by the customer to the bank, alternative security procedures offered to the customer and security procedures in general use by customers and receiving banks similarly situated. A security procedure is deemed to be commercially reasonable if:
(1) the security procedure was chosen by the customer after the bank offered, and the customer refused, a security procedure that was commercially reasonable for that customer; and
(2) the customer expressly agreed in a record to be bound by any payment order, whether or not authorized, issued in its name and accepted by the bank in compliance with the bank's obligations under the security procedure chosen by the customer.
(d) Definition of "sender".-- The term "sender" in this division includes the customer in whose name a payment order is issued if the order is the authorized order of the customer under subsection (a), or it is effective as the order of the customer under subsection (b).
(e) Amendments and cancellations of payment orders.-- This section applies to amendments and cancellations of payment orders to the same extent it applies to payment orders.
(f) Rights and obligations.-- Except as provided in this section and in section 4A203(a)(1) (relating to unenforceability of certain verified payment orders), rights and obligations arising under this section or section 4A203 may not be varied by agreement.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- If an accepted payment order is not, under section 4A202(a) (relating to authorized and verified payment orders), an authorized order of a customer identified as sender, but is effective as an order of the customer pursuant to section 4A202(b), the following rules apply:
(1) By express agreement evidenced by a record, the receiving bank may limit the extent to which it is entitled to enforce or retain payment of the payment order.
(2) The receiving bank is not entitled to enforce or retain payment of the payment order if the customer proves that the order was not caused, directly or indirectly, by a person:
(i) entrusted at any time with duties to act for the customer with respect to payment orders or the security procedure; or
(ii) who obtained access to transmitting facilities of the customer or who obtained, from a source controlled by the customer and without authority of the receiving bank, information facilitating breach of the security procedure, regardless of how the information was obtained or whether the customer was at fault.
Information includes any access device, computer software or the like.
(b) Amendments of payment orders.-- This section applies to amendments of payment orders to the same extent it applies to payment orders.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- If a receiving bank accepts a payment order issued in the name of its customer as sender which is not authorized and not effective as the order of the customer under section 4A202 (relating to authorized and verified payment orders) or not enforceable, in whole or in part, against the customer under section 4A203 (relating to unenforceability of certain verified payment orders), the bank shall refund any payment of the payment order received from the customer to the extent the bank is not entitled to enforce payment and shall pay interest on the refundable amount calculated from the date the bank received payment to the date of the refund. However, the customer is not entitled to interest from the bank on the amount to be refunded if the customer fails to exercise ordinary care to determine that the order was not authorized by the customer and to notify the bank of the relevant facts within a reasonable time, not exceeding 90 days, after the date the customer received notification from the bank that the order was accepted or that the customer's account was debited with respect to the order. The bank is not entitled to any recovery from the customer on account of a failure by the customer to give notification as stated in this section.
(b) Reasonable time.-- Reasonable time under subsection (a) may be fixed by agreement as stated in section 1205(a) (relating to reasonable time; seasonableness), but the obligation of a receiving bank to refund payment as stated in subsection (a) may not otherwise be varied by agreement.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) Types of erroneous payment orders.--
(1) The rules set forth under paragraph (2) apply if an accepted payment order was transmitted pursuant to a security procedure for the detection of error and the payment order:
(i) erroneously instructed payment to a beneficiary not intended by the sender;
(ii) erroneously instructed payment in an amount greater than the amount intended by the sender; or
(iii) was an erroneously transmitted duplicate of a payment order previously sent by the sender.
(2) (i) If the sender proves that the sender or a person acting on behalf of the sender pursuant to section 4A206 (relating to transmission of payment order through funds-transfer or other communication system) complied with the security procedure and that the error would have been detected if the receiving bank had also complied, the sender is not obliged to pay the order to the extent stated in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii).
(ii) If the funds transfer is completed on the basis of an erroneous payment order described in paragraph (1)(i) or (iii), the sender is not obliged to pay the order and the receiving bank is entitled to recover from the beneficiary any amount paid to the beneficiary to the extent allowed by the law governing mistake and restitution.
(iii) If the funds transfer is completed on the basis of a payment order described in paragraph (1)(ii), the sender is not obliged to pay the order to the extent the amount received by the beneficiary is greater than the amount intended by the sender. In that case, the receiving bank is entitled to recover from the beneficiary the excess amount received to the extent allowed by the law governing mistake and restitution.
(b) Duty of sender.-- If the sender of an erroneous payment order described in subsection (a) is not obliged to pay all or part of the order and the sender receives notification from the receiving bank that the order was accepted by the bank or that the sender's account was debited with respect to the order, the sender has a duty to exercise ordinary care, on the basis of information available to the sender, to discover the error with respect to the order and to advise the bank of the relevant facts within a reasonable time, not exceeding 90 days, after the bank's notification was received by the sender. If the bank proves that the sender failed to perform that duty, the sender is liable to the bank for the loss the bank proves it incurred as a result of the failure, but the liability of the sender may not exceed the amount of the sender's order.
(c) Amendments to payment orders.-- This section applies to amendments to payment orders to the same extent it applies to payment orders.
(a) General rule.-- If a payment order addressed to a receiving bank is transmitted to a funds-transfer system or other third-party communication system for transmittal to the bank, the system is deemed to be an agent of the sender for the purpose of transmitting the payment order to the bank. If there is a discrepancy between the terms of the payment order transmitted to the system and the terms of the payment order transmitted by the system to the bank, the terms of the payment order of the sender are those transmitted by the system. This section does not apply to a funds-transfer system of the Federal Reserve banks.
(b) Cancellations and amendments of payment orders.-- This section applies to cancellations and amendments of payment orders to the same extent it applies to payment orders.
(a) Reference to nonexistent or unidentifiable person or account.-- Subject to subsection (b), if, in a payment order received by the beneficiary's bank, the name, bank account number or other identification of the beneficiary refers to a nonexistent or unidentifiable person or account, no person has rights as a beneficiary of the order and acceptance of the order cannot occur.
(b) Name and account number identify different persons.-- If a payment order received by the beneficiary's bank identifies the beneficiary both by name and by an identifying or bank account number and the name and number identify different persons, the following rules apply:
(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), if the beneficiary's bank does not know that the name and number refer to different persons, it may rely on the number as the proper identification of the beneficiary of the order. The beneficiary's bank need not determine whether the name and number refer to the same person.
(2) If the beneficiary's bank pays the person identified by name or knows that the name and number identify different persons, no person has rights as beneficiary except the person paid by the beneficiary's bank if that person was entitled to receive payment from the originator of the funds transfer. If no person has rights as beneficiary, acceptance of the order cannot occur.
(c) Applicable rules when bank pays person identified by number.-- If a payment order described in subsection (b) is accepted, the originator's payment order described the beneficiary inconsistently by name and number and the beneficiary's bank pays the person identified by number as permitted by subsection (b)(1), the following rules apply:
(1) If the originator is a bank, the originator is obliged to pay its order.
(2) If the originator is not a bank and proves that the person identified by number was not entitled to receive payment from the originator, the originator is not obliged to pay its order unless the originator's bank proves that the originator, before acceptance of the originator's order, had notice that payment of a payment order issued by the originator might be made by the beneficiary's bank on the basis of an identifying or bank account number even if it identifies a person different from the named beneficiary. Proof of notice may be made by any admissible evidence. The originator's bank satisfies the burden of proof if it proves that the originator, before the payment order was accepted, signed a record stating the information to which the notice relates.
(d) When person identified by number not entitled to receive payment.-- In a case governed by subsection (b)(1), if the beneficiary's bank rightfully pays the person identified by number and that person was not entitled to receive payment from the originator, the amount paid may be recovered from that person to the extent allowed by the law governing mistake and restitution as follows:
(1) If the originator is obliged to pay its payment order as stated in subsection (c), the originator has the right to recover.
(2) If the originator is not a bank and is not obliged to pay its payment order, the originator's bank has the right to recover.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Identification only by identifying number.-- This subsection applies to a payment order identifying an intermediary bank or the beneficiary's bank only by an identifying number:
(1) The receiving bank may rely on the number as the proper identification of the intermediary or beneficiary's bank and need not determine whether the number identifies a bank.
(2) The sender is obliged to compensate the receiving bank for any loss and expenses incurred by the receiving bank as a result of its reliance on the number in executing or attempting to execute the order.
(b) Identification by name and identifying number; identification of different persons.-- This subsection applies to a payment order identifying an intermediary bank or the beneficiary's bank both by name and an identifying number if the name and number identify different persons:
(1) If the sender is a bank, the receiving bank may rely on the number as the proper identification of the intermediary or beneficiary's bank if the receiving bank, when it executes the sender's order, does not know that the name and number identify different persons. The receiving bank need not determine whether the name and number refer to the same person or whether the number refers to a bank. The sender is obliged to compensate the receiving bank for any loss and expenses incurred by the receiving bank as a result of its reliance on the number in executing or attempting to execute the order.
(2) If the sender is not a bank and the receiving bank proves that the sender, before the payment order was accepted, had notice that the receiving bank might rely on the number as the proper identification of the intermediary or beneficiary's bank even if it identifies a person different from the bank identified by name, the rights and obligations of the sender and the receiving bank are governed by paragraph (1), as though the sender were a bank. Proof of notice may be made by any admissible evidence. The receiving bank satisfies the burden of proof if it proves that the sender, before the payment order was accepted, signed a record stating the information to which the notice relates.
(3) Regardless of whether the sender is a bank, the receiving bank may rely on the name as the proper identification of the intermediary or beneficiary's bank if the receiving bank, at the time it executes the sender's order, does not know that the name and number identify different persons. The receiving bank need not determine whether the name and number refer to the same person.
(4) If the receiving bank knows that the name and number identify different persons, reliance on either the name or the number in executing the sender's payment order is a breach of the obligation stated in section 4A302(a)(1) (relating to obligations of receiving bank in execution of payment order).
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Receiving bank.-- Subject to subsection (d), a receiving bank other than the beneficiary's bank accepts a payment order when it executes the order.
(b) Beneficiary's bank.-- Subject to subsections (c) and (d), a beneficiary's bank accepts a payment order at the earliest of the following times:
(1) when the bank:
(i) pays the beneficiary as stated in section 4A405(a) or (b) (relating to payment by beneficiary's bank to beneficiary); or
(ii) notifies the beneficiary of receipt of the order or that the account of the beneficiary has been credited with respect to the order unless the notice indicates that the bank is rejecting the order or that funds with respect to the order may not be withdrawn or used until receipt of payment from the sender of the order;
(2) when the bank receives payment of the entire amount of the sender's order pursuant to section 4A403(a)(1) or (2) (relating to payment by sender to receiving bank); or
(3) the opening of the next funds-transfer business day of the bank following the payment date of the order if, at that time, the amount of the sender's order is fully covered by a withdrawable credit balance in an authorized account of the sender or the bank has otherwise received full payment from the sender, unless the order was rejected before that time or is rejected within one hour after that time, or one hour after the opening of the next business day of the sender following the payment date if that time is later.
If notice of rejection is received by the sender after the payment date and the authorized account of the sender does not bear interest, the bank is obliged to pay interest to the sender on the amount of the order for the number of days elapsing after the payment date to the day the sender receives notice or learns that the order was not accepted, counting that day as an elapsed day. If the withdrawable credit balance during that period falls below the amount of the order, the amount of interest payable is reduced accordingly.
(c) Limitations on acceptance.-- Acceptance of a payment order cannot occur before the order is received by the receiving bank. Acceptance does not occur under subsection (b)(2) or (3) if the beneficiary of the payment order does not have an account with the receiving bank, the account has been closed or the receiving bank is not permitted by law to receive credits for the beneficiary's account.
(d) Payment order by originator of funds transfer to originator's bank.-- A payment order issued to the originator's bank cannot be accepted until the payment date if the bank is the beneficiary's bank or the execution date if the bank is not the beneficiary's bank. If the originator's bank executes the originator's payment order before the execution date or pays the beneficiary of the originator's payment order before the payment date and the payment order is subsequently canceled pursuant to section 4A211(b) (relating to cancellation and amendment of payment order), the bank may recover from the beneficiary any payment received to the extent allowed by the law governing mistake and restitution.
(a) Manner of rejection.-- A payment order is rejected by the receiving bank by a notice of rejection transmitted to the sender orally or in a record. A notice of rejection need not use any particular words and is sufficient if it indicates that the receiving bank is rejecting the order or will not execute or pay the order. Rejection is effective when the notice is given if transmission is by a means that is reasonable in the circumstances. If notice of rejection is given by a means that is not reasonable, rejection is effective when the notice is received. If an agreement of the sender and receiving bank establishes the means to be used to reject a payment order, any means complying with the agreement is reasonable and any means not complying is not reasonable unless no significant delay in receipt of the notice resulted from the use of the noncomplying means.
(b) When sender learns after execution date that sender's order has not been executed.-- This subsection applies if a receiving bank other than the beneficiary's bank fails to execute a payment order despite the existence on the execution date of a withdrawable credit balance in an authorized account of the sender sufficient to cover the order. If the sender does not receive notice of rejection of the order on the execution date and the authorized account of the sender does not bear interest, the bank is obliged to pay interest to the sender on the amount of the order for the number of days elapsing after the execution date to the earlier of the day the order is canceled pursuant to section 4A211(d) (relating to cancellation and amendment of payment order) or the day the sender receives notice or learns that the order was not executed, counting the final day of the period as an elapsed day. If the withdrawable credit balance during that period falls below the amount of the order, the amount of interest is reduced accordingly.
(c) When receiving bank suspends payments.-- If a receiving bank suspends payments, all unaccepted payment orders issued to it are deemed rejected at the time the bank suspends payments.
(d) Acceptance and rejection; mutually exclusive.-- Acceptance of a payment order precludes a later rejection of the order. Rejection of a payment order precludes a later acceptance of the order.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Communication.-- A communication of the sender of a payment order canceling or amending the order may be transmitted to the receiving bank orally or in a record. If a security procedure is in effect between the sender and the receiving bank, the communication is not effective to cancel or amend the order unless the communication is verified pursuant to the security procedure or the bank agrees to the cancellation or amendment.
(b) Communication received before payment order accepted.-- Subject to subsection (a), a communication by the sender canceling or amending a payment order is effective to cancel or amend the order if notice of the communication is received at a time and in a manner affording the receiving bank a reasonable opportunity to act on the communication before the bank accepts the payment order.
(c) Communication received after payment order accepted.-- After a payment order has been accepted, cancellation or amendment of the order is not effective unless the receiving bank agrees or a funds-transfer system rule allows cancellation or amendment without agreement of the bank:
(1) With respect to a payment order accepted by a receiving bank other than the beneficiary's bank, cancellation or amendment is not effective unless a conforming cancellation or amendment of the payment order issued by the receiving bank is also made.
(2) With respect to a payment order accepted by the beneficiary's bank, cancellation or amendment is not effective unless the order was issued in execution of an unauthorized payment order or because of a mistake by a sender in the funds transfer which resulted in the issuance of a payment order:
(i) that is a duplicate of a payment order previously issued by the sender;
(ii) that orders payment to a beneficiary not entitled to receive payment from the originator; or
(iii) that orders payment in an amount greater than the amount the beneficiary was entitled to receive from the originator.
If the payment order is canceled or amended, the beneficiary's bank is entitled to recover from the beneficiary any amount paid to the beneficiary to the extent allowed by the law governing mistake and restitution.
(d) When unaccepted payment order canceled by operation of law.-- An unaccepted payment order is canceled by operation of law at the close of the fifth funds-transfer business day of the receiving bank after the execution date or payment date of the order.
(e) Canceled payment order.-- A canceled payment order cannot be accepted. If an accepted payment order is canceled, the acceptance is nullified and no person has any right or obligation based on the acceptance. Amendment of a payment order is deemed to be cancellation of the original order at the time of amendment and issue of a new payment order in the amended form at the same time.
(f) Liability of sender.-- Unless otherwise provided in an agreement of the parties or in a funds-transfer system rule, if the receiving bank, after accepting a payment order, agrees to cancellation or amendment of the order by the sender or is bound by a funds-transfer system rule allowing cancellation or amendment without the bank's agreement, the sender, whether or not cancellation or amendment is effective, is liable to the bank for any loss and expenses, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the bank as a result of the cancellation or amendment or attempted cancellation or amendment.
(g) When payment order revoked by death or incompetency.-- A payment order is not revoked by the death or incompetency of the sender unless the receiving bank knows of the death or of an adjudication of incompetency under 20 Pa.C.S. Ch. 55 (relating to incapacitated persons) and has reasonable opportunity to act before acceptance of the order.
(h) When funds-transfer system rule not effective.-- A funds-transfer system rule is not effective to the extent it conflicts with subsection (c)(2).
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
If a receiving bank fails to accept a payment order that it is obliged by express agreement to accept, the bank is liable for breach of the agreement to the extent provided in the agreement or in this division but does not otherwise have any duty to accept a payment order or, before acceptance, to take any action, or refrain from taking action, with respect to the order except as provided in this division or by express agreement. Liability based on acceptance arises only when acceptance occurs as stated in section 4A209 (relating to acceptance of payment order), and liability is limited to that provided in this division. A receiving bank is not the agent of the sender or beneficiary of the payment order it accepts or of any other party to the funds transfer, and the bank owes no duty to any party to the funds transfer except as provided in this division or by express agreement.
(a) Execution.-- A payment order is "executed" by the receiving bank when it issues a payment order intended to carry out the payment order received by the bank. A payment order received by the beneficiary's bank can be accepted but cannot be executed.
(b) Execution date.-- "Execution date" of a payment order means the day on which the receiving bank may properly issue a payment order in execution of the sender's order. The execution date may be determined by instruction of the sender but cannot be earlier than the day the order is received and, unless otherwise determined, is the day the order is received. If the sender's instruction states a payment date, the execution date is the payment date or an earlier date on which execution is reasonably necessary to allow payment to the beneficiary on the payment date.
(a) General rule.-- Except as provided in subsections (b), (c) and (d), if the receiving bank accepts a payment order pursuant to section 4A209(a) (relating to acceptance of payment order), the bank has the following obligations in executing the order:
(1) The receiving bank is obliged to issue, on the execution date, a payment order complying with the sender's order and to follow the sender's instructions concerning:
(i) any intermediary bank or funds-transfer system to be used in carrying out the funds transfer; or
(ii) the means by which payment orders are to be transmitted in the funds transfer.
If the originator's bank issues a payment order to an intermediary bank, the originator's bank is obliged to instruct the intermediary bank according to the instruction of the originator. An intermediary bank in the funds transfer is similarly bound by an instruction given to it by the sender of the payment order it accepts.
(2) If the sender's instruction states that the funds transfer is to be carried out telephonically or by wire transfer or otherwise indicates that the funds transfer is to be carried out by the most expeditious means, the receiving bank is obliged to transmit its payment order by the most expeditious available means and to instruct any intermediary bank accordingly. If a sender's instruction states a payment date, the receiving bank is obliged to transmit its payment order at a time and by means reasonably necessary to allow payment to the beneficiary on the payment date or as soon thereafter as is feasible.
(b) Discretion of receiving bank.-- Unless otherwise instructed, a receiving bank executing a payment order may:
(1) use any funds-transfer system if use of that system is reasonable in the circumstances; and
(2) issue a payment order to the beneficiary's bank or to an intermediary bank through which a payment order conforming to the sender's order can expeditiously be issued to the beneficiary's bank if the receiving bank exercises ordinary care in the selection of the intermediary bank.
A receiving bank is not required to follow an instruction of the sender designating a funds-transfer system to be used in carrying out the funds transfer if the receiving bank, in good faith, determines that it is not feasible to follow the instruction or that following the instruction would unduly delay completion of the funds transfer.
(c) Manner by which receiving bank may execute payment order in certain circumstances.-- Unless subsection (a)(2) applies or the receiving bank is otherwise instructed, the bank may execute a payment order by transmitting its payment order by first class mail or by any means reasonable in the circumstances. If the receiving bank is instructed to execute the sender's order by transmitting its payment order by a particular means, the receiving bank may issue its payment order by the means stated or by any means as expeditious as the means stated.
(d) Certain prohibited acts of receiving bank.-- Unless instructed by the sender, the receiving bank:
(1) may not obtain payment of its charges for services and expenses in connection with the execution of the sender's order by issuing a payment order in an amount equal to the amount of the sender's order less the amount of the charges; and
(2) may not instruct a subsequent receiving bank to obtain payment of its charges in the same manner.
(a) Issuance of payment order in amount greater than amount of sender's order.-- A receiving bank that:
(1) executes the payment order of the sender by issuing a payment order in an amount greater than the amount of the sender's order; or
(2) issues a payment order in execution of the sender's order and then issues a duplicate order;
is entitled to payment of the amount of the sender's order under section 4A402(c) (relating to obligation of sender to pay receiving bank) if that subsection is otherwise satisfied. The bank is entitled to recover from the beneficiary of the erroneous order the excess payment received to the extent allowed by the law governing mistake and restitution.
(b) Issuance of payment order in amount less than amount of sender's order.-- A receiving bank that executes the payment order of the sender by issuing a payment order in an amount less than the amount of the sender's order is entitled to payment of the amount of the sender's order under section 4A402(c) if that subsection is otherwise satisfied and the bank corrects its mistake by issuing an additional payment order for the benefit of the beneficiary of the sender's order. If the error is not corrected, the issuer of the erroneous order is entitled to receive or retain payment from the sender of the order it accepted only to the extent of the amount of the erroneous order. This subsection does not apply if the receiving bank executes the sender's payment order by issuing a payment order in an amount less than the amount of the sender's order for the purpose of obtaining payment of its charges for services and expenses pursuant to instruction of the sender.
(c) Issuance of payment order to wrong beneficiary.-- If a receiving bank executes the payment order of the sender by issuing a payment order to a beneficiary different from the beneficiary of the sender's order and the funds transfer is completed on the basis of that error, the sender of the payment order that was erroneously executed and all previous senders in the funds transfer are not obliged to pay the payment orders they issued. The issuer of the erroneous order is entitled to recover from the beneficiary of the order the payment received to the extent allowed by the law governing mistake and restitution.
If the sender of a payment order that is erroneously executed as stated in section 4A303 (relating to erroneous execution of payment order) receives notification from the receiving bank that the order was executed or that the sender's account was debited with respect to the order, the sender has a duty to exercise ordinary care to determine, on the basis of information available to the sender, that the order was erroneously executed and to notify the bank of the relevant facts within a reasonable time, not exceeding 90 days, after the notification from the bank was received by the sender. If the sender fails to perform that duty, the bank is not obliged to pay interest on any amount refundable to the sender under section 4A402(d) (relating to obligation of sender to pay receiving bank) for the period before the bank learns of the execution error. The bank is not entitled to any recovery from the sender on account of a failure by the sender to perform the duty stated in this section.
(a) Liability for improper execution resulting in delay in payment.-- If a funds transfer is completed but execution of a payment order by the receiving bank in breach of section 4A302 (relating to obligations of receiving bank in execution of payment order) results in delay in payment to the beneficiary, the bank is obliged to pay interest to either the originator or the beneficiary of the funds transfer for the period of delay caused by the improper execution. Except as provided in subsection (c), additional damages are not recoverable.
(b) Other liability resulting from improper execution.-- If execution of a payment order by a receiving bank in breach of section 4A302 results in:
(1) noncompletion of the funds transfer;
(2) failure to use an intermediary bank designated by the originator; or
(3) issuance of a payment order that does not comply with the terms of the payment order of the originator;
the bank is liable to the originator for its expenses in the funds transfer and for incidental expenses and interest losses, to the extent not covered by subsection (a), resulting from the improper execution. Except as provided in subsection (c), additional damages are not recoverable.
(c) Additional damages.-- In addition to the amounts payable under subsections (a) and (b), damages, including consequential damages, are recoverable to the extent provided in an express agreement of the receiving bank, evidenced by a record.
(d) Failure to execute payment order.-- If a receiving bank fails to execute a payment order it was obliged by express agreement to execute, the receiving bank is liable to the sender for its expenses in the transaction and for incidental expenses and interest losses resulting from the failure to execute. Additional damages, including consequential damages, are recoverable to the extent provided in an express agreement of the receiving bank, evidenced by a record, but are not otherwise recoverable.
(e) Attorney fees.-- Reasonable attorney fees are recoverable if demand for compensation under subsection (a) or (b) is made and refused before an action is brought on the claim. If a claim is made for breach of an agreement under subsection (d) and the agreement does not provide for damages, reasonable attorney fees are recoverable if demand for compensation under subsection (d) is made and refused before an action is brought on the claim.
(f) Prohibition against modification of liability by agreement.-- Except as stated in this section, the liability of a receiving bank under subsections (a) and (b) may not be varied by agreement.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
"Payment date" of a payment order means the day on which the amount of the order is payable to the beneficiary by the beneficiary's bank. The payment date may be determined by instruction of the sender but cannot be earlier than the day the order is received by the beneficiary's bank and, unless otherwise determined, is the day the order is received by the beneficiary's bank.
(a) Scope of section.-- This section is subject to sections 4A205 (relating to erroneous payment orders) and 4A207 (relating to misdescription of beneficiary).
(b) Payment order issued to beneficiary's bank.-- With respect to a payment order issued to the beneficiary's bank, acceptance of the order by the bank obliges the sender to pay the bank the amount of the order, but payment is not due until the payment date of the order.
(c) Payment order issued to receiving bank other than beneficiary's bank.-- This subsection is subject to subsection (e) and to section 4A303 (relating to erroneous execution of payment order). With respect to a payment order issued to a receiving bank other than the beneficiary's bank, acceptance of the order by the receiving bank obliges the sender to pay the bank the amount of the sender's order. Payment by the sender is not due until the execution date of the sender's order. The obligation of that sender to pay its payment order is excused if the funds transfer is not completed by acceptance by the beneficiary's bank of a payment order instructing payment to the beneficiary of that sender's payment order.
(d) Refund.-- If the sender of a payment order pays the order and was not obliged to pay all or part of the amount paid, the bank receiving payment is obliged to refund payment to the extent the sender was not obliged to pay. Except as provided in sections 4A204 (relating to refund of payment and duty of customer to report with respect to unauthorized payment order) and 4A304 (relating to duty of sender to report erroneously executed payment order), interest is payable on the refundable amount from the date of payment.
(e) Certain subrogation rights.-- If a funds transfer is not completed as stated in subsection (c) and an intermediary bank is obliged to refund payment as stated in subsection (d) but is unable to do so because not permitted by applicable law or because the bank suspends payments, a sender in the funds transfer that executed a payment order in compliance with an instruction, as stated in section 4A302(a)(1) (relating to obligations of receiving bank in execution of payment order), to route the funds transfer through that intermediary bank is entitled to receive or retain payment from the sender of the payment order that it accepted. The first sender in the funds transfer that issued an instruction requiring routing through that intermediary bank is subrogated to the right of the bank that paid the intermediary bank to refund as stated in subsection (d).
(f) Prohibition against modification by agreement of certain rights of sender.-- The right of the sender of a payment order to be excused from the obligation to pay the order as stated in subsection (c) or to receive refund under subsection (d) may not be varied by agreement.
(a) When payment occurs.-- Payment of the sender's obligation under section 4A402 (relating to obligation of sender to pay receiving bank) to pay the receiving bank occurs as follows:
(1) If the sender is a bank, payment occurs when the receiving bank receives final settlement of the obligation through a Federal Reserve bank or through a funds-transfer system.
(2) If the sender is a bank and the sender credited an account of the receiving bank with the sender or caused an account of the receiving bank in another bank to be credited, payment occurs when the credit is withdrawn or, if not withdrawn, at midnight of the day on which the credit is withdrawable and the receiving bank learns of that fact.
(3) If the receiving bank debits an account of the sender with the receiving bank, payment occurs when the debit is made to the extent the debit is covered by a withdrawable credit balance in the account.
(b) Multilateral settlements.-- If the sender and receiving bank are members of a funds-transfer system that nets obligations multilaterally among participants, the receiving bank receives final settlement when settlement is complete in accordance with the rules of the system. The obligation of the sender to pay the amount of a payment order transmitted through the funds-transfer system may be satisfied, to the extent permitted by the rules of the system, by setting off and applying against the sender's obligation the right of the sender to receive payment from the receiving bank of the amount of any other payment order transmitted to the sender by the receiving bank through the funds-transfer system. The aggregate balance of obligations owed by each sender to each receiving bank in the funds-transfer system may be satisfied, to the extent permitted by the rules of the system, by setting off and applying against that balance the aggregate balance of obligations owed to the sender by other members of the system. The aggregate balance is determined after the right of setoff stated in the second sentence of this subsection has been exercised.
(c) When two banks transmit payment orders to each other under agreement that settlement will be at certain date.-- If two banks transmit payment orders to each other under an agreement that settlement of the obligations of each bank to the other under section 4A402 will be made at the end of the day or other period, the total amount owed with respect to all orders transmitted by one bank shall be set off against the total amount owed with respect to all orders transmitted by the other bank. To the extent of the setoff, each bank has made payment to the other.
(d) Other cases when payment occurs.-- In a case not covered by subsection (a), the time when payment of the sender's obligation under section 4A402(b) or (c) occurs is governed by applicable principles of law that determine when an obligation is satisfied.
(a) Obligation.-- Subject to sections 4A211(e) (relating to cancellation and amendment of payment order) and 4A405(d) and (e) (relating to payment by beneficiary's bank to beneficiary), if a beneficiary's bank accepts a payment order, the bank is obliged to pay the amount of the order to the beneficiary of the order. Payment is due on the payment date of the order, but if acceptance occurs on the payment date after the close of the funds-transfer business day of the bank, payment is due on the next funds-transfer business day. If the bank refuses to pay after demand by the beneficiary and receipt of notice of particular circumstances that will give rise to consequential damages as a result of nonpayment, the beneficiary may recover damages resulting from the refusal to pay to the extent the bank had notice of the damages, unless the bank proves that it did not pay because of a reasonable doubt concerning the right of the beneficiary to payment.
(b) Notice.-- If a payment order accepted by the beneficiary's bank instructs payment to an account of the beneficiary, the bank is obliged to notify the beneficiary of receipt of the order before midnight of the next funds-transfer business day following the payment date. If the payment order does not instruct payment to an account of the beneficiary, the bank is required to notify the beneficiary only if notice is required by the order. Notice may be given by first class mail or any other means reasonable in the circumstances. If the bank fails to give the required notice, the bank is obliged to pay interest to the beneficiary on the amount of the payment order from the day notice should have been given until the day the beneficiary learned of receipt of the payment order by the bank. No other damages are recoverable. Reasonable attorney fees are also recoverable if demand for interest is made and refused before an action is brought on the claim.
(c) Prohibition against modification of certain rights of beneficiary.-- The right of a beneficiary to receive payment and damages as stated in subsection (a) may not be varied by agreement or a funds-transfer system rule. The right of a beneficiary to be notified as stated in subsection (b) may be varied by agreement of the beneficiary or by a funds-transfer system rule if the beneficiary is notified of the rule before initiation of the funds transfer.
(a) Beneficiary's bank credits an account of beneficiary; when payment occurs.-- If the beneficiary's bank credits an account of the beneficiary of a payment order, payment of the bank's obligation under section 4A404(a) (relating to obligation of beneficiary's bank to pay and give notice to beneficiary) occurs when and to the extent:
(1) the beneficiary is notified of the right to withdraw the credit;
(2) the bank lawfully applies the credit to a debt of the beneficiary; or
(3) funds with respect to the order are otherwise made available to the beneficiary by the bank.
(b) Beneficiary's bank does not credit an account of beneficiary; when payment occurs.-- If the beneficiary's bank does not credit an account of the beneficiary of a payment order, the time when payment of the bank's obligation under section 4A404(a) occurs is governed by principles of law that determine when an obligation is satisfied.
(c) Certain conditions to payment or agreements not enforceable.-- Except as stated in subsections (d) and (e), if the beneficiary's bank pays the beneficiary of a payment order under a condition to payment or agreement of the beneficiary giving the bank the right to recover payment from the beneficiary if the bank does not receive payment of the order, the condition to payment or agreement is not enforceable.
(d) Automated clearinghouse transfers.-- A funds-transfer system rule may provide that payments made to beneficiaries of funds transfers made through the system are provisional until receipt of payment by the beneficiary's bank of the payment order it accepted. A beneficiary's bank that makes a payment that is provisional under the rule is entitled to refund from the beneficiary if:
(1) the rule requires that both the beneficiary and the originator be given notice of the provisional nature of the payment before the funds transfer is initiated;
(2) the beneficiary, the beneficiary's bank and the originator's bank agreed to be bound by the rule; and
(3) the beneficiary's bank did not receive payment of the payment order that it accepted.
If the beneficiary is obliged to refund payment to the beneficiary's bank, acceptance of the payment order by the beneficiary's bank is nullified and no payment by the originator of the funds transfer to the beneficiary occurs under section 4A406 (relating to payment by originator to beneficiary; discharge of underlying obligation).
(e) Funds-transfer systems having loss-sharing rules.-- This subsection applies to a funds transfer that includes a payment order transmitted over a funds-transfer system that nets obligations multilaterally among participants and has in effect a loss-sharing agreement among participants for the purpose of providing funds necessary to complete settlement of the obligations of one or more participants that do not meet their settlement obligations. If the beneficiary's bank in the funds transfer accepts a payment order and the system fails to complete settlement pursuant to its rules with respect to any payment order in the funds transfer, the acceptance by the beneficiary's bank is nullified and no person has any right or obligation based on the acceptance, the beneficiary's bank is entitled to recover payment from the beneficiary, no payment by the originator to the beneficiary occurs under section 4A406 and, subject to section 4A402(e) (relating to obligation of sender to pay receiving bank), each sender in the funds transfer is excused from its obligation to pay its payment order under section 4A402(c) because the funds transfer has not been completed.
(a) Payment.-- Subject to sections 4A211(e) (relating to cancellation and amendment of payment order) and 4A405(d) and (e) (relating to payment by beneficiary's bank to beneficiary), the originator of a funds transfer pays the beneficiary of the originator's payment order:
(1) at the time a payment order for the benefit of the beneficiary is accepted by the beneficiary's bank in the funds transfer; and
(2) in an amount equal to the amount of the order accepted by the beneficiary's bank, but not more than the amount of the originator's order.
(b) Discharge.-- If payment under subsection (a) is made to satisfy an obligation, the obligation is discharged to the same extent discharge would result from payment to the beneficiary of the same amount in money, unless:
(1) the payment under subsection (a) was made by a means prohibited by the contract of the beneficiary with respect to the obligation;
(2) the beneficiary, within a reasonable time after receiving notice of receipt of the order by the beneficiary's bank, notified the originator of the beneficiary's refusal of the payment;
(3) funds with respect to the order were not withdrawn by the beneficiary or applied to a debt of the beneficiary; and
(4) the beneficiary would suffer a loss that could reasonably have been avoided if payment had been made by a means complying with the contract.
If payment by the originator does not result in discharge under this section, the originator is subrogated to the rights of the beneficiary to receive payment from the beneficiary's bank under section 4A404(a) (relating to obligation of beneficiary's bank to pay and give notice to beneficiary).
(c) Rule for determining whether discharge occurs.-- For the purpose of determining whether discharge of an obligation occurs under subsection (b), if the beneficiary's bank accepts a payment order in an amount equal to the amount of the originator's payment order less charges of one or more receiving banks in the funds transfer, payment to the beneficiary is deemed to be in the amount of the originator's order unless, upon demand by the beneficiary, the originator does not pay the beneficiary the amount of the deducted charges.
(d) Rights may be varied only by agreement.-- Rights of the originator or of the beneficiary of a funds transfer under this section may be varied only by agreement of the originator and the beneficiary.
(a) Variation by agreement.-- Except as otherwise provided in this division, the rights and obligations of a party to a funds transfer may be varied by agreement of the affected party.
(b) Effect of funds-transfer system rule.-- "Funds-transfer system rule" means a rule of an association of banks:
(1) governing transmission of payment orders by means of a funds-transfer system of the association or rights and obligations with respect to those orders; or
(2) to the extent the rule governs rights and obligations between banks that are parties to a funds transfer in which a Federal Reserve bank, acting as an intermediary bank, sends a payment order to the beneficiary's bank.
Except as otherwise provided in this division, a funds-transfer system rule governing rights and obligations between participating banks using the system may be effective even if the rule conflicts with this division and indirectly affects another party to the funds transfer who does not consent to the rule. A funds-transfer system rule may also govern rights and obligations of parties other than participating banks using the system to the extent stated in sections 4A404(c) (relating to obligation of beneficiary's bank to pay and give notice to beneficiary), 4A405(d) (relating to payment by beneficiary's bank to beneficiary) and 4A507(c) (relating to choice of law).
(a) Definition.-- As used in this section, the term "creditor process" means levy, attachment, garnishment, notice of lien, sequestration or similar process issued by or on behalf of a creditor or other claimant with respect to an account.
(b) Creditor process served on receiving bank.-- This subsection applies to creditor process with respect to an authorized account of the sender of a payment order if the creditor process is served on the receiving bank. For the purpose of determining rights with respect to the creditor process, if the receiving bank accepts the payment order, the balance in the authorized account is deemed to be reduced by the amount of the payment order to the extent the bank did not otherwise receive payment of the order, unless the creditor process is served at a time and in a manner affording the bank a reasonable opportunity to act on it before the bank accepts the payment order.
(c) Payment orders issued to beneficiary's bank.-- If a beneficiary's bank has received a payment order for payment to the beneficiary's account in the bank, the following rules apply:
(1) The bank may credit the beneficiary's account. The amount credited may be set off against an obligation owed by the beneficiary to the bank or may be applied to satisfy creditor process served on the bank with respect to the account.
(2) The bank may credit the beneficiary's account and allow withdrawal of the amount credited unless creditor process with respect to the account is served at a time and in a manner affording the bank a reasonable opportunity to act to prevent withdrawal.
(3) If creditor process with respect to the beneficiary's account has been served and the bank has had a reasonable opportunity to act on it, the bank may not reject the payment order except for a reason unrelated to the service of process.
(d) Creditor process served on beneficiary's bank.-- Creditor process with respect to a payment by the originator to the beneficiary pursuant to a funds transfer may be served only on the beneficiary's bank with respect to the debt owed by that bank to the beneficiary. Any other bank served with the creditor process is not obliged to act with respect to the process.
For proper cause and in compliance with applicable law, a court may restrain:
(1) a person from issuing a payment order to initiate a funds transfer;
(2) an originator's bank from executing the payment order of the originator; or
(3) the beneficiary's bank from releasing funds to the beneficiary or the beneficiary from withdrawing the funds.
A court may not otherwise restrain a person from issuing a payment order, paying or receiving payment of a payment order or otherwise acting with respect to a funds transfer.
(a) Priority among obligations paid from account.-- If a receiving bank has received more than one payment order of the sender or one or more payment orders and other items that are payable from the sender's account, the bank may charge the sender's account with respect to the various orders and items in any sequence.
(b) Priority among withdrawals from account.-- In determining whether a credit to an account has been withdrawn by the holder of the account or applied to a debt of the holder of the account, credits first made to the account are first withdrawn or applied.
If a receiving bank has received payment from its customer with respect to a payment order issued in the name of the customer as sender and accepted by the bank and the customer received notification reasonably identifying the order, the customer is precluded from asserting that the bank is not entitled to retain the payment unless the customer notifies the bank of the customer's objection to the payment within one year after the notification was received by the customer.
(a) By agreement or funds-transfer system rule.-- If, under this division, a receiving bank is obliged to pay interest with respect to a payment order issued to the bank, the amount payable may be determined:
(1) by agreement of the sender and receiving bank; or
(2) by a funds-transfer system rule if the payment order is transmitted through a funds-transfer system.
(b) Method of calculation when not determined by agreement or rule.-- If the amount of interest is not determined by an agreement or rule as stated in subsection (a), the amount is calculated by multiplying the applicable Federal Funds rate by the amount on which interest is payable and then multiplying the product by the number of days for which interest is payable. The applicable Federal Funds rate is the average of the Federal Funds rates published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for each of the days for which interest is payable divided by 360. The Federal Funds rate for any day on which a published rate is not available is the same as the published rate for the next preceding day for which there is a published rate. If a receiving bank that accepted a payment order is required to refund payment to the sender of the order because the funds transfer was not completed, but the failure to complete was not due to any fault by the bank, the interest payable is reduced by a percentage equal to the reserve requirement on deposits of the receiving bank.
(a) General rule.-- The following rules apply unless the affected parties otherwise agree or subsection (c) applies:
(1) The rights and obligations between the sender of a payment order and the receiving bank are governed by the law of the jurisdiction in which the receiving bank is located.
(2) The rights and obligations between the beneficiary's bank and the beneficiary are governed by the law of the jurisdiction in which the beneficiary's bank is located.
(3) The issue of when payment is made pursuant to a funds transfer by the originator to the beneficiary is governed by the law of the jurisdiction in which the beneficiary's bank is located.
(b) By agreement.-- If the parties described in each paragraph of subsection (a) have made an agreement selecting the law of a particular jurisdiction to govern rights and obligations between each other, the law of that jurisdiction governs those rights and obligations, whether or not the payment order or the funds transfer bears a reasonable relation to that jurisdiction.
(c) By funds-transfer system rule.-- A funds-transfer system rule may select the law of a particular jurisdiction to govern:
(1) rights and obligations between participating banks with respect to payment orders transmitted or processed through the system; or
(2) the rights and obligations of some or all parties to a funds transfer, any part of which is carried out by means of the system.
A choice of law made pursuant to paragraph (1) is binding on participating banks. A choice of law made pursuant to paragraph (2) is binding on the originator, other sender or a receiving bank having notice that the funds-transfer system might be used in the funds transfer and of the choice of law by the system when the originator, other sender or receiving bank issued or accepted a payment order. The beneficiary of a funds transfer is bound by the choice of law if, when the funds transfer is initiated, the beneficiary has notice that the funds-transfer system might be used in the funds transfer and of the choice of law by the system. The law of a jurisdiction selected pursuant to this subsection may govern, whether or not that law bears a reasonable relation to the matter in issue.
(d) Inconsistency between agreement and rule.-- In the event of inconsistency between an agreement under subsection (b) and a choice-of-law rule under subsection (c), the agreement under subsection (b) prevails.
(e) Inconsistency between choice-of-law rules of systems.-- If a funds transfer is made by use of more than one funds-transfer system and there is inconsistency between choice-of-law rules of the system, the matter in issue is governed by the law of the selected jurisdiction that has the most significant relationship to the matter in issue.
This division shall be known and may be cited as the Uniform Commercial Code, Article 5, Letters of Credit.
(a) Definitions.-- The following words and phrases when used in this division shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Adviser." A person who, at the request of the issuer, a confirmer or another adviser, notifies or requests another adviser to notify the beneficiary that a letter of credit has been issued, confirmed or amended.
"Applicant." A person at whose request or for whose account a letter of credit is issued. The term includes a person who requests an issuer to issue a letter of credit on behalf of another if the person making the request undertakes an obligation to reimburse the issuer.
"Beneficiary." A person who under the terms of a letter of credit is entitled to have its complying presentation honored. The term includes a person to whom drawing rights have been transferred under a transferable letter of credit.
"Confirmer." A nominated person who undertakes, at the request or with the consent of the issuer, to honor a presentation under a letter of credit issued by another.
"Dishonor (of a letter of credit)." Failure timely to honor or to take an interim action, such as acceptance of a draft, that may be required by the letter of credit.
"Document." A draft or other demand, document of title, investment security, certificate, invoice or other record, statement or representation of fact, law, right or opinion which is:
(1) presented in a written or other medium permitted by the letter of credit or, unless prohibited by the letter of credit, by the standard practice referred to in section 5108(e) (relating to standard practice); and
(2) capable of being examined for compliance with the terms and conditions of the letter of credit.
A document may not be oral.
"Good faith." Honesty in fact in the conduct or transaction concerned.
"Honor (of a letter of credit)." Performance of the issuer's undertaking in the letter of credit to pay or deliver an item of value. Unless the letter of credit otherwise provides, "honor" occurs:
(1) upon payment;
(2) if the letter of credit provides for acceptance, upon acceptance of a draft and, at maturity, its payment; or
(3) if the letter of credit provides for incurring a deferred obligation, upon incurring the obligation and, at maturity, its performance.
"Issuer." A bank or other person that issues a letter of credit but does not include an individual who makes an engagement for personal, family or household purposes.
"Letter of credit." A definite undertaking that satisfies the requirements of section 5104 (relating to formal requirements) by an issuer to a beneficiary at the request or for the account of an applicant or, in the case of a financial institution, to itself or for its own account, to honor a documentary presentation by payment or delivery of an item of value.
"Nominated person." A person whom the issuer:
(1) designates or authorizes to pay, accept, negotiate or otherwise give value under a letter of credit; and
(2) undertakes by agreement or custom and practice to reimburse.
"Presentation." Delivery of a document to an issuer or nominated person for honor or giving of value under a letter of credit.
"Presenter." A person making a presentation as or on behalf of a beneficiary or nominated person.
"Record." Information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
"Successor of a beneficiary." A person who succeeds to substantially all of the rights of a beneficiary by operation of law, including a corporation with or into which the beneficiary has been merged or consolidated, an administrator, executor, personal representative, trustee in bankruptcy, debtor in possession, liquidator and receiver.
(b) Index of other definitions.-- Definitions in other divisions applying to this division and the sections in which they appear are:
"Accept" or "acceptance." Section 3409 (relating to acceptance of draft; certified check).
"Value." Sections 3303 (relating to value and consideration) and 4211 (relating to when bank gives value for purposes of holder in due course).
(c) Applicability of general definitions and principles.-- Division 1 (relating to general provisions) contains certain additional general definitions and principles of construction and interpretation applicable throughout this division.
(a) Applicability of division.-- This division applies to letters of credit and to certain rights and obligations arising out of transactions involving letters of credit.
(b) Effect of statement of rule in this division.-- The statement of a rule in this division does not by itself require, imply or negate application of the same or a different rule to a situation not provided for, or to a person not specified, in this division.
(c) Variation by agreement or undertaking.-- With the exception of this subsection, subsections (a) and (d), the definitions of "issuer" and "letter of credit" under section 5102(a) (relating to definitions) and sections 5106(d) (relating to perpetual letters of credit) and 5114(d) (relating to assignment of proceeds), and except to the extent prohibited under sections 1302 (relating to variation by agreement) and 5117(d) (relating to time at which subrogation rights arise), the effect of this division may be varied by agreement or by a provision stated or incorporated by reference in an undertaking. A term in an agreement or undertaking generally excusing liability or generally limiting remedies for failure to perform obligations is not sufficient to vary obligations prescribed by this division.
(d) Independence of rights and obligations of issuer.-- Rights and obligations of an issuer to a beneficiary or a nominated person under a letter of credit are independent of the existence, performance or nonperformance of a contract or arrangement out of which the letter of credit arises or which underlies it, including contracts or arrangements between the issuer and the applicant and between the applicant and the beneficiary.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
A letter of credit, confirmation, advice, transfer, amendment or cancellation may be issued in any form that is a signed record.
(1) (Deleted by amendment).
(2) (Deleted by amendment).
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
Consideration is not required to issue, amend, transfer or cancel a letter of credit, advice or confirmation.
(a) Issuance; revocability.-- A letter of credit is issued and becomes enforceable according to its terms against the issuer when the issuer sends or otherwise transmits it to the person requested to advise or to the beneficiary. A letter of credit is revocable only if it so provides.
(b) Effect of amendment or cancellation in certain circumstances.-- After a letter of credit is issued, rights and obligations of a beneficiary, applicant, confirmer and issuer are not affected by an amendment or cancellation to which that person has not consented except to the extent the letter of credit provides that it is revocable or that the issuer may amend or cancel the letter of credit without that consent.
(c) No stated expiration date.-- If there is no stated expiration date or other provision that determines its duration, a letter of credit expires one year after its stated date of issuance or, if none is stated, after the date on which it is issued.
(d) Perpetual letters of credit.-- A letter of credit that states that it is perpetual expires five years after its stated date of issuance or, if none is stated, after the date on which it is issued.
(a) Rights and obligations of a confirmer.-- A confirmer is directly obligated on a letter of credit and has the rights and obligations of an issuer to the extent of its confirmation. The confirmer also has rights against and obligations to the issuer as if the issuer were an applicant and the confirmer had issued the letter of credit at the request and for the account of the issuer.
(b) Nominated person.-- A nominated person who is not a confirmer is not obligated to honor or otherwise give value for a presentation.
(c) Advisers.-- A person requested to advise may decline to act as an adviser. An adviser that is not a confirmer is not obligated to honor or give value for a presentation. An adviser undertakes to the issuer and to the beneficiary accurately to advise the terms of the letter of credit, confirmation, amendment or advice received by that person and undertakes to the beneficiary to check the apparent authenticity of the request to advise. Even if the advice is inaccurate, the letter of credit, confirmation or amendment is enforceable as issued.
(d) Notice to transferee beneficiary.-- A person who notifies a transferee beneficiary of the terms of a letter of credit, confirmation, amendment or advice has the rights and obligations of an adviser under subsection (c). The terms in the notice to the transferee beneficiary may differ from the terms in any notice to the transferor beneficiary to the extent permitted by the letter of credit, confirmation, amendment or advice received by the person who so notifies.
(a) Duty to honor, dishonor.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 5109 (relating to fraud and forgery), an issuer shall honor a presentation that, as determined by the standard practice referred to in subsection (e), appears on its face strictly to comply with the terms and conditions of the letter of credit. Except as otherwise provided in section 5113 (relating to transfer by operation of law) and unless otherwise agreed with the applicant, an issuer shall dishonor a presentation that does not appear so to comply.
(b) Time for honor, etc.-- An issuer has a reasonable time after presentation, but not beyond the end of the seventh business day of the issuer after the day of its receipt of documents:
(1) to honor;
(2) if the letter of credit provides for honor to be completed more than seven business days after presentation, to accept a draft or incur a deferred obligation; or
(3) to give notice to the presenter of discrepancies in the presentation.
(c) Preclusion generally.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), an issuer is precluded from asserting as a basis for dishonor any discrepancy if timely notice is not given, or any discrepancy not stated in the notice if timely notice is given.
(d) Preclusion for fraud, forgery or expiration.-- Failure to give the notice specified in subsection (b) or to mention fraud, forgery or expiration in the notice does not preclude the issuer from asserting as a basis for dishonor fraud or forgery as described in section 5109(a) or expiration of the letter of credit before presentation.
(e) Standard practice.-- An issuer shall observe standard practice of financial institutions that regularly issue letters of credit.
(f) Issuer not responsible for certain matters.-- An issuer is not responsible for:
(1) the performance or nonperformance of the underlying contract, arrangement or transaction;
(2) an act or omission of others; or
(3) observance or knowledge of the usage of a particular trade other than standard practice referred to in subsection (e).
(g) Nondocumentary conditions.-- If an undertaking constituting a letter of credit under the definition of "letter of credit" under section 5102(a) (relating to definitions) contains nondocumentary conditions, an issuer shall disregard the nondocumentary conditions and treat them as if they were not stated.
(h) Disposition of documents following dishonor.-- An issuer that has dishonored a presentation shall return the documents or hold them at the disposal of, and send advice to that effect to, the presenter.
(i) Certain consequences of honor.-- An issuer that has honored a presentation as permitted or required by this division:
(1) is entitled to be reimbursed by the applicant in immediately available funds not later than the date of its payment of funds;
(2) takes the documents free of claims of the beneficiary or presenter;
(3) is precluded from asserting a right of recourse on a draft under sections 3414 (relating to obligation of drawer) and 3415 (relating to obligation of indorser);
(4) except as otherwise provided in sections 5110 (relating to warranties) and 5117 (relating to subrogation of issuer, applicant and nominated person), is precluded from restitution of money paid or other value given by mistake to the extent the mistake concerns discrepancies in the documents or tender which are apparent on the face of the presentation; and
(5) is discharged to the extent of its performance under the letter of credit.
(a) Fraud and forgery generally.-- If a presentation is made that appears on its face strictly to comply with the terms and conditions of the letter of credit, but a required document is forged or materially fraudulent, or honor of the presentation would facilitate a material fraud by the beneficiary on the issuer or applicant:
(1) the issuer shall honor the presentation if honor is demanded by:
(i) a nominated person who has given value in good faith and without notice of forgery or material fraud;
(ii) a confirmer who has honored its confirmation in good faith;
(iii) a holder in due course of a draft drawn under the letter of credit which was taken after acceptance by the issuer or nominated person; or
(iv) an assignee of the issuer's or nominated person's deferred obligation that was taken for value and without notice of forgery or material fraud after the obligation was incurred by the issuer or nominated person; and
(2) the issuer, acting in good faith, may honor or dishonor the presentation in any other case.
(b) Conditions for injunction.-- If an applicant claims that a required document is forged or materially fraudulent or that honor of the presentation would facilitate a material fraud by the beneficiary on the issuer or applicant, a court of competent jurisdiction may temporarily or permanently enjoin the issuer from honoring a presentation or grant similar relief against the issuer or other persons only if the court finds that:
(1) the relief is not prohibited under the law applicable to an accepted draft or deferred obligation incurred by the issuer;
(2) a beneficiary, issuer or nominated person who may be adversely affected is adequately protected against loss that it may suffer because the relief is granted;
(3) all of the conditions to entitle a person to the relief under the law of this Commonwealth have been met; and
(4) on the basis of the information submitted to the court, the applicant is more likely than not to succeed under its claim of forgery or material fraud and the person demanding honor does not qualify for protection under subsection (a)(1).
(a) Warranties generally.-- If its presentation is honored, the beneficiary warrants:
(1) to the issuer, any other person to whom presentation is made and the applicant that there is no fraud or forgery of the kind described in section 5109(a) (relating to fraud and forgery generally); and
(2) to the applicant that the drawing does not violate any agreement between the applicant and beneficiary or any other agreement intended by them to be augmented by the letter of credit.
(b) Warranties arising under other divisions.-- The warranties in subsection (a) are in addition to warranties arising under Divisions 3 (relating to negotiable instruments), 4 (relating to bank deposits and collections), 7 (relating to warehouse receipts, bills of lading and other documents of title) and 8 (relating to investment securities) because of the presentation or transfer of documents covered by any of those divisions.
(a) Wrongful dishonor or repudiation before presentation.-- If an issuer wrongfully dishonors or repudiates its obligation to pay money under a letter of credit before presentation, the beneficiary, successor or nominated person presenting on its own behalf may recover from the issuer the amount that is the subject of the dishonor or repudiation. If the issuer's obligation under the letter of credit is not for the payment of money, the claimant may obtain specific performance or, at the claimant's election, recover an amount equal to the value of performance from the issuer. In either case, the claimant may also recover incidental but not consequential damages. The claimant is not obligated to take action to avoid damages that might be due from the issuer under this subsection. If, although not obligated to do so, the claimant avoids damages, the claimant's recovery from the issuer must be reduced by the amount of damages avoided. The issuer has the burden of proving the amount of damages avoided. In the case of repudiation the claimant need not present any document.
(b) Wrongful dishonor upon presentation; wrongful honor.-- If an issuer wrongfully dishonors a draft or demand presented under a letter of credit or honors a draft or demand in breach of its obligation to the applicant, the applicant may recover damages resulting from the breach, including incidental but not consequential damages, less any amount saved as a result of the breach.
(c) Certain other breaches.-- If an adviser or nominated person other than a confirmer breaches an obligation under this division or an issuer breaches an obligation not covered in subsection (a) or (b), a person to whom the obligation is owed may recover damages resulting from the breach, including incidental but not consequential damages, less any amount saved as a result of the breach. To the extent of the confirmation, a confirmer has the liability of an issuer specified in this subsection and subsections (a) and (b).
(d) Interest.-- An issuer, nominated person or advisor who is found liable under subsection (a), (b) or (c) shall pay interest on the amount owed thereunder from the date of wrongful dishonor or other appropriate date.
(e) Attorney fees.-- Reasonable attorney fees and other expenses of litigation may be awarded to the prevailing party in an action in which a remedy is sought under this division.
(f) Liquidated damages.-- Damages that would otherwise be payable by a party for breach of an obligation under this division may be liquidated by agreement or undertaking but only in an amount or by a formula that is reasonable in light of the harm anticipated.
(a) Transfer generally.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 5113 (relating to transfer by operation of law), unless a letter of credit provides that it is transferable, the right of a beneficiary to draw or otherwise demand performance under a letter of credit may not be transferred.
(b) Limitations on duty to recognize or carry out a transfer.-- Even if a letter of credit provides that it is transferable, the issuer may refuse to recognize or carry out a transfer if:
(1) the transfer would violate applicable law; or
(2) the transferor or transferee has failed to comply with any requirement stated in the letter of credit or any other requirement relating to transfer imposed by the issuer which is within the standard practice referred to in section 5108(e) (relating to standard practice and role of court) or is otherwise reasonable under the circumstances.
(a) Undisclosed successor.-- A successor of a beneficiary may consent to amendments, sign and present documents and receive payment or other items of value in the name of the beneficiary without disclosing its status as a successor.
(b) Disclosed successor.-- A successor of a beneficiary may consent to amendments, sign and present documents and receive payment or other items of value in its own name as the disclosed successor of the beneficiary. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (e), an issuer shall recognize a disclosed successor of a beneficiary as beneficiary in full substitution for its predecessor upon compliance with the requirements for recognition by the issuer of a transfer of drawing rights by operation of law under the standard practice referred to in section 5108(e) (relating to standard practice) or, in the absence of such a practice, compliance with other reasonable procedures sufficient to protect the issuer.
(c) Determination of successor status, signature.-- An issuer is not obliged to determine whether a purported successor is a successor of a beneficiary or whether the signature of a purported successor is genuine or authorized.
(d) Effect of honor of presentation by purported successor.-- Honor of a purported successor's apparently complying presentation under subsection (a) or (b) has the consequences specified in section 5108(i) (relating to certain consequences of honor) even if the purported successor is not the successor of a beneficiary. Documents signed in the name of the beneficiary or of a disclosed successor by a person who is neither the beneficiary nor the successor of the beneficiary are forged documents for the purposes of section 5109 (relating to fraud and forgery).
(e) Right to decline to recognize presentation.-- An issuer whose rights of reimbursement are not covered by subsection (d) or substantially similar law and any confirmer or nominated person may decline to recognize a presentation under subsection (b).
(f) Change of name.-- A beneficiary whose name is changed after the issuance of a letter of credit has the same rights and obligations as a successor of a beneficiary under this section.
(a) Definition.-- As used in this section, the term "proceeds of a letter of credit" means the cash, check, accepted draft or other item of value paid or delivered upon honor or giving of value by the issuer or any nominated person under the letter of credit. The term does not include a beneficiary's drawing rights or documents presented by the beneficiary.
(b) Beneficiary's right to assign proceeds.-- A beneficiary may assign its right to part or all of the proceeds of a letter of credit. The beneficiary may do so before presentation as a present assignment of its right to receive proceeds contingent upon its compliance with the terms and conditions of the letter of credit.
(c) Recognition of assignment of proceeds.-- An issuer or nominated person need not recognize an assignment of proceeds of a letter of credit until it consents to the assignment.
(d) Consent to assignment of proceeds.-- An issuer or nominated person has no obligation to give or withhold its consent to an assignment of proceeds of a letter of credit, but consent may not be unreasonably withheld if the assignee possesses and exhibits the letter of credit and presentation of the letter of credit is a condition to honor.
(e) Rights of transferee beneficiary or nominated person.-- Rights of a transferee beneficiary or nominated person are independent of the beneficiary's assignment of the proceeds of a letter of credit and are superior to the assignee's right to the proceeds.
(f) Certain rights not affected; relationship to Division 9.-- Neither the rights recognized by this section between an assignee and an issuer, transferee beneficiary or nominated person nor the issuer's or nominated person's payment of proceeds to an assignee or a third person affect the rights between the assignee and any person other than the issuer, transferee beneficiary or nominated person. The mode of creating and perfecting a security interest in or granting an assignment of a beneficiary's right to proceeds is governed by Division 9 (relating to secured transactions) or other law. Against persons other than the issuer, transferee beneficiary or nominated person, the rights and obligations arising upon the creation of a security interest or other assignment of a beneficiary's right to proceeds and its perfection are governed by Division 9 or other law.
An action to enforce a right or obligation arising under this division must be commenced within one year after the expiration date of the relevant letter of credit or one year after the cause of action accrues, whichever occurs later. A cause of action accrues when the breach occurs, regardless of the aggrieved party's lack of knowledge of the breach, except that, in the event of a fraud or forgery adversely affecting the aggrieved party, a cause of action accrues on the earlier of the date on which the fraud or forgery was discovered by the aggrieved party or the date on which the fraud or forgery could have been discovered by the aggrieved party by the exercise of reasonable diligence.
(a) Express choice of law.-- The liability of an issuer, nominated person or advisor for action or omission is governed by the law of the jurisdiction chosen by an agreement in the form of a record signed by the affected parties or by a provision in the person's letter of credit, confirmation or other undertaking. The jurisdiction whose law is chosen need not bear any relation to the transaction.
(b) Governing law otherwise.-- Unless subsection (a) applies, the liability of an issuer, nominated person or adviser for action or omission is governed by the law of the jurisdiction in which the person is located. The person is considered to be located at the address indicated in the person's undertaking. If more than one address is indicated, the person is considered to be located at the address from which the person's undertaking was issued.
(c) Bank branches.-- For the purpose of jurisdiction, choice of law and recognition of interbranch letters of credit, but not enforcement of a judgment, all branches of a bank are considered separate juridical entities, and a bank is considered to be located at the place where its relevant branch is considered to be located under subsection (d).
(d) Bank branch locations.-- A branch of a bank is considered to be located at the address indicated in the branch's undertaking. If more than one address is indicated, the branch is considered to be located at the address from which the undertaking was issued.
(e) Role of custom or practice.-- Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the liability of an issuer, nominated person or adviser is governed by any rules of custom or practice, such as the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, to which the letter of credit, confirmation or other undertaking is expressly made subject. If:
(1) this division would govern the liability of an issuer, nominated person or adviser under subsection (a) or (b);
(2) the relevant undertaking incorporates rules of custom or practice; and
(3) there is conflict between this division and those rules as applied to that undertaking;
those rules govern except to the extent of any conflict with the nonvariable provisions specified in section 5103(c) (relating to variation by agreement or undertaking).
(f) Conflict with certain other divisions.-- If there is conflict between this division and Division 3 (relating to negotiable instruments), 4 (relating to bank deposits and collections), 4A (relating to funds transfers) or 9 (relating to secured transactions), this division governs.
(g) Forum.-- The forum for settling disputes arising out of an undertaking within this division may be chosen in the manner and with the binding effect that governing law may be chosen in accordance with subsection (a).
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Subrogation rights of issuer.-- An issuer that honors a beneficiary's presentation is subrogated to the rights of the beneficiary to the same extent as if the issuer were a secondary obligor of the underlying obligation owed to the beneficiary and of the applicant to the same extent as if the issuer were the secondary obligor of the underlying obligation owed to the applicant.
(b) Subrogation rights of applicant.-- An applicant that reimburses an issuer is subrogated to the rights of the issuer against any beneficiary, presenter or nominated person to the same extent as if the applicant were the secondary obligor of the obligations owed to the issuer and has the rights of subrogation of the issuer to the rights of the beneficiary stated in subsection (a).
(c) Subrogation rights of nominated person.-- A nominated person who pays or gives value against a draft or demand presented under a letter of credit is subrogated to the rights of:
(1) the issuer against the applicant to the same extent as if the nominated person were a secondary obligor of the obligation owed to the issuer by the applicant;
(2) the beneficiary to the same extent as if the nominated person were a secondary obligor of the underlying obligation owed to the beneficiary; and
(3) the applicant to the same extent as if the nominated person were a secondary obligor of the underlying obligation owed to the applicant.
(d) Time at which subrogation rights arise.-- Notwithstanding any agreement or term to the contrary, the rights of subrogation stated in subsections (a) and (b) do not arise until the issuer honors the letter of credit or otherwise pays and the rights in subsection (c) do not arise until the nominated person pays or otherwise gives value. Until then, the issuer, nominated person and the applicant do not derive under this section present or prospective rights forming the basis of a claim, defense or excuse.
(a) General rule.-- An issuer or nominated person has a security interest in a document presented under a letter of credit to the extent that the issuer or nominated person honors or gives value for the presentation.
(b) Duration.-- So long as and to the extent that an issuer or nominated person has not been reimbursed or has not otherwise recovered the value given with respect to a security interest in a document under subsection (a), the security interest continues and is subject to Division 9 (relating to secured transactions), but:
(1) a security agreement is not necessary to make the security interest enforceable under section 9203(b)(3) (relating to attachment and enforceability of security interest; proceeds; supporting obligations; formal requisites);
(2) if the document is presented in a medium other than a written or other tangible medium, the security interest is perfected; and
(3) if the document is presented in a written or other tangible medium and is not a certificated security, chattel paper, a document of title, an instrument or a letter of credit, the security interest is perfected and has priority over a conflicting security interest in the document so long as the debtor does not have possession of the document.
This division shall be known and may be cited as the Uniform Commercial Code-Documents of Title.
(a) Division 7 definitions.-- The following words and phrases when used in this division shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Bailee." A person that by a warehouse receipt, bill of lading or other document of title acknowledges possession of goods and contracts to deliver them.
"Carrier." A person that issues a bill of lading.
"Consignee." A person named in a bill of lading to which or to whose order the bill promises delivery.
"Consignor." A person named in a bill of lading as the person from which the goods have been received for shipment.
"Delivery order." A record that contains an order to deliver goods directed to a warehouse, carrier or other person that in the ordinary course of business issues warehouse receipts or bills of lading.
"Goods." All things that are treated as movable for the purposes of a contract for storage or transportation.
"Issuer." A bailee that issues a document of title or, in the case of an unaccepted delivery order, the person that orders the possessor of goods to deliver. The term includes a person for which an agent or employee purports to act in issuing a document if the agent or employee has real or apparent authority to issue documents even if the issuer did not receive any goods, the goods were misdescribed or in any other respect the agent or employee violated the issuer's instructions.
"Person entitled under the document." The holder, in the case of a negotiable document of title, or the person to which delivery of the goods is to be made by the terms of or pursuant to instructions in a record under a nonnegotiable document of title.
"Shipper." A person that enters into a contract of transportation with a carrier.
"Sign." (Deleted by amendment).
"Warehouse." A person engaged in the business of storing goods for hire.
(b) Definitions in other divisions.-- Definitions in other divisions applying to this division and the sections in which they appear are:
(1) "Contract for sale." Section 2106 (relating to definitions: "contract"; "agreement"; "contract for sale"; "sale"; "present sale"; "conforming" to contract; "termination"; "cancellation"; "hybrid transaction").
(2) "Lessee in ordinary course of business." Section 2A103 (relating to definitions and index of definitions).
(3) "Receipt." Section 2103 (relating to definitions and index of definitions).
(c) Division 1 definitions and principles.-- In addition, Division 1 (relating to general provisions) contains general definitions and principles of construction and interpretation applicable throughout this division.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Hierarchy.-- This division is subject to any treaty or statute of the United States or a regulatory statute of this Commonwealth to the extent the treaty, statute or regulatory statute is applicable.
(b) No repeal or modification.-- This division does not modify or repeal any law prescribing the form or content of a document of title or the services or facilities to be afforded by a bailee, or otherwise regulating a bailee's businesses in respects not specifically treated in this division. However, violation of these laws does not affect the status of a document of title that otherwise is within the definition of a document of title.
(c) Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.-- This title modifies, limits and supersedes the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (Public Law 106-229, 15 U.S.C. § 7001 et seq.) but does not modify, limit or supersede section 101(c) of that act (15 U.S.C. § 7001(c)) or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in section 103(b) of that act (15 U.S.C. § 7003(b)).
(d) Conflict.-- To the extent there is a conflict between Chapter 1, 3 or 5 of the act of December 16, 1999 (P.L.971, No.69), known as the Electronic Transactions Act, and this division, this division governs.
(a) Negotiable.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), document of title is negotiable if, by its terms, the goods are to be delivered to the bearer or to the order of a named person.
(b) Nonnegotiable.-- A document of title other than one described in subsection (a) is nonnegotiable. A bill of lading that states that the goods are consigned to a named person is not made negotiable by a provision that the goods are to be delivered only against an order in a record signed by the same or another named person.
(c) Legend determinative.-- A document of title is nonnegotiable if, at the time it is issued, the document has a conspicuous legend, however expressed, that it is nonnegotiable.
(a) Authority for electronic to tangible.-- Upon request of a person entitled under an electronic document of title, the issuer of the electronic document may issue a tangible document of title as a substitute for the electronic document if:
(1) the person entitled under the electronic document surrenders control of the document to the issuer; and
(2) the tangible document, when issued, contains a statement that it is issued in substitution for the electronic document.
(b) Effect of electronic to tangible.-- Upon issuance of a tangible document of title in substitution for an electronic document of title in accordance with subsection (a):
(1) the electronic document ceases to have any effect or validity; and
(2) the person that procured issuance of the tangible document warrants to all subsequent persons entitled under the tangible document that the warrantor was a person entitled under the electronic document when the warrantor surrendered control of the electronic document to the issuer.
(c) Authority for tangible to electronic.-- Upon request of a person entitled under a tangible document of title, the issuer of the tangible document may issue an electronic document of title as a substitute for the tangible document if:
(1) the person entitled under the tangible document surrenders possession of the document to the issuer; and
(2) the electronic document, when issued, contains a statement that it is issued in substitution for the tangible document.
(d) Effect of tangible to electronic.-- Upon issuance of the electronic document of title in substitution for a tangible document of title in accordance with subsection (c):
(1) the tangible document ceases to have any effect or validity; and
(2) the person that procured issuance of the electronic document warrants to all subsequent persons entitled under the electronic document that the warrantor was a person entitled under the tangible document when the warrantor surrendered possession of the tangible document to the issuer.
(a) Establishment.-- A person has control of an electronic document of title if a system employed for evidencing the transfer of interests in the electronic document reliably establishes that person as the person to which the electronic document was issued or transferred.
(b) Manner.-- A system satisfies subsection (a) and a person has control of an electronic document of title if the document is created, stored and transferred in a manner that:
(1) a single authoritative copy of the document exists which is unique, identifiable and, except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (4), (5) and (6), unalterable;
(2) the authoritative copy identifies the person asserting control as:
(i) the person to which the document was issued; or
(ii) if the authoritative copy indicates that the document has been transferred, the person to which the document was most recently transferred;
(3) the authoritative copy is communicated to and maintained by the person asserting control or its designated custodian;
(4) copies or amendments that add or change an identified transferee of the authoritative copy can be made only with the consent of the person asserting control;
(5) each copy of the authoritative copy and any copy of a copy is readily identifiable as a copy that is not the authoritative copy; and
(6) any amendment of the authoritative copy is readily identifiable as authorized or unauthorized.
(c) Requirements.-- A system satisfies subsection (a), and a person has control of an electronic document of title, if an authoritative electronic copy of the document, a record attached to or logically associated with the electronic copy or a system in which the electronic copy is recorded:
(1) enables the person readily to identify each electronic copy as either an authoritative copy or a nonauthoritative copy;
(2) enables the person readily to identify itself in any way, including by name, identifying number, cryptographic key, office or account number, as the person to whom or to which each authoritative electronic copy was issued or transferred; and
(3) gives the person exclusive power, subject to subsection (d), to:
(i) prevent others from adding or changing the person to whom or to which each authoritative electronic copy has been issued or transferred; and
(ii) transfer control of each authoritative electronic copy.
(d) Exclusive power.-- Subject to subsection (e), a power is exclusive under subsection (c)(3) even if:
(1) the authoritative electronic copy, a record attached to or logically associated with the authoritative electronic copy or a system in which the authoritative electronic copy is recorded limits the use of the document of title or has a protocol that is programmed to cause a change, including a transfer or loss of control; or
(2) the power is shared with another person.
(e) Shared power.-- A power of a person is not shared with another person under subsection (d)(2) and the person's power is not exclusive if:
(1) the person can exercise the power only if the power also is exercised by the other person; and
(2) the other person:
(i) can exercise the power without exercise of the power by the person; or
(ii) is the transferor to the person of an interest in the document of title.
(f) Presumption of exclusivity.-- If a person has the powers specified in subsection (c)(3), the powers are presumed to be exclusive.
(g) Other parties.-- A person has control of an electronic document of title if another person, other than the transferor to the person of an interest in the document:
(1) has control of the document and acknowledges that it has control on behalf of the person; or
(2) obtains control of the document after having acknowledged that it will obtain control of the document on behalf of the person.
(h) Acknowledgment not required.-- A person that has control under this section is not required to acknowledge that it has control on behalf of another person.
(i) Duty to other parties.-- If a person acknowledges that it has or will obtain control on behalf of another person, unless the person otherwise agrees or law other than this division or Division 9 (relating to secured transactions) otherwise provides, the person does not owe any duty to the other person and is not required to confirm the acknowledgment to any other person.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Issuer.-- A warehouse receipt may be issued by any warehouse.
(b) Storage under bond.-- If goods, including distilled spirits and agricultural commodities, are stored under a statute requiring a bond against withdrawal or a license for the issuance of receipts in the nature of warehouse receipts, a receipt issued for the goods is deemed to be a warehouse receipt even if issued by a person that is the owner of the goods and is not a warehouse.
(a) Form.-- A warehouse receipt need not be in any particular form.
(b) Effect of omission.-- Unless a warehouse receipt provides for each of the following, the warehouse is liable for damages caused to a person injured by its omission:
(1) a statement of the location of the warehouse facility where the goods are stored;
(2) the date of issue of the receipt;
(3) the unique identification code of the receipt;
(4) a statement whether the goods received will be delivered to the bearer, to a named person or its order;
(5) the rate of storage and handling charges, unless goods are stored under a field warehousing arrangement, in which case a statement of that fact is sufficient on a nonnegotiable receipt;
(6) a description of the goods or the packages containing them;
(7) the signature of the warehouse or its agent;
(8) if the receipt is issued for goods that the warehouse owns, either solely, jointly or in common with others, a statement of the fact of that ownership; and
(9) a statement of the amount of advances made and of liabilities incurred for which the warehouse claims a lien or security interest, unless the precise amount of advances made or of liabilities incurred, at the time of the issue of the receipt, is unknown to the warehouse or to its agent that issued the receipt, in which case a statement of the fact that advances have been made or liabilities incurred and the purpose of the advances or liabilities is sufficient.
(c) Permissible terms.-- A warehouse may insert in its receipt any terms that are not contrary to this title and do not impair its obligation of delivery under section 7403 (relating to obligation of bailee to deliver; excuse) or its duty of care under section 7204 (relating to duty of care; contractual limitation of warehouse's liability). Any contrary provision is ineffective.
A party to or purchaser for value in good faith of a document of title, other than a bill of lading, that relies upon the description of the goods in the document may recover from the issuer damages caused by the nonreceipt or misdescription of the goods, except to the extent that:
(1) the document conspicuously indicates that the issuer does not know whether all or part of the goods in fact were received or conform to the description, such as a case in which the description is in terms of marks or labels or kind, quantity or condition or the receipt or description is qualified by "contents, condition and quality unknown," "said to contain," or words of similar import, if the indication is true; or
(2) the party or purchaser otherwise has notice of the nonreceipt or misdescription.
(a) Duty of care.-- A warehouse is liable for damages for loss of or injury to the goods caused by its failure to exercise care with regard to the goods that a reasonably careful person would exercise under similar circumstances. Unless otherwise agreed, the warehouse is not liable for damages that could not have been avoided by the exercise of that care.
(b) Contractual limitation.-- Damages may be limited by a term in the warehouse receipt or storage agreement limiting the amount of liability in case of loss or damage beyond which the warehouse is not liable. Such a limitation is not effective with respect to the warehouse's liability for conversion to its own use. On request of the bailor in a record at the time of signing the storage agreement or within a reasonable time after receipt of the warehouse receipt, the warehouse's liability may be increased on part or all of the goods covered by the storage agreement or the warehouse receipt. In this event, increased rates may be charged based on an increased valuation of the goods.
(c) Claim presentation.-- Reasonable provisions as to the time and manner of presenting claims and commencing actions based on the bailment may be included in the warehouse receipt or storage agreement.
A buyer in ordinary course of business of fungible goods sold and delivered by a warehouse that is also in the business of buying and selling such goods takes the goods free of any claim under a warehouse receipt even if the receipt is negotiable and has been duly negotiated.
(a) Payment and removal.-- A warehouse, by giving notice to the person on whose account the goods are held and any other person known to claim an interest in the goods, may require payment of any charges and removal of the goods from the warehouse at the termination of the period of storage fixed by the document of title or, if a period is not fixed, within a stated period not less than 30 days after the warehouse gives notice. If the goods are not removed before the date specified in the notice, the warehouse may sell them pursuant to section 7210 (relating to enforcement of warehouse's lien).
(b) Perishable goods.-- If a warehouse in good faith believes that goods are about to deteriorate or decline in value to less than the amount of its lien within the time provided in subsection (a) and section 7210, the warehouse may specify in the notice given under subsection (a) any reasonable shorter time for removal of the goods and, if the goods are not removed, may sell them at public sale held not less than one week after a single advertisement or posting.
(c) Hazardous goods.-- If, as a result of a quality or condition of the goods of which the warehouse did not have notice at the time of deposit, the goods are a hazard to other property, the warehouse facilities or other persons, the warehouse may sell the goods at public or private sale without advertisement or posting on reasonable notification to all persons known to claim an interest in the goods. If the warehouse, after a reasonable effort, is unable to sell the goods, it may dispose of them in any lawful manner and does not incur liability by reason of that disposition.
(d) Demand.-- A warehouse shall deliver the goods to any person entitled to them under this division upon due demand made at any time before sale or other disposition under this section.
(e) Lien satisfaction.-- A warehouse may satisfy its lien from the proceeds of any sale or disposition under this section but shall hold the balance for delivery on the demand of any person to which the warehouse would have been bound to deliver the goods.
(a) Separation.--
(1) Unless the warehouse receipt provides otherwise, except as set forth in paragraph (2), a warehouse shall keep separate the goods covered by each receipt so as to permit at all times identification and delivery of those goods.
(2) Different lots of fungible goods may be commingled.
(b) Fungible goods.-- If different lots of fungible goods are commingled, the goods are owned in common by the persons entitled thereto, and the warehouse is severally liable to each owner for that owner's share. If, because of overissue, a mass of fungible goods is insufficient to meet all the receipts the warehouse has issued against it, the persons entitled include all holders to which overissued receipts have been duly negotiated.
If a blank in a negotiable tangible warehouse receipt has been filled in without authority, a good-faith purchaser for value and without notice of the lack of authority may treat the insertion as authorized. Any other unauthorized alteration leaves any tangible or electronic warehouse receipt enforceable against the issuer according to its original tenor.
(a) Existence.--
(1) A warehouse has a lien against the bailor on the goods covered by a warehouse receipt or storage agreement or on the proceeds thereof in its possession for charges for storage or transportation, including demurrage and terminal charges, insurance, labor or other charges, present or future, in relation to the goods, and for expenses necessary for preservation of the goods or reasonably incurred in their sale pursuant to law.
(2) The warehouse also has a lien against the goods covered by the warehouse receipt or storage agreement or on the proceeds thereof in its possession for those charges and expenses, whether or not the other goods have been delivered by the warehouse if:
(i) the person on whose account the goods are held is liable for similar charges or expenses in relation to other goods whenever deposited; and
(ii) it is stated in the warehouse receipt or storage agreement that a lien is claimed for charges and expenses in relation to other goods.
(3) However, as against a person to which a negotiable warehouse receipt is duly negotiated, a warehouse's lien is limited to charges in an amount or at a rate specified in the warehouse receipt or, if no charges are so specified, to a reasonable charge for storage of the specific goods covered by the receipt subsequent to the date of the receipt.
(b) Security interest.-- A warehouse may also reserve a security interest against the bailor for the maximum amount specified on the receipt for charges other than those specified in subsection (a), such as for money advanced and interest. A security interest is governed by Division 9 (relating to secured transactions).
(c) Effectiveness against entrustors.--
(1) Except as set forth in paragraph (2), a warehouse's lien for charges and expenses under subsection (a) or a security interest under subsection (b) is also effective against any person that so entrusted the bailor with possession of the goods that a pledge of them by the bailor to a good-faith purchaser for value would have been valid.
(2) The lien or security interest is not effective against a person that before issuance of a document of title had a legal interest or a perfected security interest in the goods and that did not:
(i) deliver or entrust the goods or any document covering the goods to the bailor or the bailor's nominee with:
(A) actual or apparent authority to ship, store or sell;
(B) power to obtain delivery under section 7403 (relating to obligation of bailee to deliver; excuse); or
(C) power of disposition under section 2403 (relating to power to transfer; good faith purchase of goods; "entrusting"), 2A304(a)(2) (relating to subsequent lease of goods by lessor), 2A305(a)(2) (relating to sale or sublease of goods by lessee), 9320 (relating to buyer of goods) or 9321(c) (relating to licensee of general intangible and lessee of goods in ordinary course of business) or other statute or rule of law; or
(ii) acquiesce in the procurement by the bailor or its nominee of any document.
(d) Effectiveness in general.-- A warehouse's lien on household goods for charges and expenses in relation to the goods under subsection (a) is also effective against all persons if the depositor was the legal possessor of the goods at the time of deposit. As used in this subsection, the term "household goods" means furniture, furnishings or personal effects used by the depositor in a dwelling.
(e) Losing lien.-- A warehouse loses its lien on any goods that it voluntarily delivers or unjustifiably refuses to deliver.
(a) Sale.--
(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), a warehouse's lien may be enforced by public or private sale of the goods, in bulk or in packages, at any time or place and on any terms that are commercially reasonable, after notifying all persons known to claim an interest in the goods.
(2) The notification must include a statement of the amount due, the nature of the proposed sale and the time and place of any public sale.
(3) The fact that a better price could have been obtained by a sale at a different time or in a different method from that selected by the warehouse is not of itself sufficient to establish that the sale was not made in a commercially reasonable manner.
(4) The warehouse has sold in a commercially reasonable manner if the warehouse sells the goods in the usual manner in any recognized market therefor, sells at the price current in that market at the time of the sale or has otherwise sold in conformity with commercially reasonable practices among dealers in the type of goods sold.
(5) A sale of more goods than apparently necessary to be offered to ensure satisfaction of the obligation is not commercially reasonable, except in cases covered by paragraph (4).
(b) Conditions of enforcement.-- A warehouse's lien on goods, other than goods stored by a merchant in the course of its business, may be enforced only if the following requirements are satisfied:
(1) All persons known to claim an interest in the goods must be notified.
(2) The notification must include:
(i) an itemized statement of the claim;
(ii) a description of the goods subject to the lien;
(iii) a demand for payment within a specified time not less than ten days after receipt of the notification; and
(iv) a conspicuous statement that unless the claim is paid within that time the goods will be advertised for sale and sold at auction at a specified time and place.
(3) The sale must conform to the terms of the notification.
(4) The sale must be held at the nearest suitable place to where the goods are held or stored.
(5) After the expiration of the time given in the notification, an advertisement of the sale must be published once a week for two weeks consecutively in a newspaper of general circulation where the sale is to be held. The advertisement must include a description of the goods, the name of the person on whose account the goods are being held and the time and place of the sale. The sale must take place at least 15 days after the first publication. If there is no newspaper of general circulation where the sale is to be held, the advertisement must be posted at least ten days before the sale in not less than six conspicuous places in the neighborhood of the proposed sale.
(c) Satisfaction.-- Before any sale pursuant to this section, any person claiming a right in the goods may pay the amount necessary to satisfy the lien and the reasonable expenses incurred in complying with this section. In that event, the goods may not be sold but must be retained by the warehouse subject to the terms of the receipt and this division.
(d) Purchase by warehouse.-- A warehouse may buy at any public sale held pursuant to this section.
(e) Purchaser in good faith.-- A purchaser in good faith of goods sold to enforce a warehouse's lien takes the goods free of any rights of persons against which the lien was valid, despite the warehouse's noncompliance with this section.
(f) Proceeds of sale.-- A warehouse may satisfy its lien from the proceeds of any sale pursuant to this section but shall hold the balance, if any, for delivery on demand to any person to which the warehouse would have been bound to deliver the goods.
(g) Additional rights.-- The rights provided by this section are in addition to all other rights allowed by law to a creditor against a debtor.
(h) Goods stored by merchant.-- If a lien is on goods stored by a merchant in the course of its business, the lien may be enforced in accordance with subsection (a) or (b).
(i) Liability of warehouse.-- A warehouse is liable for damages caused by failure to comply with the requirements for sale under this section and, in case of willful violation, is liable for conversion.
(a) Liability.-- A consignee of a nonnegotiable bill of lading which has given value in good faith, or a holder to which a negotiable bill has been duly negotiated, relying upon the description of the goods in the bill or upon the date shown in the bill, may recover from the issuer damages caused by the misdating of the bill or the nonreceipt or misdescription of the goods, except to the extent that the bill indicates that the issuer does not know whether any part or all of the goods in fact were received or conform to the description, such as in a case in which the description is in terms of marks or labels or kind, quantity or condition or the receipt or description is qualified by "contents or condition of contents of packages unknown," "said to contain," "shipper's weight, load and count" or words of similar import, if that indication is true.
(b) Package count.-- If goods are loaded by the issuer of the bill of lading:
(1) the issuer shall count the packages of goods if shipped in packages and ascertain the kind and quantity if shipped in bulk; and
(2) words such as "shipper's weight, load and count," or words of similar import indicating that the description was made by the shipper are ineffective except as to goods concealed by packages.
(c) Kind and quantity.-- If bulk goods are loaded by a shipper that makes available to the issuer of the bill of lading adequate facilities for weighing those goods, the issuer shall ascertain the kind and quantity within a reasonable time after receiving the shipper's request in a record to do so. In that case, "shipper's weight" or words of similar import are ineffective.
(d) Deference to shipper.-- The issuer of a bill of lading, by including in the bill of lading the words "shipper's weight, load and count," or words of similar import, may indicate that the goods were loaded by the shipper; and, if that statement is true, the issuer is not liable for damages caused by the improper loading. However, omission of such words does not imply liability for damages caused by improper loading.
(e) Accuracy guaranteed.-- A shipper guarantees to the issuer the accuracy at the time of shipment of the description, marks, labels, number, kind, quantity, condition and weight, as furnished by the shipper, and the shipper shall indemnify the issuer against damage caused by inaccuracies in those particulars. This right of indemnity does not limit its responsibility or liability under the contract of carriage to any person other than the shipper.
(a) Liability of issuer.-- The issuer of a through bill of lading or other document of title embodying an undertaking to be performed in part by a person acting as its agent or by a performing carrier is liable to any person entitled to recover on the bill or other document for any breach by the other person or the performing carrier of its obligation under the bill or other document. However, to the extent that the bill or other document covers an undertaking to be performed overseas or in territory not contiguous to the continental United States or an undertaking including matters other than transportation, this liability for breach by the other person or the performing carrier may be varied by agreement of the parties.
(b) Liability of person other than issuer.-- If goods covered by a through bill of lading or other document of title embodying an undertaking to be performed in part by a person other than the issuer are received by that person, the person is subject, with respect to its own performance while the goods are in its possession, to the obligation of the issuer. The person's obligation is discharged by delivery of the goods to another person pursuant to the bill or other document and does not include liability for breach by any other person or by the issuer.
(c) Damages.-- The issuer of a through bill of lading or other document of title described in subsection (a) is entitled to recover from the performing carrier, or other person in possession of the goods, when the breach of the obligation under the bill or other document occurred:
(1) the amount it may be required to pay to any person entitled to recover on the bill or other document for the breach, as may be evidenced by any receipt, judgment or transcript of judgment; and
(2) the amount of any expense reasonably incurred by the issuer in defending any action commenced by any person entitled to recover on the bill or other document for the breach.
(a) Proper instruction.-- Unless the bill of lading otherwise provides, a carrier may deliver the goods to a person or destination other than that stated in the bill or may otherwise dispose of the goods, without liability for misdelivery, on instructions from:
(1) the holder of a negotiable bill;
(2) the consignor on a nonnegotiable bill even if the consignee has given contrary instructions;
(3) the consignee on a nonnegotiable bill in the absence of contrary instructions from the consignor if the goods have arrived at the billed destination or if the consignee is in possession of the tangible bill or in control of the electronic bill; or
(4) the consignee on a nonnegotiable bill if the consignee is entitled as against the consignor to dispose of the goods.
(b) Original terms.-- Unless instructions described in subsection (a) are included in a negotiable bill of lading, a person to which the bill is duly negotiated may hold the bailee according to the original terms.
(a) Prohibition.-- Except as customary in international transportation, a tangible bill of lading may not be issued in a set of parts. The issuer is liable for damages caused by violation of this subsection.
(b) Single bill.-- If a tangible bill of lading is lawfully issued in a set of parts, each of which contains an identification code and is expressed to be valid only if the goods have not been delivered against any other part, the whole of the parts constitutes one bill.
(c) Priority of title.-- If a tangible negotiable bill of lading is lawfully issued in a set of parts and different parts are negotiated to different persons, the title of the holder to which the first due negotiation is made prevails as to both the document of title and the goods even if any later holder may have received the goods from the carrier in good faith and discharged the carrier's obligation by surrendering its part.
(d) Liability.-- A person that negotiates or transfers a single part of a tangible bill of lading issued in a set is liable to holders of that part as if it were the whole set.
(e) Bailee.-- The bailee shall deliver in accordance with this chapter against the first presented part of a tangible bill of lading lawfully issued in a set. Delivery in this manner discharges the bailee's obligation on the whole bill.
(a) Location.-- Instead of issuing a bill of lading to the consignor at the place of shipment, a carrier, at the request of the consignor, may procure the bill to be issued at destination or at any other place designated in the request.
(b) Substitute.-- Upon request of any person entitled as against a carrier to control the goods while in transit and on surrender of possession or control of any outstanding bill of lading or other receipt covering the goods, the issuer, subject to section 7105 (relating to reissuance in alternative medium), may procure a substitute bill to be issued at any place designated in the request.
An unauthorized alteration or filling in of a blank in a bill of lading leaves the bill enforceable according to its original tenor.
(a) Establishment.--
(1) Except as set forth in paragraph (2), a carrier has a lien on the goods covered by a bill of lading or on the proceeds thereof in its possession for charges after the date of the carrier's receipt of the goods for storage or transportation, including demurrage and terminal charges, and for expenses necessary for preservation of the goods incident to their transportation or reasonably incurred in their sale pursuant to law.
(2) Against a purchaser for value of a negotiable bill of lading, a carrier's lien is limited to charges stated in the bill or the applicable tariffs or, if no charges are stated, a reasonable charge.
(b) Effectiveness.-- A lien for charges and expenses under subsection (a) on goods that the carrier was required by law to receive for transportation is effective against the consignor or any person entitled to the goods unless the carrier had notice that the consignor lacked authority to subject the goods to those charges and expenses. Any other lien under subsection (a) is effective against the consignor and any person that permitted the bailor to have control or possession of the goods unless the carrier had notice that the bailor lacked authority.
(c) Loss.-- A carrier loses its lien on any goods that it voluntarily delivers or unjustifiably refuses to deliver.
(a) Sale.--
(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), a carrier's lien on goods may be enforced by public or private sale of the goods, in bulk or in packages, at any time or place and on any terms that are commercially reasonable, after notifying all persons known to claim an interest in the goods.
(2) The notification must include a statement of the amount due, the nature of the proposed sale and the time and place of any public sale.
(3) The fact that a better price could have been obtained by a sale at a different time or in a different method from that selected by the carrier is not of itself sufficient to establish that the sale was not made in a commercially reasonable manner.
(4) The carrier has sold goods in a commercially reasonable manner if the carrier sells the goods in the usual manner in any recognized market therefor, sells at the price current in that market at the time of the sale or has otherwise sold in conformity with commercially reasonable practices among dealers in the type of goods sold.
(5) A sale of more goods than apparently necessary to be offered to ensure satisfaction of the obligation is not commercially reasonable, except in cases covered by paragraph (4).
(b) Satisfaction.-- Before any sale pursuant to this section, any person claiming a right in the goods may pay the amount necessary to satisfy the lien and the reasonable expenses incurred in complying with this section. In that event, the goods may not be sold but must be retained by the carrier, subject to the terms of the bill of lading and this division.
(c) Purchase by carrier.-- A carrier may buy at any public sale pursuant to this section.
(d) Purchaser in good faith.-- A purchaser in good faith of goods sold to enforce a carrier's lien takes the goods free of any rights of persons against which the lien was valid, despite the carrier's noncompliance with this section.
(e) Proceeds of sale.-- A carrier may satisfy its lien from the proceeds of any sale pursuant to this section but shall hold the balance, if any, for delivery on demand to any person to which the carrier would have been bound to deliver the goods.
(f) Additional rights.-- The rights provided by this section are in addition to all other rights allowed by law to a creditor against a debtor.
(g) Enforcement.-- A carrier's lien may be enforced pursuant to either subsection (a) or the procedure set forth in section 7210(b) (relating to enforcement of warehouse's lien).
(h) Liability.-- A carrier is liable for damages caused by failure to comply with the requirements for sale under this section and, in case of willful violation, is liable for conversion.
(a) Standard.-- A carrier that issues a bill of lading, whether negotiable or nonnegotiable, shall exercise the degree of care in relation to the goods which a reasonably careful person would exercise under similar circumstances. This subsection shall not affect any statute, regulation or rule of law that imposes liability upon a common carrier for damages not caused by its negligence.
(b) Limitation of damages.--
(1) Except as set forth in paragraph (2), damages may be limited by a term in the bill of lading or in a transportation agreement that the carrier's liability may not exceed a value stated in the bill or transportation agreement if the carrier's rates are dependent upon value and the consignor is afforded an opportunity to declare a higher value and the consignor is advised of the opportunity.
(2) A limitation under paragraph (1) is not effective with respect to the carrier's liability for conversion to its own use.
(c) Included provisions.-- Reasonable provisions as to the time and manner of presenting claims and commencing actions based on the shipment may be included in a bill of lading or a transportation agreement.
The obligations imposed by this division on an issuer apply to a document of title even if:
(1) the document does not comply with the requirements of this division or of any other statute, rule or regulation regarding its issuance, form or content;
(2) the issuer violated laws regulating the conduct of its business;
(3) the goods covered by the document were owned by the bailee when the document was issued; or
(4) the person issuing the document is not a warehouse, but the document purports to be a warehouse receipt.
A duplicate or any other document of title purporting to cover goods already represented by an outstanding document of the same issuer does not confer any right in the goods, except as provided in the case of tangible bills of lading in a set of parts, overissue of documents for fungible goods, substitutes for lost, stolen or destroyed documents or substitute documents issued pursuant to section 7105 (relating to reissuance in alternative medium). The issuer is liable for damages caused by its overissue or failure to identify a duplicate document by a conspicuous notation.
(a) Delivery.-- A bailee shall deliver the goods to a person entitled under a document of title if the person complies with subsections (b) and (c) unless and to the extent that the bailee establishes any of the following:
(1) delivery of the goods to a person whose receipt was rightful as against the claimant;
(2) damage to or delay, loss or destruction of the goods for which the bailee is not liable;
(3) previous sale or other disposition of the goods in lawful enforcement of a lien or on a warehouse's lawful termination of storage;
(4) the exercise by a seller of its right to stop delivery pursuant to section 2705 (relating to stoppage by seller of delivery in transit or otherwise) or by a lessor of its right to stop delivery pursuant to section 2A526 (relating to lessor's stoppage of delivery in transit or otherwise);
(5) a diversion, reconsignment or other disposition pursuant to section 7303 (relating to diversion; reconsignment; change of instructions);
(6) release, satisfaction or any other personal defense against the claimant; or
(7) any other lawful excuse.
(b) Satisfaction of bailee's lien.-- A person claiming goods covered by a document of title shall satisfy the bailee's lien if the bailee so requests or the bailee is prohibited by law from delivering the goods until the charges are paid.
(c) Document.-- Unless a person claiming the goods is a person against which the document of title does not confer a right under section 7503(a) (relating to document of title to goods defeated in certain cases):
(1) the person claiming under a document shall surrender possession or control of any outstanding negotiable document covering the goods for cancellation or indication of partial deliveries; and
(2) the bailee shall cancel the document or conspicuously indicate in the document the partial delivery or the bailee liable to any person to which the document is duly negotiated.
A bailee that in good faith has received goods and delivered or otherwise disposed of the goods according to the terms of a document of title or pursuant to this division is not liable for the goods even if:
(1) the person from which the bailee received the goods did not have authority to procure the document or to dispose of the goods; or
(2) the person to which the bailee delivered the goods did not have authority to receive the goods.
(a) Tangible documents.-- The following rules apply to a negotiable tangible document of title:
(1) If the document's original terms run to the order of a named person, the document is negotiated by the named person's indorsement and delivery. After the named person's indorsement in blank or to bearer, any person may negotiate the document by delivery alone.
(2) If the document's original terms run to the bearer, it is negotiated by delivery alone.
(3) If the document's original terms run to the order of a named person and it is delivered to the named person, the effect is the same as if the document had been negotiated.
(4) Negotiation of the document after it has been indorsed to a named person requires indorsement by the named person as well as delivery.
(5) A document is duly negotiated if it is negotiated in the manner stated in this subsection to a holder that purchases it in good faith, without notice of any defense against or claim to it on the part of any person, and for value, unless it is established that the negotiation is not in the regular course of business or financing or involves receiving the document in settlement or payment of a monetary obligation.
(b) Electronic documents.-- The following rules apply to a negotiable electronic document of title:
(1) If the document's original terms run to the order of a named person or to the bearer, the document is negotiated by delivery of the document to another person. Indorsement by the named person is not required to negotiate the document.
(2) If the document's original terms run to the order of a named person and the named person has control of the document, the effect is the same as if the document had been negotiated.
(3) A document is duly negotiated if it is negotiated in the manner stated in this subsection to a holder that purchases it in good faith, without notice of any defense against or claim to it on the part of any person, and for value, unless it is established that the negotiation is not in the regular course of business or financing or involves taking delivery of the document in settlement or payment of a monetary obligation.
(c) Nonnegotiable documents.-- Indorsement of a nonnegotiable document of title neither makes it negotiable nor adds to the transferee's rights.
(d) Notice of interest.-- The naming in a negotiable bill of lading of a person to be notified of the arrival of the goods does not limit the negotiability of the bill or constitute notice to a purchaser of the bill of any interest of that person in the goods.
(a) Rights.-- Subject to sections 7205 (relating to title under warehouse receipt defeated in certain cases) and 7503 (relating to document of title to goods defeated in certain cases), a holder to which a negotiable document of title has been duly negotiated acquires thereby all of the following:
(1) Title to the document.
(2) Title to the goods.
(3) All rights accruing under the law of agency or estoppel, including rights to goods delivered to the bailee after the document was issued.
(4) The direct obligation of the issuer to hold or deliver the goods according to the terms of the document free of any defense or claim by the issuer except those arising under the terms of the document or under this division. In the case of a delivery order, the bailee's obligation accrues only upon the bailee's acceptance of the delivery order, and the obligation acquired by the holder is that the issuer and any indorser will procure the acceptance of the bailee.
(b) Effect of stoppage or surrender.-- Subject to section 7503, title and rights acquired by due negotiation are not defeated by any stoppage of the goods represented by the document of title or by surrender of the goods by the bailee and are not impaired even if:
(1) the due negotiation or any prior due negotiation constituted a breach of duty;
(2) any person has been deprived of possession of a negotiable tangible document or control of a negotiable electronic document by misrepresentation, fraud, accident, mistake, duress, loss, theft or conversion; or
(3) a previous sale or other transfer of the goods or document has been made to a third person.
(a) General rule.-- A document of title confers no right in goods against a person that before issuance of the document had a legal interest or a perfected security interest in the goods and that did not:
(1) deliver or entrust the goods or any document of title covering the goods to the bailor or the bailor's nominee with actual or apparent authority to ship, store or sell; with power to obtain delivery under section 7403 (relating to obligation of bailee to deliver; excuse); or with power of disposition under section 2403 (relating to power to transfer; good faith purchase of goods; "entrusting"), 2A304(a)(2) (relating to subsequent lease of goods by lessor), 2A305(a)(2) (relating to sale or sublease of goods by lessee), 9320 (relating to buyer of goods), 9321(c) (relating to licensee of general intangible and lessee of goods in ordinary course of business) or other statute or rule of law; or
(2) acquiesce in the procurement by the bailor or its nominee of any document.
(b) Negotiable warehouse receipt or bill of lading.-- Title to goods based upon an unaccepted delivery order is subject to the rights of any person to which a negotiable warehouse receipt or bill of lading covering the goods has been duly negotiated. That title may be defeated under section 7504 (relating to rights acquired in absence of due negotiation; effect of diversion; stoppage of delivery) to the same extent as the rights of the issuer or a transferee from the issuer.
(c) Freight forwarder.-- Title to goods based upon a bill of lading issued to a freight forwarder is subject to the rights of any person to which a bill issued by the freight forwarder is duly negotiated. However, delivery by the carrier in accordance with Chapter 74 (relating to warehouse receipts and bills of lading: general obligations) pursuant to its own bill of lading discharges the carrier's obligation to deliver.
(a) Transferee.-- A transferee of a document of title, whether negotiable or nonnegotiable, to which the document has been delivered but not duly negotiated, acquires the title and rights that its transferor had or had actual authority to convey.
(b) Third parties.-- In the case of a transfer of a nonnegotiable document of title, until but not after the bailee receives notice of the transfer, the rights of the transferee may be defeated:
(1) by those creditors of the transferor that could treat the transfer as void under section 2402 (relating to rights of creditors of seller against sold goods) or 2A308 (relating to special rights of creditors);
(2) by a buyer from the transferor in ordinary course of business if the bailee has delivered the goods to the buyer or received notification of the buyer's rights;
(3) by a lessee from the transferor in ordinary course of business if the bailee has delivered the goods to the lessee or received notification of the lessee's rights; or
(4) as against the bailee, by good faith dealings of the bailee with the transferor.
(c) Diversion or change by consignor.-- A diversion or other change of shipping instructions by the consignor in a nonnegotiable bill of lading which causes the bailee not to deliver the goods to the consignee:
(1) defeats the consignee's title to the goods if the goods have been delivered to a buyer in ordinary course of business or a lessee in ordinary course of business; and
(2) in any event defeats the consignee's rights against the bailee.
(d) Stopping delivery.-- Delivery of the goods pursuant to a nonnegotiable document of title may be stopped by a seller under section 2705 (relating to stoppage by seller of delivery in transit or otherwise) or a lessor under section 2A526 (relating to lessor's stoppage of delivery in transit or otherwise), subject to the requirements of due notification in those sections. A bailee honoring the seller's or lessor's instructions is entitled to be indemnified by the seller or lessor against any resulting loss or expense.
The indorsement of a tangible document of title issued by a bailee does not make the indorser liable for any default by the bailee or previous indorsers.
The transferee of a negotiable tangible document of title has a specifically enforceable right to have its transferor supply any necessary indorsement, but the transfer becomes a negotiation only as of the time the indorsement is supplied.
If a person negotiates or delivers a document of title for value, otherwise than as a mere intermediary under section 7508 (relating to warranties of collecting bank as to documents of title), unless otherwise agreed, the transferor warrants to its immediate purchaser only in addition to any warranty made in selling or leasing the goods that:
(1) the document is genuine;
(2) the transferor does not have knowledge of any fact that would impair the document's validity or worth; and
(3) the negotiation or delivery is rightful and fully effective with respect to the title to the document and the goods it represents.
A collecting bank or other intermediary known to be entrusted with documents of title on behalf of another or with collection of a draft or other claim against delivery of documents warrants by the delivery of the documents only its own good faith and authority even if the collecting bank or other intermediary has purchased or made advances against the claim or draft to be collected.
Whether a document of title is adequate to fulfill the obligations of a contract for sale, a contract for lease, or the conditions of a letter of credit is determined by Division 2 (relating to sales), 2A (relating to leases) or 5 (relating to letters of credit).
(a) Court orders.-- If a document of title is lost, stolen or destroyed, a court may order delivery of the goods or issuance of a substitute document, and the bailee may, without liability to any person, comply with the order. If the document was negotiable, a court may not order delivery of the goods or issuance of a substitute document without the claimant's posting security unless it finds that any person that may suffer loss as a result of nonsurrender of possession or control of the document is adequately protected against the loss. If the document was nonnegotiable, the court may require security. The court may also order payment of the bailee's reasonable costs and attorney fees in any action under this subsection.
(b) Bailee delivery.-- A bailee that without court order delivers goods to a person claiming under a missing negotiable document of title is liable to any person injured thereby. If the delivery is not in good faith, the bailee is liable for conversion. Delivery in good faith is not conversion if the claimant posts security with the bailee in an amount at least double the value of the goods at the time of posting to indemnify any person injured by the delivery which files a notice of claim within one year after the delivery.
Unless a document of title was originally issued upon delivery of the goods by a person that did not have power to dispose of them, a lien does not attach by virtue of any judicial process to goods in the possession of a bailee for which a negotiable document of title is outstanding unless possession or control of the document is first surrendered to the bailee or the document's negotiation is enjoined. The bailee may not be compelled to deliver the goods pursuant to process until possession or control of the document is surrendered to the bailee or to the court. A purchaser of the document for value without notice of the process or injunction takes free of the lien imposed by judicial process.
If more than one person claims title to or possession of the goods, the bailee is excused from delivery until the bailee has a reasonable time to ascertain the validity of the adverse claims or to commence an action for interpleader. The bailee may assert an interpleader either in defending an action for nondelivery of the goods or by original action.
This division shall be known and may be cited as the Uniform Commercial Code, Article 8, Investment Securities.
(a) Definitions.-- The following words and phrases when used in this division shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Adverse claim." A claim that a claimant has a property interest in a financial asset and that it is a violation of the rights of the claimant for another person to hold, transfer or deal with the financial asset.
"Bearer form." As applied to a certificated security, a form in which the security is payable to the bearer of the security certificate according to its terms but not by reason of an indorsement.
"Broker." A person defined as a broker or dealer under the Federal securities laws, but without excluding a bank acting in that capacity.
"Certificated security." A security that is represented by a certificate.
"Clearing corporation." "Clearing corporation" means:
(1) a person that is registered as a "clearing agency" under the Federal securities laws;
(2) a Federal reserve bank; or
(3) any other person that provides clearance or settlement services with respect to financial assets that would require it to register as a clearing agency under the Federal securities laws but for an exclusion or exemption from the registration requirement, if its activities as a clearing corporation, including promulgation of rules, are subject to regulation by a Federal or State governmental authority.
"Communicate." "Communicate" means to:
(1) send a signed record; or
(2) transmit information by any mechanism agreed upon by the persons transmitting and receiving the information.
"Entitlement holder." A person identified in the records of a securities intermediary as the person having a security entitlement against the securities intermediary. If a person acquires a security entitlement by virtue of section 8501(b)(2) or (3) (relating to securities account; acquisition of security entitlement from securities intermediary), that person is the entitlement holder.
"Entitlement order." A notification communicated to a securities intermediary directing transfer or redemption of a financial asset to which the entitlement holder has a security entitlement.
"Financial asset." Except as otherwise provided in section 8103 (relating to rules for determining whether certain obligations and interests are securities or financial assets):
(1) a security;
(2) an obligation of a person or a share, participation or other interest in a person or in property or an enterprise of a person, which is, or is of a type, dealt in or traded on financial markets, or which is recognized in any area in which it is issued or dealt in as a medium for investment; or
(3) any property that is held by a securities intermediary for another person in a securities account if the securities intermediary has expressly agreed with the other person that the property is to be treated as a financial asset under this division. As context requires, the term means either the interest itself or the means by which a person's claim to it is evidenced, including a certificated or uncertificated security, a security certificate or a security entitlement.
"Good faith." (Deleted by amendment).
"Indorsement." A signature that alone or accompanied by other words is made on a security certificate in registered form or on a separate document for the purpose of assigning, transferring or redeeming the security or granting a power to assign, transfer or redeem it.
"Instruction." A notification communicated to the issuer of an uncertificated security which directs that the transfer of the security be registered or that the security be redeemed.
"Registered form." As applied to a certificated security, a form in which:
(1) the security certificate specifies a person entitled to the security; and
(2) a transfer of the security may be registered upon books maintained for that purpose by or on behalf of the issuer, or the security certificate so states.
"Securities intermediary." "Securities intermediary" means:
(1) a clearing corporation; or
(2) a person, including a bank or broker, that in the ordinary course of its business maintains securities accounts for others and is acting in that capacity.
"Security." Except as otherwise provided in section 8103 (relating to rules for determining whether certain obligations and interests are securities or financial assets), an obligation of an issuer or a share, participation or other interest in an issuer or in property or an enterprise of an issuer:
(1) which is represented by a security certificate in bearer or registered form, or the transfer of which may be registered upon books maintained for that purpose by or on behalf of the issuer;
(2) which is one of a class or series or by its terms is divisible into a class or series of shares, participations, interests or obligations; and
(3) which:
(i) is, or is of a type, dealt in or traded on securities exchanges or securities markets; or
(ii) is a medium for investment and by its terms expressly provides that it is a security governed by this division.
"Security certificate." A certificate representing a security.
"Security entitlement." The rights and property interest of an entitlement holder with respect to a financial asset specified in Chapter 85 (relating to security entitlements).
"Uncertificated security." A security that is not represented by a certificate.
(b) Index of other definitions.-- The following definitions applying in this division and other divisions are:
"Appropriate person." Section 8107.
"Control." Section 8106.
"Controllable account." Section 9102.
"Controllable electronic record." Section 12102.
"Controllable payment intangible." Section 9102.
"Delivery." Section 8301.
"Investment company security." Section 8103.
"Issuer." Section 8201.
"Overissue." Section 8210.
"Protected purchaser." Section 8303.
"Securities account." Section 8501.
(c) Applicability of general definitions and principles.-- In addition, Division 1 (relating to general provisions) contains general definitions and principles of construction and interpretation applicable throughout this division.
(d) Characterizations of person, business or transaction limited.-- The characterization of a person, business or transaction for purposes of this division does not determine the characterization of the person, business or transaction for purposes of any other law, regulation or rule.
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001; Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Share or similar equity interest.-- A share or similar equity interest issued by a corporation, business trust, joint stock company or similar entity is a security.
(b) Investment company security.-- An "investment company security" is a security. An "investment company security" means a share or similar equity interest issued by an entity that is registered as an investment company under the Federal investment company laws, an interest in a unit investment trust that is so registered or a face-amount certificate issued by a face-amount certificate company that is so registered. "Investment company security" does not include an insurance policy or endowment policy or annuity contract issued by an insurance company.
(c) Interest in partnership or limited liability company.-- An interest in a partnership or limited liability company is not a security unless it is dealt in or traded on securities exchanges or in securities markets, its terms expressly provide that it is a security governed by this division, or it is an investment company security. However, an interest in a partnership or limited liability company is a financial asset if it is held in a securities account.
(d) Writing that is security certificate.-- A writing that is a security certificate is governed by this division and not by Division 3 (relating to negotiable instruments), even though it also meets the requirements of that division. However, a negotiable instrument governed by Division 3 is a financial asset if it is held in a securities account.
(e) Option or similar obligation.-- An option or similar obligation issued by a clearing corporation to its participants is not a security, but is a financial asset.
(f) Commodity contract.-- A commodity contract, as defined in section 9102(a) (relating to definitions and index of definitions), is not a security or a financial asset.
(g) Documents of title.-- A document of title, as defined in section 1201 (relating to general definitions), is not a financial asset unless paragraph (3) of the definition of "financial asset" in section 8102 (relating to definitions and index of definitions) applies.
(h) Controllable accounts, controllable electronic records and controllable payment intangibles.-- A controllable account, controllable electronic record or controllable payment intangible is not a financial asset unless the definition of "financial asset" in section 8102 applies.
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001; Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Acquisition of security or interest therein.-- A person acquires a security or an interest therein under this division if:
(1) the person is a purchaser to whom a security is delivered pursuant to section 8301 (relating to delivery); or
(2) the person acquires a security entitlement to the security pursuant to section 8501 (relating to securities account; acquisition of security entitlement from securities intermediary).
(b) Acquisition of financial asset or interest therein.-- A person acquires a financial asset, other than a security, or an interest therein under this division if the person acquires a security entitlement to the financial asset.
(c) Acquisition of security entitlement.-- A person who acquires a security entitlement to a security or other financial asset has the rights specified in Chapter 85 (relating to security entitlements) but is a purchaser of any security, security entitlement or other financial asset held by the securities intermediary only to the extent provided in section 8503 (relating to property interest of entitlement holder in financial asset held by securities intermediary).
(d) Satisfaction of possession requirement.-- Unless the context shows that a different meaning is intended, a person who is required by other law, regulation, rule or agreement to transfer, deliver, present, surrender, exchange or otherwise put in the possession of another person a security or financial asset satisfies that requirement by causing the other person to acquire an interest in the security or financial asset pursuant to subsection (a) or (b).
(a) General rule.-- A person has notice of an adverse claim if:
(1) the person knows of the adverse claim;
(2) the person is aware of facts sufficient to indicate that there is a significant probability that the adverse claim exists and deliberately avoids information that would establish the existence of the adverse claim; or
(3) the person has a duty imposed by statute or regulation to investigate whether an adverse claim exists and the investigation so required would establish the existence of the adverse claim.
(b) Knowledge of transfer of financial asset or interest therein.-- Having knowledge that a financial asset or interest therein is or has been transferred by a representative imposes no duty of inquiry into the rightfulness of a transaction and is not notice of an adverse claim. However, a person who knows that a representative has transferred a financial asset or interest therein in a transaction that is, or whose proceeds are being used, for the individual benefit of the representative or otherwise in breach of duty has notice of an adverse claim.
(c) Staleness as notice of adverse claims.-- An act or event that creates a right to immediate performance of the principal obligation represented by a security certificate or sets a date on or after which the certificate is to be presented or surrendered for redemption or exchange does not itself constitute notice of an adverse claim except in the case of a transfer more than:
(1) one year after a date set for presentment or surrender for redemption or exchange; or
(2) six months after a date set for payment of money against presentation or surrender of the certificate, if money was available for payment on that date.
(d) Notice to purchaser of certificated security.-- A purchaser of a certificated security has notice of an adverse claim if the security certificate:
(1) whether in bearer or registered form, has been indorsed "for collection" or "for surrender" or for some other purpose not involving transfer; or
(2) is in bearer form and has on it an unambiguous statement that it is the property of a person other than the transferor, but the mere writing of a name on the certificate is not such a statement.
(e) Filing of financing statement not notice of adverse claim.-- Filing of a financing statement under Division 9 (relating to secured transactions; sales of accounts, contract rights and chattel paper) is not notice of an adverse claim to a financial asset.
(a) "Control" of certificated security in bearer form.-- A purchaser has "control" of a certificated security in bearer form if the certificated security is delivered to the purchaser.
(b) "Control" of certificated security in registered form.-- A purchaser has "control" of a certificated security in registered form if the certificated security is delivered to the purchaser and:
(1) the certificate is indorsed to the purchaser or in blank by an effective indorsement; or
(2) the certificate is registered in the name of the purchaser, upon original issue or registration of transfer by the issuer.
(c) "Control" of uncertificated security.-- A purchaser has "control" of an uncertificated security if:
(1) the uncertificated security is delivered to the purchaser; or
(2) the issuer has agreed that it will comply with instructions originated by the purchaser without further consent by the registered owner.
(d) "Control" of security entitlement.-- A purchaser has "control" of a security entitlement if:
(1) the purchaser becomes the entitlement holder;
(2) the securities intermediary has agreed that it will comply with entitlement orders originated by the purchaser without further consent by the entitlement holder; or
(3) another person, other than the transferor to the purchaser of an interest in the security entitlement:
(i) has control of the security entitlement and acknowledges that it has control on behalf of the purchaser; or
(ii) obtains control of the security entitlement after having acknowledged that it will obtain control of the security entitlement on behalf of the purchaser.
(e) Entitlement holder's securities intermediary.-- If an interest in a security entitlement is granted by the entitlement holder to the entitlement holder's own securities intermediary, the securities intermediary has control.
(f) Purchaser under subsection (c) or (d).-- A purchaser who has satisfied the requirements of subsection (c) or (d) has control even if the registered owner in the case of subsection (c) or the entitlement holder in the case of subsection (d) retains the right to make substitutions for the uncertificated security or security entitlement, to originate instructions or entitlement orders to the issuer or securities intermediary or otherwise to deal with the uncertificated security or security entitlement.
(g) Agreement of issuer or securities intermediary under subsection (c)(2) or (d)(2).-- An issuer or a securities intermediary may not enter into an agreement of the kind described in subsection (c)(2) or (d)(2) without the consent of the registered owner or entitlement holder, but an issuer or a securities intermediary is not required to enter into such an agreement even though the registered owner or entitlement holder so directs. An issuer or securities intermediary that has entered into such an agreement is not required to confirm the existence of the agreement to another party unless requested to do so by the registered owner or entitlement holder.
(h) Acknowledgment not required.-- A person that has control under this section is not required to acknowledge that it has control on behalf of another person.
(i) Duty to other parties.-- If a person acknowledges that it has or will obtain control on behalf of another person, unless the person otherwise agrees or law other than this division or Division 9 (relating to secured transactions) otherwise provides, the person does not owe any duty to the other person and is not required to confirm the acknowledgment to any other person.
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Definition of "appropriate person".-- "Appropriate person" means:
(1) with respect to an indorsement, the person specified by a security certificate or by an effective special indorsement to be entitled to the security;
(2) with respect to an instruction, the registered owner of an uncertificated security;
(3) with respect to an entitlement order, the entitlement holder;
(4) if the person designated in paragraph (1), (2) or (3) is deceased, the designated person's successor taking under other law or the designated person's personal representative acting for the estate of the decedent; or
(5) if the person designated in paragraph (1), (2) or (3) lacks capacity, the designated person's guardian, conservator or other similar representative who has power under other law to transfer the security or financial asset.
(b) Effectiveness of indorsement, instruction or entitlement order.-- An indorsement, instruction or entitlement order is effective if:
(1) it is made by the appropriate person;
(2) it is made by a person who has power under the law of agency to transfer the security or financial asset on behalf of the appropriate person, including, in the case of an instruction or entitlement order, a person who has control under section 8106(c)(2) or (d)(2) (relating to control); or
(3) the appropriate person has ratified it or is otherwise precluded from asserting its ineffectiveness.
(c) Effectiveness of indorsement, instruction or entitlement order made by representative.-- An indorsement, instruction or entitlement order made by a representative is effective even if:
(1) the representative has failed to comply with a controlling instrument or with the law of the state having jurisdiction of the representative relationship, including any law requiring the representative to obtain court approval of the transaction; or
(2) the representative's action in making the indorsement, instruction or entitlement order or using the proceeds of the transaction is otherwise a breach of duty.
(d) Representative no longer serving as such.-- If a security is registered in the name of or specially indorsed to a person described as a representative or if a securities account is maintained in the name of a person described as a representative, an indorsement, instruction or entitlement order made by the person is effective even though the person is no longer serving in the described capacity.
(e) Effectiveness determined as of date of indorsement, instruction or entitlement order.-- Effectiveness of an indorsement, instruction or entitlement order is determined as of the date the indorsement, instruction or entitlement order is made, and an indorsement, instruction or entitlement order does not become ineffective by reason of any later change of circumstances.
(a) Warranties of person transferring certificated security.-- A person who transfers a certificated security to a purchaser for value warrants to the purchaser, and an indorser, if the transfer is by indorsement, warrants to any subsequent purchaser, that:
(1) the certificate is genuine and has not been materially altered;
(2) the transferor or indorser does not know of any fact that might impair the validity of the security;
(3) there is no adverse claim to the security;
(4) the transfer does not violate any restriction on transfer;
(5) if the transfer is by indorsement, the indorsement is made by an appropriate person, or if the indorsement is by an agent, the agent has actual authority to act on behalf of the appropriate person; and
(6) the transfer is otherwise effective and rightful.
(b) Warranties of person originating instruction for registration of transfer of uncertificated security.-- A person who originates an instruction for registration of transfer of an uncertificated security to a purchaser for value warrants to the purchaser that:
(1) the instruction is made by an appropriate person, or if the instruction is by an agent, the agent has actual authority to act on behalf of the appropriate person;
(2) the security is valid;
(3) there is no adverse claim to the security; and
(4) at the time the instruction is presented to the issuer:
(i) the purchaser will be entitled to the registration of transfer;
(ii) the transfer will be registered by the issuer free from all liens, security interests, restrictions and claims other than those specified in the instruction;
(iii) the transfer will not violate any restriction on transfer; and
(iv) the requested transfer will otherwise be effective and rightful.
(c) Warranties of person transferring uncertificated security not originating instruction.-- A person who transfers an uncertificated security to a purchaser for value and does not originate an instruction in connection with the transfer warrants that:
(1) the uncertificated security is valid;
(2) there is no adverse claim to the security;
(3) the transfer does not violate any restriction on transfer; and
(4) the transfer is otherwise effective and rightful.
(d) Warranties of person indorsing security certificate.-- A person who indorses a security certificate warrants to the issuer that:
(1) there is no adverse claim to the security; and
(2) the indorsement is effective.
(e) Warranties of person originating instruction for registration of transfer of uncertificated security.-- A person who originates an instruction for registration of transfer of an uncertificated security warrants to the issuer that:
(1) the instruction is effective; and
(2) at the time the instruction is presented to the issuer the purchaser will be entitled to the registration of transfer.
(f) Warranties of person presenting certificated security.-- A person who presents a certificated security for registration of transfer or for payment or exchange warrants to the issuer that the person is entitled to the registration, payment or exchange, but a purchaser for value and without notice of adverse claims to whom transfer is registered warrants only that the person has no knowledge of any unauthorized signature in a necessary indorsement.
(g) Warranties of agent delivering certificated security.-- If a person acts as agent of another in delivering a certificated security to a purchaser, the identity of the principal was known to the person to whom the certificate was delivered and the certificate delivered by the agent was received by the agent from the principal or received by the agent from another person at the direction of the principal, the person delivering the security certificate warrants only that the delivering person has authority to act for the principal and does not know of any adverse claim to the certificated security.
(h) Warranties of secured party.-- A secured party who redelivers a security certificate received, or after payment and on order of the debtor delivers the security certificate to another person, makes only the warranties of an agent under subsection (g).
(i) Warranties, rights and privileges of broker.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (g), a broker acting for a customer makes to the issuer and a purchaser the warranties provided in subsections (a) through (f). A broker that delivers a security certificate to its customer or causes its customer to be registered as the owner of an uncertificated security makes to the customer the warranties provided in subsection (a) or (b) and has the rights and privileges of a purchaser under this section. The warranties of and in favor of the broker acting as an agent are in addition to applicable warranties given by and in favor of the customer.
(a) Warranties of person originating entitlement order to securities intermediary.-- A person who originates an entitlement order to a securities intermediary warrants to the securities intermediary that:
(1) the entitlement order is made by an appropriate person or, if the entitlement order is by an agent, the agent has actual authority to act on behalf of the appropriate person; and
(2) there is no adverse claim to the security entitlement.
(b) Warranties of person delivering security certificate or originating instruction.-- A person who delivers a security certificate to a securities intermediary for credit to a securities account or originates an instruction with respect to an uncertificated security directing that the uncertificated security be credited to a securities account makes to the securities intermediary the warranties specified in section 8108(a) or (b) (relating to warranties in direct holding).
(c) Warranties of securities intermediary.-- If a securities intermediary delivers a security certificate to its entitlement holder or causes its entitlement holder to be registered as the owner of an uncertificated security, the securities intermediary makes to the entitlement holder the warranties specified in section 8108(a) or (b).
(a) When local law of issuer's jurisdiction governs.-- The local law of the issuer's jurisdiction, as specified in subsection (d), governs:
(1) the validity of a security;
(2) the rights and duties of the issuer with respect to registration of transfer;
(3) the effectiveness of registration of transfer by the issuer;
(4) whether the issuer owes any duties to an adverse claimant to a security; and
(5) whether an adverse claim can be asserted against a person to whom transfer of a certificated or uncertificated security is registered or a person who obtains control of an uncertificated security.
(b) When local law of securities intermediary's jurisdiction governs.-- The local law of the securities intermediary's jurisdiction, as specified in subsection (e), governs:
(1) acquisition of a security entitlement from the securities intermediary;
(2) the rights and duties of the securities intermediary and entitlement holder arising out of a security entitlement;
(3) whether the securities intermediary owes any duties to an adverse claimant to a security entitlement; and
(4) whether an adverse claim can be asserted against a person who acquires a security entitlement from the securities intermediary or a person who purchases a security entitlement or interest therein from an entitlement holder.
(c) Assertion of adverse claims.-- The local law of the jurisdiction in which a security certificate is located at the time of delivery governs whether an adverse claim can be asserted against a person to whom the security certificate is delivered.
(d) Definition of "issuer's jurisdiction".-- "Issuer's jurisdiction" means the jurisdiction under which the issuer of the security is organized or, if permitted by the law of that jurisdiction, the law of another jurisdiction specified by the issuer. An issuer organized under the laws of this Commonwealth may specify the law of another jurisdiction as the law governing the matters specified in subsection (a)(2) through (5).
(e) Determination of "securities intermediary's jurisdiction".-- The following rules determine a "securities intermediary's jurisdiction" for purposes of this section:
(1) If an agreement between the securities intermediary and its entitlement holder governing the securities account expressly provides that a particular jurisdiction is the securities intermediary's jurisdiction for purposes of this chapter, this division or this title, that jurisdiction is the securities intermediary's jurisdiction.
(2) If paragraph (1) does not apply and an agreement between the securities intermediary and its entitlement holder governing the securities account expressly provides that the agreement is governed by the law of a particular jurisdiction, that jurisdiction is the securities intermediary's jurisdiction.
(3) If neither paragraph (1) nor paragraph (2) applies and an agreement between the securities intermediary and its entitlement holder governing the securities account expressly provides that the securities account is maintained at an office in a particular jurisdiction, that jurisdiction is the securities intermediary's jurisdiction.
(4) If none of the preceding paragraphs applies, the securities intermediary's jurisdiction is the jurisdiction in which the office identified in an account statement as the office serving the entitlement holder's account is located.
(5) If none of the preceding paragraphs applies, the securities intermediary's jurisdiction is the jurisdiction in which the chief executive office of the securities intermediary is located.
(f) Factors not used to determine securities intermediary's jurisdiction.-- A securities intermediary's jurisdiction is not determined by the physical location of certificates representing financial assets, or by the jurisdiction in which is organized the issuer of the financial asset with respect to which an entitlement holder has a security entitlement, or by the location of facilities for data processing or other record keeping concerning the account.
(g) When local law of issuer's or securities intermediary's jurisdiction governs.-- The local law of the issuer's jurisdiction or the securities intermediary's jurisdiction governs a matter or transaction specified in subsection (a) or (b) even if the matter or transaction does not bear any relation to the jurisdiction.
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
A rule adopted by a clearing corporation governing rights and obligations among the clearing corporation and its participants in the clearing corporation is effective even if the rule conflicts with this title and affects another party who does not consent to the rule.
(a) Interest of debtor in certificated security.-- The interest of a debtor in a certificated security may be reached by a creditor only by actual seizure of the security certificate by the officer making the attachment or levy, except as otherwise provided in subsection (d). However, a certificated security for which the certificate has been surrendered to the issuer may be reached by a creditor by legal process upon the issuer.
(b) Interest of debtor in uncertificated security.-- The interest of a debtor in an uncertificated security may be reached by a creditor only by legal process upon the issuer at its chief executive office in the United States, except as otherwise provided in subsection (d).
(c) Interest of debtor in security entitlement.-- The interest of a debtor in a security entitlement may be reached by a creditor only by legal process upon the securities intermediary with whom the debtor's securities account is maintained, except as otherwise provided in subsection (d).
(d) Interest of debtor; secured party.-- The interest of a debtor in a certificated security for which the certificate is in the possession of a secured party, or in an uncertificated security registered in the name of a secured party, or a security entitlement maintained in the name of a secured party, may be reached by a creditor by legal process upon the secured party.
(e) Creditor; aid from court.-- A creditor whose debtor is the owner of a certificated security, uncertificated security or security entitlement is entitled to aid from a court of competent jurisdiction, by injunction or otherwise, in reaching the certificated security, uncertificated security or security entitlement or in satisfying the claim by means allowed at law or in equity in regard to property that cannot readily be reached by other legal process.
A contract or modification of a contract for the sale or purchase of a security is enforceable whether or not there is a writing signed or record authenticated by a party against whom enforcement is sought, even if the contract or modification is not capable of performance within one year of its making.
The following rules apply in an action on a certificated security against the issuer:
(1) Unless specifically denied in the pleadings, each signature on a security certificate or in a necessary indorsement is admitted.
(2) If the effectiveness of a signature is put in issue, the burden of establishing effectiveness is on the party claiming under the signature, but the signature is presumed to be genuine or authorized.
(3) If signatures on a security certificate are admitted or established, production of the certificate entitles a holder to recover on it unless the defendant establishes a defense or a defect going to the validity of the security.
(4) If it is shown that a defense or defect exists, the plaintiff has the burden of establishing that the plaintiff or some person under whom the plaintiff claims is a person against whom the defense or defect cannot be asserted.
A securities intermediary that has transferred a financial asset pursuant to an effective entitlement order, or a broker or other agent or bailee that has dealt with a financial asset at the direction of its customer or principal, is not liable to a person having an adverse claim to the financial asset unless the securities intermediary, or broker or other agent or bailee:
(1) took the action after it had been served with an injunction, restraining order or other legal process enjoining it from doing so, issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, and had a reasonable opportunity to act on the injunction, restraining order or other legal process;
(2) acted in collusion with the wrongdoer in violating the rights of the adverse claimant; or
(3) in the case of a security certificate that has been stolen, acted with notice of the adverse claim.
A securities intermediary that receives a financial asset and establishes a security entitlement to the financial asset in favor of an entitlement holder is a purchaser for value of the financial asset. A securities intermediary that acquires a security entitlement to a financial asset from another securities intermediary acquires the security entitlement for value if the securities intermediary acquiring the security entitlement establishes a security entitlement to the financial asset in favor of an entitlement holder.
(a) General rule.-- With respect to an obligation on or a defense to a security, an "issuer" includes a person that:
(1) places or authorizes the placing of its name on a security certificate, other than as authenticating trustee, registrar, transfer agent or the like, to evidence a share, participation or other interest in its property or in an enterprise, or to evidence its duty to perform an obligation represented by the certificate;
(2) creates a share, participation or other interest in its property or in an enterprise or undertakes an obligation, that is an uncertificated security;
(3) directly or indirectly creates a fractional interest in its rights or property, if the fractional interest is represented by a security certificate; or
(4) becomes responsible for or in place of another person described as an issuer in this section.
(b) Guarantor.-- With respect to an obligation on or defense to a security, a guarantor is an issuer to the extent of its guaranty, whether or not its obligation is noted on a security certificate.
(c) Person for whom transfer books maintained.-- With respect to a registration of a transfer, issuer means a person on whose behalf transfer books are maintained.
(a) Terms included in certificated security.-- Even against a purchaser for value and without notice, the terms of a certificated security include terms stated on the certificate and terms made part of the security by reference on the certificate to another instrument, indenture or document or to a constitution, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, order or the like, to the extent the terms referred to do not conflict with terms stated on the certificate. A reference under this subsection does not of itself charge a purchaser for value with notice of a defect going to the validity of the security, even if the certificate expressly states that a person accepting it admits notice. The terms of an uncertificated security include those stated in any instrument, indenture or document or in a constitution, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, order or the like, pursuant to which the security is issued.
(b) Defect affecting validity of security.-- The following rules apply if an issuer asserts that a security is not valid:
(1) A security other than one issued by a government or governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality, even though issued with a defect going to its validity, is valid in the hands of a purchaser for value and without notice of the particular defect unless the defect involves a violation of a constitutional provision. In that case, the security is valid in the hands of a purchaser for value and without notice of the defect, other than one who takes by original issue.
(2) Paragraph (1) applies to an issuer that is a government or governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality only if there has been substantial compliance with the legal requirements governing the issue or the issuer has received a substantial consideration for the issue as a whole or for the particular security and a stated purpose of the issue is one for which the issuer has power to borrow money or issue the security.
(c) Lack of genuineness as complete defense.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 8205 (relating to effect of unauthorized signature on security certificate), lack of genuineness of a certificated security is a complete defense, even against a purchaser for value and without notice.
(d) Defenses ineffective against purchaser for value without notice.-- All other defenses of the issuer of a security, including nondelivery and conditional delivery of a certificated security, are ineffective against a purchaser for value who has taken the certificated security without notice of the particular defense.
(e) Right to cancel certain contracts unaffected.-- This section does not affect the right of a party to cancel a contract for a security "when, as and if issued" or "when distributed" in the event of a material change in the character of the security that is the subject of the contract or in the plan or arrangement pursuant to which the security is to be issued or distributed.
(f) When security held by securities intermediary.-- If a security is held by a securities intermediary against whom an entitlement holder has a security entitlement with respect to the security, the issuer may not assert any defense that the issuer could not assert if the entitlement holder held the security directly.
After an act or event, other than a call that has been revoked, creating a right to immediate performance of the principal obligation represented by a certificated security or setting a date on or after which the security is to be presented or surrendered for redemption or exchange, a purchaser is charged with notice of any defect in its issue or defense of the issuer, if the act or event:
(1) requires the payment of money, the delivery of a certificated security, the registration of transfer of an uncertificated security or any of them on presentation or surrender of the security certificate, the money or security is available on the date set for payment or exchange, and the purchaser takes the security more than one year after that date; or
(2) is not covered by paragraph (1) and the purchaser takes the security more than two years after the date set for surrender or presentation or the date on which performance became due.
A restriction on transfer of a security imposed by the issuer, even if otherwise lawful, is ineffective against a person without knowledge of the restriction unless:
(1) the security is certificated and the restriction is noted conspicuously on the security certificate; or
(2) the security is uncertificated and the registered owner has been notified of the restriction.
An unauthorized signature placed on a security certificate before or in the course of issue is ineffective, but the signature is effective in favor of a purchaser for value of the certificated security if the purchaser is without notice of the lack of authority and the signing has been done by:
(1) an authenticating trustee, registrar, transfer agent or other person entrusted by the issuer with the signing of the security certificate or of similar security certificates or the immediate preparation for signing of any of them; or
(2) an employee of the issuer, or of any of the persons listed in paragraph (1), entrusted with responsible handling of the security certificate.
(a) Completion of security certificate.-- If a security certificate contains the signatures necessary to its issue or transfer but is incomplete in any other respect:
(1) any person may complete it by filling in the blanks as authorized; and
(2) even if the blanks are incorrectly filled in, the security certificate as completed is enforceable by a purchaser who took it for value and without notice of the incorrectness.
(b) Enforceability of improperly altered security certificate.-- A complete security certificate that has been improperly altered, even if fraudulently, remains enforceable, but only according to its original terms.
(a) General rule.-- Before due presentment for registration of transfer of a certificated security in registered form or of an instruction requesting registration of transfer of an uncertificated security, the issuer or indenture trustee may treat the registered owner as the person exclusively entitled to vote, receive notifications and otherwise exercise all the rights and powers of an owner.
(b) Liability of registered owner for calls, etc., unaffected.-- This division does not affect the liability of the registered owner of a security for a call, assessment or the like.
(a) General rule.-- A person signing a security certificate as authenticating trustee, registrar, transfer agent or the like warrants to a purchaser for value of the certificated security, if the purchaser is without notice of a particular defect, that:
(1) the certificate is genuine;
(2) the person's own participation in the issue of the security is within the person's capacity and within the scope of the authority received by the person from the issuer; and
(3) the person has reasonable grounds to believe that the certificated security is in the form and within the amount the issuer is authorized to issue.
(b) Limitation.-- Unless otherwise agreed, a person signing under subsection (a) does not assume responsibility for the validity of the security in other respects.
A lien in favor of an issuer upon a certificated security is valid against a purchaser only if the right of the issuer to the lien is noted conspicuously on the security certificate.
(a) Definition of "overissue".-- In this section, "overissue" means the issue of securities in excess of the amount the issuer has corporate power to issue, but an overissue does not occur if appropriate action has cured the overissue.
(b) Application of certain provisions limited in cases of overissue.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsections (c) and (d), the provisions of this division which validate a security or compel its issue or reissue do not apply to the extent that validation, issue or reissue would result in overissue.
(c) Purchase may be compelled.-- If an identical security not constituting an overissue is reasonably available for purchase, a person entitled to issue or validation may compel the issuer to purchase the security and deliver it if certificated or register its transfer if uncertificated, against surrender of any security certificate the person holds.
(d) Recovery of price paid plus interest.-- If a security is not reasonably available for purchase, a person entitled to issue or validation may recover from the issuer the price the person or the last purchaser for value paid for it with interest from the date of the person's demand.
(a) Delivery of certificated security.-- Delivery of a certificated security to a purchaser occurs when:
(1) the purchaser acquires possession of the security certificate;
(2) another person, other than a securities intermediary, either acquires possession of the security certificate on behalf of the purchaser or, having previously acquired possession of the certificate, acknowledges that it holds for the purchaser; or
(3) a securities intermediary acting on behalf of the purchaser acquires possession of the security certificate, only if the certificate is in registered form and is:
(i) registered in the name of the purchaser;
(ii) payable to the order of the purchaser; or
(iii) specially indorsed to the purchaser by an effective indorsement and has not been indorsed to the securities intermediary or in blank.
(b) Delivery of uncertificated security.-- Delivery of an uncertificated security to a purchaser occurs when:
(1) the issuer registers the purchaser as the registered owner, upon original issue or registration of transfer; or
(2) another person, other than a securities intermediary, either becomes the registered owner of the uncertificated security on behalf of the purchaser or, having previously become the registered owner, acknowledges that it holds for the purchaser.
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001)
(a) Rights acquired by purchaser.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (c), a purchaser of a certificated or uncertificated security acquires all rights in the security that the transferor had or had power to transfer.
(b) Rights acquired by purchaser of limited interest.-- A purchaser of a limited interest acquires rights only to the extent of the interest purchased.
(c) Limitation on rights acquired from protected purchaser.-- A purchaser of a certificated security who as a previous holder had notice of an adverse claim does not improve its position by taking from a protected purchaser.
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001)
(a) Definition of "protected purchaser".-- "Protected purchaser" means a purchaser of a certificated or uncertificated security or of an interest therein who:
(1) gives value;
(2) does not have notice of any adverse claim to the security; and
(3) obtains control of the certificated or uncertificated security.
(b) Rights acquired by protected purchaser.-- A protected purchaser also acquires its interest in the security free of any adverse claim.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Blank and special indorsement.-- An indorsement may be in blank or special. An indorsement in blank includes an indorsement to bearer. A special indorsement specifies to whom a security is to be transferred or who has power to transfer it. A holder may convert a blank indorsement to a special indorsement.
(b) Effect of partial indorsement.-- An indorsement purporting to be only of part of a security certificate representing units intended by the issuer to be separately transferable is effective to the extent of the indorsement.
(c) Effect of indorsement without delivery.-- An indorsement, whether special or in blank, does not constitute a transfer until delivery of the certificate on which it appears or, if the indorsement is on a separate document, until delivery of both the document and the certificate.
(d) Effect of delivery without indorsement; right to compel indorsement.-- If a security certificate in registered form has been delivered to a purchaser without a necessary indorsement, the purchaser may become a protected purchaser only when the indorsement is supplied. However, against a transferor, a transfer is complete upon delivery and the purchaser has a specifically enforceable right to have any necessary indorsement supplied.
(e) Indorsement of security certificate in bearer form.-- An indorsement of a security certificate in bearer form may give notice of an adverse claim to the certificate, but it does not otherwise affect a right to registration that the holder possesses.
(f) Indorser not a guarantor.-- Unless otherwise agreed, a person making an indorsement assumes only the obligations provided in section 8108 (relating to warranties in direct holding) and not an obligation that the security will be honored by the issuer.
(a) Instruction originated by appropriate person.-- If an instruction has been originated by an appropriate person but is incomplete in any other respect, any person may complete it as authorized and the issuer may rely on it as completed, even though it has been completed incorrectly.
(b) Person initiating instruction not a guarantor.-- Unless otherwise agreed, a person initiating an instruction assumes only the obligations imposed by section 8108 (relating to warranties in direct holding) and not an obligation that the security will be honored by the issuer.
(a) Warranties of signature guarantor.-- A person who guarantees a signature of an indorser of a security certificate warrants that at the time of signing:
(1) the signature was genuine;
(2) the signer was an appropriate person to indorse, or if the signature is by an agent, the agent had actual authority to act on behalf of the appropriate person; and
(3) the signer had legal capacity to sign.
(b) Warranties of person guaranteeing signature of originator of instruction.-- A person who guarantees a signature of the originator of an instruction warrants that at the time of signing:
(1) the signature was genuine;
(2) the signer was an appropriate person to originate the instruction or, if the signature is by an agent, the agent had actual authority to act on behalf of the appropriate person, if the person specified in the instruction as the registered owner was, in fact, the registered owner, as to which fact the signature guarantor does not make a warranty; and
(3) the signer had legal capacity to sign.
(c) Warranties of person specially guaranteeing signature of originator of instruction.-- A person who specially guarantees the signature of an originator of an instruction makes the warranties of a signature guarantor under subsection (b) and also warrants that at the time the instruction is presented to the issuer:
(1) the person specified in the instruction as the registered owner of the uncertificated security will be the registered owner; and
(2) the transfer of the uncertificated security requested in the instruction will be registered by the issuer free from all liens, security interests, restrictions and claims other than those specified in the instruction.
(d) Limitations on warranties.-- A guarantor under subsections (a) and (b) or a special guarantor under subsection (c) does not otherwise warrant the rightfulness of the transfer.
(e) Warranties of indorsement guarantor.-- A person who guarantees an indorsement of a security certificate makes the warranties of a signature guarantor under subsection (a) and also warrants the rightfulness of the transfer in all respects.
(f) Warranties of person guaranteeing instruction requesting transfer of uncertificated security.-- A person who guarantees an instruction requesting the transfer of an uncertificated security makes the warranties of a special signature guarantor under subsection (c) and also warrants the rightfulness of the transfer in all respects.
(g) Matters an issuer may not require.-- An issuer may not require a special guaranty of signature, a guaranty of indorsement or a guaranty of instruction as a condition to registration of transfer.
(h) Persons protected by warranties.-- The warranties under this section are made to a person taking or dealing with the security in reliance on the guaranty, and the guarantor is liable to the person for loss resulting from their breach. An indorser or originator of an instruction whose signature, indorsement or instruction has been guaranteed is liable to a guarantor for any loss suffered by the guarantor as a result of breach of the warranties of the guarantor.
Unless otherwise agreed, the transferor of a security on due demand shall supply the purchaser with proof of authority to transfer or with any other requisite necessary to obtain registration of the transfer of the security, but, if the transfer is not for value, a transferor need not comply unless the purchaser pays the necessary expenses. If the transferor fails within a reasonable time to comply with the demand, the purchaser may reject or rescind the transfer.
(a) General rule.-- If a certificated security in registered form is presented to an issuer with a request to register transfer or an instruction is presented to an issuer with a request to register transfer of an uncertificated security, the issuer shall register the transfer as requested if:
(1) under the terms of the security the person seeking registration of transfer is eligible to have the security registered in its name;
(2) the indorsement or instruction is made by the appropriate person or by an agent who has actual authority to act on behalf of the appropriate person;
(3) reasonable assurance is given that the indorsement or instruction is genuine and authorized (section 8402);
(4) any applicable law relating to the collection of taxes has been complied with;
(5) the transfer does not violate any restriction on transfer imposed by the issuer in accordance with section 8204 (relating to effect of issuer's restriction on transfer);
(6) a demand that the issuer not register transfer has not become effective under section 8403 (relating to demand that issuer not register transfer) or the issuer has complied with section 8403(b) but no legal process or indemnity bond is obtained as provided in section 8403(d); and
(7) the transfer is in fact rightful or is to a protected purchaser.
(b) Liability for failure or delay in registration.-- If an issuer is under a duty to register a transfer of a security, the issuer is liable to a person presenting a certificated security or an instruction for registration or to the person's principal for loss resulting from unreasonable delay in registration or failure or refusal to register the transfer.
(a) Assurances that issuer may require.-- An issuer may require the following assurance that each necessary indorsement or each instruction is genuine and authorized:
(1) in all cases, a guaranty of the signature of the person making an indorsement or originating an instruction, including, in the case of an instruction, reasonable assurance of identity;
(2) if the indorsement is made or the instruction is originated by an agent, appropriate assurance of actual authority to sign;
(3) if the indorsement is made or the instruction is originated by a fiduciary pursuant to section 8107(a)(4) or (5) (relating to whether indorsement, instruction or entitlement order is effective), appropriate evidence of appointment or incumbency;
(4) if there is more than one fiduciary, reasonable assurance that all who are required to sign have done so; and
(5) if the indorsement is made or the instruction is originated by a person not covered by another provision of this subsection, assurance appropriate to the case corresponding as nearly as may be to the provisions of this subsection.
(b) Additional assurances that issuer may require.-- An issuer may elect to require reasonable assurance beyond that specified in this section.
(c) Definitions.-- As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Appropriate evidence of appointment or incumbency."
(1) In the case of a fiduciary appointed or qualified by a court, a certificate issued by or under the direction or supervision of the court or an officer thereof and dated within 60 days before the date of presentation for transfer.
(2) In any other case, a copy of a document showing the appointment or a certificate issued by or on behalf of a person reasonably believed by an issuer to be responsible or, in the absence of that document or certificate, other evidence the issuer reasonably considers appropriate.
"Guaranty of the signature." A guaranty signed by or on behalf of a person reasonably believed by the issuer to be responsible. An issuer may adopt standards with respect to responsibility if they are not manifestly unreasonable.
(a) General rule.-- A person who is an appropriate person to make an indorsement or originate an instruction may demand that the issuer not register transfer of a security by communicating to the issuer a notification that identifies the registered owner and the issue of which the security is a part and provides an address for communications directed to the person making the demand. The demand is effective only if it is received by the issuer at a time and in a manner affording the issuer reasonable opportunity to act on it.
(b) Subsequent request to register transfer.-- If a certificated security in registered form is presented to an issuer with a request to register transfer or an instruction is presented to an issuer with a request to register transfer of an uncertificated security after a demand that the issuer not register transfer has become effective, the issuer shall promptly communicate to the person who initiated the demand at the address provided in the demand and the person who presented the security for registration of transfer or initiated the instruction requesting registration of transfer a notification stating that:
(1) the certificated security has been presented for registration of transfer or the instruction for registration of transfer of the uncertificated security has been received;
(2) a demand that the issuer not register transfer had previously been received; and
(3) the issuer will withhold registration of transfer for a period of time stated in the notification in order to provide the person who initiated the demand an opportunity to obtain legal process or an indemnity bond.
(c) Period of time registration can be withheld under subsection (b)(3).-- The period described in subsection (b)(3) may not exceed 30 days after the date of communication of the notification. A shorter period may be specified by the issuer if it is not manifestly unreasonable.
(d) Limitation on liability of issuer.-- An issuer is not liable to a person who initiated a demand that the issuer not register transfer for any loss the person suffers as a result of registration of a transfer pursuant to an effective indorsement or instruction if the person who initiated the demand does not, within the time stated in the issuer's communication, either:
(1) obtain an appropriate restraining order, injunction or other process from a court of competent jurisdiction enjoining the issuer from registering the transfer; or
(2) file with the issuer an indemnity bond, sufficient in the issuer's judgment to protect the issuer and any transfer agent, registrar or other agent of the issuer involved from any loss it or they may suffer by refusing to register the transfer.
(e) Liability for registering transfer pursuant to ineffective indorsement or instruction.-- This section does not relieve an issuer from liability for registering transfer pursuant to an indorsement or instruction that was not effective.
(a) General rule.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 8406 (relating to obligation to notify issuer of lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken security certificate), an issuer is liable for wrongful registration of transfer if the issuer has registered a transfer of a security to a person not entitled to it and the transfer was registered:
(1) pursuant to an ineffective indorsement or instruction;
(2) after a demand that the issuer not register transfer became effective under section 8403(a) (relating to demand that issuer not register transfer) and the issuer did not comply with section 8403(b);
(3) after the issuer had been served with an injunction, restraining order or other legal process enjoining it from registering the transfer, issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, and the issuer had a reasonable opportunity to act on the injunction, restraining order or other legal process; or
(4) by an issuer acting in collusion with the wrongdoer.
(b) Obligations of issuer.-- An issuer that is liable for wrongful registration of transfer under subsection (a) on demand shall provide the person entitled to the security with a like certificated or uncertificated security and any payments or distributions that the person did not receive as a result of the wrongful registration. If an overissue would result, the issuer's liability to provide the person with a like security is governed by section 8210 (relating to overissue).
(c) Registration pursuant to effective indorsement or instruction.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (a) or in a law relating to the collection of taxes, an issuer is not liable to an owner or other person suffering loss as a result of the registration of a transfer of a security if registration was made pursuant to an effective indorsement or instruction.
(a) When owner entitled to new security.-- If an owner of a certificated security, whether in registered or bearer form, claims that the certificate has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the issuer shall issue a new certificate if the owner:
(1) so requests before the issuer has notice that the certificate has been acquired by a protected purchaser;
(2) files with the issuer a sufficient indemnity bond; and
(3) satisfies other reasonable requirements imposed by the issuer.
(b) Rights and duties of issuer when original certificate presented for registration.-- If, after the issue of a new security certificate, a protected purchaser of the original certificate presents it for registration of transfer, the issuer shall register the transfer unless an overissue would result. In that case, the issuer's liability is governed by section 8210 (relating to overissue). In addition to any rights on the indemnity bond, an issuer may recover the new certificate from a person to whom it was issued or any person taking under that person, except a protected purchaser.
If a security certificate has been lost, apparently destroyed or wrongfully taken and the owner fails to notify the issuer of that fact within a reasonable time after the owner has notice of it and the issuer registers a transfer of the security before receiving notification, the owner may not assert against the issuer a claim for registering the transfer under section 8404 (relating to wrongful registration) or a claim to a new security certificate under section 8405 (relating to replacement of lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken security certificate).
A person acting as authenticating trustee, transfer agent, registrar or other agent for an issuer in the registration of a transfer of its securities, in the issue of new security certificates or uncertificated securities or in the cancellation of surrendered security certificates has the same obligation to the holder or owner of a certificated or uncertificated security with regard to the particular functions performed as the issuer has in regard to those functions.
(a) Definition of "securities account".-- "Securities account" means an account to which a financial asset is or may be credited in accordance with an agreement under which the person maintaining the account undertakes to treat the person for whom the account is maintained as entitled to exercise the rights that comprise the financial asset.
(b) Acquisition of securities entitlement.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsections (d) and (e), a person acquires a security entitlement if a securities intermediary:
(1) indicates by book entry that a financial asset has been credited to the person's securities account;
(2) receives a financial asset from the person or acquires a financial asset for the person and, in either case, accepts it for credit to the person's securities account; or
(3) becomes obligated under other law, regulation or rule to credit a financial asset to the person's securities account.
(c) Financial asset not held by securities intermediary.-- If a condition of subsection (b) has been met, a person has a security entitlement even though the securities intermediary does not itself hold the financial asset.
(d) Financial asset held by securities intermediary for another person.-- If a securities intermediary holds a financial asset for another person and the financial asset is registered in the name of, payable to the order of or specially indorsed to the other person and has not been indorsed to the securities intermediary or in blank, the other person is treated as holding the financial asset directly rather than as having a security entitlement with respect to the financial asset.
(e) Issuance of security.-- Issuance of a security is not establishment of a security entitlement.
An action based on an adverse claim to a financial asset, whether framed in conversion, replevin, constructive trust, equitable lien or other theory, may not be asserted against a person who acquires a security entitlement under section 8501 (relating to securities account; acquisition of security entitlement from securities intermediary) for value and without notice of the adverse claim.
(a) General rule.-- To the extent necessary for a securities intermediary to satisfy all security entitlements with respect to a particular financial asset, all interests in that financial asset held by the securities intermediary are held by the securities intermediary for the entitlement holders, are not property of the securities intermediary and are not subject to claims of creditors of the securities intermediary, except as otherwise provided in section 8511 (relating to priority among security interests and entitlement holders).
(b) Entitlement holder has pro rata property interest.-- An entitlement holder's property interest with respect to a particular financial asset under subsection (a) is a pro rata property interest in all interests in that financial asset held by the securities intermediary, without regard to the time the entitlement holder acquired the security entitlement or the time the securities intermediary acquired the interest in that financial asset.
(c) Enforceability of property interest against securities intermediary.-- An entitlement holder's property interest with respect to a particular financial asset under subsection (a) may be enforced against the securities intermediary only by exercise of the entitlement holder's rights under sections 8505 (relating to duty of securities intermediary with respect to payments and distributions) through 8508 (relating to duty of securities intermediary to change entitlement holder's position to other form of security holding).
(d) Enforcement of property interest against purchaser.-- An entitlement holder's property interest with respect to a particular financial asset under subsection (a) may be enforced against a purchaser of the financial asset or interest therein only if:
(1) insolvency proceedings have been initiated by or against the securities intermediary;
(2) the securities intermediary does not have sufficient interests in the financial asset to satisfy the security entitlements of all of its entitlement holders to that financial asset;
(3) the securities intermediary violated its obligations under section 8504 (relating to duty of securities intermediary to maintain financial asset) by transferring the financial asset or interest therein to the purchaser; and
(4) the purchaser is not protected under subsection (e).
The trustee or other liquidator, acting on behalf of all entitlement holders having security entitlements with respect to a particular financial asset, may recover the financial asset or interest therein from the purchaser. If the trustee or other liquidator elects not to pursue that right, an entitlement holder whose security entitlement remains unsatisfied has the right to recover its interest in the financial asset from the purchaser.
(e) Limitation on actions based on entitlement holder's property interest.-- An action based on the entitlement holder's property interest with respect to a particular financial asset under subsection (a), whether framed in conversion, replevin, constructive trust, equitable lien or other theory, may not be asserted against any purchaser of a financial asset or interest therein who gives value, obtains control and does not act in collusion with the securities intermediary in violating the securities intermediary's obligations under section 8504.
(a) General rule.-- A securities intermediary shall promptly obtain and thereafter maintain a financial asset in a quantity corresponding to the aggregate of all security entitlements it has established in favor of its entitlement holders with respect to that financial asset. The securities intermediary may maintain those financial assets directly or through one or more other securities intermediaries.
(b) Grant of security interest in financial asset.-- Except to the extent otherwise agreed by its entitlement holder, a securities intermediary may not grant any security interests in a financial asset it is obligated to maintain pursuant to subsection (a).
(c) Satisfaction of duty under subsection (a).-- A securities intermediary satisfies the duty in subsection (a) if:
(1) the securities intermediary acts with respect to the duty as agreed upon by the entitlement holder and the securities intermediary; or
(2) in the absence of agreement, the securities intermediary exercises due care in accordance with reasonable commercial standards to obtain and maintain the financial asset.
(d) Application to clearing corporations.-- This section does not apply to a clearing corporation that is itself the obligor of an option or similar obligation to which its entitlement holders have security entitlements.
(a) Duty of securities intermediary to obtain payment or distribution.-- A securities intermediary shall take action to obtain a payment or distribution made by the issuer of a financial asset. A securities intermediary satisfies the duty if:
(1) the securities intermediary acts with respect to the duty as agreed upon by the entitlement holder and the securities intermediary; or
(2) in the absence of agreement, the securities intermediary exercises due care in accordance with reasonable commercial standards to attempt to obtain the payment or distribution.
(b) Obligation of securities intermediary to entitlement holder.-- A securities intermediary is obligated to its entitlement holder for a payment or distribution made by the issuer of a financial asset if the payment or distribution is received by the securities intermediary.
A securities intermediary shall exercise rights with respect to a financial asset if directed to do so by an entitlement holder. A securities intermediary satisfies the duty if:
(1) the securities intermediary acts with respect to the duty as agreed upon by the entitlement holder and the securities intermediary; or
(2) in the absence of agreement, the securities intermediary either places the entitlement holder in a position to exercise the rights directly or exercises due care in accordance with reasonable commercial standards to follow the direction of the entitlement holder.
(a) General rule.-- A securities intermediary shall comply with an entitlement order if the entitlement order is originated by the appropriate person, the securities intermediary has had reasonable opportunity to assure itself that the entitlement order is genuine and authorized and the securities intermediary has had reasonable opportunity to comply with the entitlement order. A securities intermediary satisfies the duty if:
(1) the securities intermediary acts with respect to the duty as agreed upon by the entitlement holder and the securities intermediary; or
(2) in the absence of agreement, the securities intermediary exercises due care in accordance with reasonable commercial standards to comply with the entitlement order.
(b) Transfer pursuant to ineffective entitlement order.-- If a securities intermediary transfers a financial asset pursuant to an ineffective entitlement order, the securities intermediary shall reestablish a security entitlement in favor of the person entitled to it and pay or credit any payments or distributions that the person did not receive as a result of the wrongful transfer. If the securities intermediary does not reestablish a security entitlement, the securities intermediary is liable to the entitlement holder for damages.
A securities intermediary shall act at the direction of an entitlement holder to change a security entitlement into another available form of holding for which the entitlement holder is eligible or to cause the financial asset to be transferred to a securities account of the entitlement holder with another securities intermediary. A securities intermediary satisfies the duty if:
(1) the securities intermediary acts as agreed upon by the entitlement holder and the securities intermediary; or
(2) in the absence of agreement, the securities intermediary exercises due care in accordance with reasonable commercial standards to follow the direction of the entitlement holder.
(a) Compliance with statute, etc., satisfies duty.-- If the substance of a duty imposed upon a securities intermediary by sections 8504 (relating to duty of securities intermediary to maintain financial asset) through 8508 (relating to duty of securities intermediary to change entitlement holder's position to other form of security holding) is the subject of another statute, regulation or rule, compliance with that statute, regulation or rule satisfies the duty.
(b) When standards not specified in statute, etc.-- To the extent that specific standards for the performance of the duties of a securities intermediary or the exercise of the rights of an entitlement holder are not specified by other statute, regulation or rule or by agreement between the securities intermediary and entitlement holder, the securities intermediary shall perform its duties and the entitlement holder shall exercise its rights in a commercially reasonable manner.
(c) Limitations on obligations of securities intermediary.-- The obligation of a securities intermediary to perform the duties imposed by sections 8504 through 8508 is subject to:
(1) rights of the securities intermediary arising out of a security interest under a security agreement with the entitlement holder or otherwise; and
(2) rights of the securities intermediary under other law, regulation, rule or agreement to withhold performance of its duties as a result of unfulfilled obligations of the entitlement holder to the securities intermediary.
(d) When action prohibited by statute, etc.-- Sections 8504 through 8508 do not require a securities intermediary to take any action that is prohibited by other statute, regulation or rule.
(a) Action based on adverse claim to financial asset or security entitlement.-- In a case not covered by the priority rules in Division 9 (relating to secured transactions) or the rules stated in subsection (c), an action based on an adverse claim to a financial asset or security entitlement, whether framed in conversion, replevin, constructive trust, equitable lien or other theory, may not be asserted against a person who purchases a security entitlement, or an interest therein, from an entitlement holder if the purchaser gives value, does not have notice of the adverse claim and obtains control.
(b) When adverse claim cannot be asserted.-- If an adverse claim could not have been asserted against an entitlement holder under section 8502 (relating to assertion of adverse claim against entitlement holder), the adverse claim cannot be asserted against a person who purchases a security entitlement, or an interest therein, from the entitlement holder.
(c) Rules of priority.-- In a case not covered by the priority rules in Division 9, a purchaser for value of a security entitlement, or an interest therein, who obtains control has priority over a purchaser of a security entitlement, or an interest therein, who does not obtain control. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), purchasers who have control rank according to priority in time of:
(1) the purchaser's becoming the person for whom the securities account, in which the security entitlement is carried, is maintained if the purchaser obtained control under section 8106(d)(1) (relating to control);
(2) the securities intermediary's agreement to comply with the purchaser's entitlement orders with respect to security entitlements carried or to be carried in the securities account in which the security entitlement is carried if the purchaser obtained control under section 8106(d)(2); or
(3) if the purchaser obtained control through another person under section 8106(d)(3), the time on which priority would be based under this subsection if the other person were the secured party.
(d) Securities intermediary.-- A securities intermediary as purchaser has priority over a conflicting purchaser who has control unless otherwise agreed by the securities intermediary.
(June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001)
(a) General rule.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (c), if a securities intermediary does not have sufficient interests in a particular financial asset to satisfy both its obligations to entitlement holders who have security entitlements to that financial asset and its obligation to a creditor of the securities intermediary who has a security interest in that financial asset, the claims of entitlement holders other than the creditor have priority over the claim of the creditor.
(b) When creditor of securities intermediary has control over financial asset.-- A claim of a creditor of a securities intermediary who has a security interest in a financial asset held by a securities intermediary has priority over claims of the securities intermediary's entitlement holders who have security entitlements with respect to that financial asset if the creditor has control over the financial asset.
(c) Clearing corporations.-- If a clearing corporation does not have sufficient financial assets to satisfy both its obligations to entitlement holders who have security entitlements with respect to a financial asset and its obligation to a creditor of the clearing corporation who has a security interest in that financial asset, the claim of the creditor has priority over the claims of entitlement holders.
This division shall be known and may be cited as the Uniform Commercial Code, Division 9, Secured Transactions.
(a) Division 9 definitions.-- The following words and phrases when used in this division shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Accession." Goods which are physically united with other goods in such a manner that the identity of the original goods is not lost.
"Account."
(1) Except as used in "account for," "account statement," "account to," "commodity account," "customer's account," "deposit account," "on account of" and "statement of account," a right to payment of a monetary obligation, whether or not earned by performance:
(i) for property which has been or is to be sold, leased, licensed, assigned or otherwise disposed of;
(ii) for services rendered or to be rendered;
(iii) for a policy of insurance issued or to be issued;
(iv) for a secondary obligation incurred or to be incurred;
(v) for energy provided or to be provided;
(vi) for the use or hire of a vessel under a charter or other contract;
(vii) arising out of the use of a credit or charge card or information contained on or for use with the card; or
(viii) as winnings in a lottery or other game of chance operated or sponsored by a state, governmental unit of a state or person licensed or authorized to operate the game by a state or governmental unit of a state.
(2) The term includes controllable accounts and health-care-insurance receivables.
(3) The term does not include:
(i) chattel paper;
(ii) commercial tort claims;
(iii) deposit accounts;
(iv) investment property;
(v) letter-of-credit right or letters of credit;
(vi) rights to payment for money or funds advanced or sold, other than rights arising out of the use of a credit or charge card or information contained on or for use with the card; or
(vii) rights to payment evidenced by an instrument.
"Account debtor." A person obligated on an account, chattel paper or general intangible. The term does not include persons obligated to pay a negotiable instrument even if the negotiable instrument evidences chattel paper.
"Accounting." Except as used in "accounting for," a record:
(1) signed by a secured party;
(2) indicating the aggregate unpaid secured obligations as of a date not more than 35 days earlier or 35 days later than the date of the record; and
(3) identifying the components of the obligations in reasonable detail.
"Agricultural lien." An interest in farm products:
(1) which secures payment or performance of an obligation for:
(i) goods or services furnished in connection with a debtor's farming operation; or
(ii) rent on real property leased by a debtor in connection with its farming operation;
(2) which is created by statute in favor of a person that:
(i) in the ordinary course of its business furnished goods or services to a debtor in connection with a debtor's farming operation; or
(ii) leased real property to a debtor in connection with the debtor's farming operation; and
(3) whose effectiveness does not depend on the person's possession of the personal property.
"As-extracted collateral." Any of the following:
(1) Oil, gas or other minerals which are subject to a security interest which:
(i) is created by a debtor having an interest in the minerals before extraction; and
(ii) attaches to the minerals as extracted.
(2) Accounts arising out of the sale at the wellhead or minehead of oil, gas or other minerals in which the debtor had an interest before extraction.
"Assignee." Except as used in "assignee for benefit of creditors," a person:
(1) in whose favor a security interest that secures an obligation is created or provided for under a security agreement, whether or not the obligation is outstanding; or
(2) to which an account, chattel paper, payment intangible or promissory note has been sold.
The term includes a person to which a security interest has been transferred by a secured party.
"Assignor." A person that:
(1) under a security agreement creates or provides for a security interest that secures an obligation; or
(2) sells an account, chattel paper, payment intangible or promissory note.
The term includes a secured party that has transferred a security interest to another person.
"Authenticate." (Deleted by amendment).
"Bank." An organization which is engaged in the business of banking. The term includes any savings bank, savings and loan association, credit union or trust company.
"Cash proceeds." Proceeds which are money, checks, deposit accounts or the like.
"Certificate of title." A certificate of title with respect to which a statute provides for the security interest in question to be indicated on the certificate as a condition or result of the security interest's obtaining priority over the rights of a lien creditor with respect to the collateral. The term includes another record maintained as an alternative to a certificate of title by the governmental unit that issues certificates of title if a statute permits the security interest in question to be indicated on the record as a condition or result of the security interest's obtaining priority over the rights of a lien creditor with respect to the collateral.
"Chattel paper." Either:
(1) a right to payment of a monetary obligation secured by specific goods, if the right to payment and security agreement are evidenced by a record; or
(2) a right to payment of a monetary obligation owed by a lessee under a lease agreement with respect to specific goods and a monetary obligation owed by the lessee in connection with the transaction giving rise to the lease, if:
(i) the right to payment and lease agreement are evidenced by a record; and
(ii) the predominant purpose of the transaction giving rise to the lease was to give the lessee the right to possession and use of the goods.
The term does not include a right to payment arising out of a charter or other contract involving the use or hire of a vessel or a right to payment arising out of the use of a credit or charge card or information contained on or for use with the card.
"Collateral." The property subject to a security interest or agricultural lien. The term includes:
(1) proceeds to which a security interest attaches;
(2) accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles and promissory notes which have been sold; and
(3) goods which are the subject of a consignment.
"Commercial tort claim." A claim arising in tort with respect to which:
(1) the claimant is an organization; or
(2) the claimant is an individual and the claim:
(i) arose in the course of the claimant's business or profession; and
(ii) does not include damages arising out of personal injury to or the death of an individual.
"Commodity account." An account maintained by a commodity intermediary in which a commodity contract is carried for a commodity customer.
"Commodity contract." A commodity futures contract, an option on a commodity futures contract, a commodity option or another contract if the contract or option is:
(1) traded on or subject to the rules of a board of trade which has been designated as a contract market for such a contract pursuant to Federal commodities laws; or
(2) traded on a foreign commodity board of trade, exchange or market and carried on the books of a commodity intermediary for a commodity customer.
"Commodity customer." A person for whom or which a commodity intermediary carries a commodity contract on its books.
"Commodity intermediary." A person that:
(1) is registered as a futures commission merchant under Federal commodities law; or
(2) in the ordinary course of its business provides clearance or settlement services for a board of trade which has been designated as a contract market pursuant to Federal commodities law.
"Communicate." Any of the following:
(1) To send a written or other tangible record.
(2) To transmit a record by any means agreed upon by the persons sending and receiving the record.
(3) In the case of transmission of a record to or by a filing office, to transmit a record by any means prescribed by filing-office rule.
"Consignee." A merchant to whom or which goods are delivered in a consignment.
"Consignment." A transaction, regardless of its form, in which a person delivers goods to a merchant for the purpose of sale and all of the following apply:
(1) The merchant:
(i) deals in goods of that kind under a name other than the name of the person making delivery;
(ii) is not an auctioneer; and
(iii) is not generally known by its creditors to be substantially engaged in selling the goods of others.
(2) With respect to each delivery, the aggregate value of the goods is $1,000 or more at the time of delivery.
(3) The goods are not consumer goods immediately before delivery.
(4) The transaction does not create a security interest which secures an obligation.
"Consignor." A person that delivers goods to a consignee in a consignment.
"Consumer debtor." A debtor in a consumer transaction.
"Consumer goods." Goods which are used or bought for use primarily for personal, family or household purposes.
"Consumer-goods transaction." A consumer transaction in which:
(1) an individual incurs an obligation primarily for personal, family or household purposes; and
(2) a security interest in consumer goods secures the obligation.
"Consumer obligor." An obligor who:
(1) is an individual; and
(2) incurred the obligation as part of a transaction entered into primarily for personal, family or household purposes.
"Consumer transaction." A transaction in which:
(1) an individual incurs an obligation primarily for personal, family or household purposes;
(2) a security interest secures the obligation; and
(3) the collateral is held or acquired primarily for personal, family or household purposes.
The term includes consumer-goods transactions.
"Continuation statement." An amendment of a financing statement which:
(1) identifies, by its file number, the initial financing statement to which it relates; and
(2) indicates that it is a continuation statement for, or that it is filed to continue the effectiveness of, the identified financing statement.
"Controllable account." An account evidenced by a controllable electronic record that provides that the account debtor undertakes to pay the person that has control under section 12105 (relating to control of controllable electronic record) of the controllable electronic record.
"Controllable payment intangible." A payment intangible evidenced by a controllable electronic record that provides that the account debtor undertakes to pay the person that has control under section 12105 of the controllable electronic record.
"Debtor." A:
(1) person having an interest, other than a security interest or other lien, in the collateral, whether or not the person is an obligor;
(2) seller of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles or promissory notes; or
(3) consignee.
"Deposit account." A demand, time, savings, passbook or similar account maintained with a bank. The term does not include investment property or accounts evidenced by an instrument.
"Document." A document of title or a receipt of the type described in section 7201(b) (relating to person that may issue a warehouse receipt; storage under bond).
"Electronic chattel paper." (Deleted by amendment).
"Encumbrance." A right, other than an ownership interest, in real property. The term includes a mortgage and any other lien on real property.
"Equipment." Goods other than inventory, farm products or consumer goods.
"Farm products." Goods, other than standing timber, with respect to which the debtor is engaged in a farming operation and which are any of the following:
(1) Crops grown, growing or to be grown, including:
(i) crops produced on trees, vines and bushes; and
(ii) aquatic goods produced in aquacultural operations.
(2) Livestock, born or unborn, including aquatic goods produced in aquacultural operations.
(3) Supplies used or produced in a farming operation.
(4) Products of crops or livestock in their unmanufactured states.
"Farming operation." Raising, cultivating, propagating, fattening or grazing or any other farming, livestock or aquacultural operation.
"File number." The number assigned to an initial financing statement pursuant to section 9519(a) (relating to filing office duties).
"Filing office." An office designated in section 9501 (relating to filing office) as the place to file a financing statement.
"Filing-office rule." A rule adopted pursuant to section 9526 (relating to filing-office rules).
"Financing statement." A record or records composed of an initial financing statement and any filed record relating to the initial financing statement.
"Fixture filing." The filing of a financing statement:
(1) covering goods which are, or are to become, fixtures; and
(2) satisfying section 9502(a) (relating to sufficiency of financing statement) and (b) (relating to real-property-related financing statements).
The term includes the filing of a financing statement covering goods of a transmitting utility which are, or are to become, fixtures.
"Fixtures." Goods which have become so related to particular real property that an interest in them arises under real property law.
"General intangible." Any personal property, including things in action, other than accounts, chattel paper, commercial tort claims, deposit accounts, documents, goods, instruments, investment property, letter-of-credit rights, letters of credit, money and oil, gas or other minerals before extraction. The term includes controllable electronic records, payment intangibles and software.
"Good faith." (Deleted by amendment).
"Goods." All things which are movable when a security interest attaches.
(1) The term includes all of the following:
(i) Fixtures.
(ii) Standing timber which is to be cut and removed under a conveyance or contract for sale.
(iii) The unborn young of animals.
(iv) Crops grown, growing or to be grown, even if the crops are produced on trees, vines or bushes.
(v) Manufactured homes.
(vi) A computer program embedded in goods and any supporting information provided in connection with a transaction relating to the program if:
(A) the program is associated with the goods in such a manner that it customarily is considered part of the goods; or
(B) by becoming the owner of the goods, a person acquires a right to use the program in connection with the goods.
The term does not include a computer program embedded in goods which consist solely of the medium in which the program is embedded.
(2) The term does not include accounts, chattel paper, commercial tort claims, deposit accounts, documents, general intangibles, instruments, investment property, letter-of-credit rights, letters of credit, money or oil, gas or other minerals before extraction.
"Governmental unit." A subdivision, agency, department, county, parish, municipality or other unit of the government of the United States, a state or a foreign country. The term includes an organization having a separate corporate existence if the organization is eligible to issue debt on which interest is exempt from income taxation under the laws of the United States.
"Health-care-insurance receivable." An interest in or claim under a policy of insurance which is a right to payment of a monetary obligation for health-care goods or services provided or to be provided.
"Instrument." A negotiable instrument or any other writing which evidences a right to the payment of a monetary obligation, is not itself a security agreement or lease and is of a type which in ordinary course of business is transferred by delivery with any necessary indorsement or assignment. The term does not include:
(1) investment property;
(2) letters of credit;
(3) writings which evidence a right to payment arising out of the use of a credit or charge card or information contained on or for use with the card; or
(4) writings that evidence chattel paper.
"Inventory." Goods, other than farm products, which:
(1) are leased by a person as lessor;
(2) are held by a person for sale or lease or to be furnished under a contract of service;
(3) are furnished by a person under a contract of service; or
(4) consist of raw materials, work in process or materials used or consumed in a business.
"Investment property." A security whether certificated or uncertificated, security entitlement, securities account, commodity contract or commodity account.
"Jurisdiction of organization." With respect to a registered organization, the jurisdiction under whose law the organization is formed or organized.
"Letter-of-credit right." A right to payment or performance under a letter of credit, whether or not the beneficiary has demanded or is at the time entitled to demand payment or performance. The term does not include the right of a beneficiary to demand payment or performance under a letter of credit.
"Lien creditor." Any of the following:
(1) A creditor that has acquired a lien on the property involved by attachment, levy or the like.
(2) An assignee for benefit of creditors from the time of assignment.
(3) A trustee in bankruptcy from the date of the filing of the petition.
(4) A receiver in equity from the time of appointment.
"Manufactured home." A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight body feet or more in width or 40 body feet or more in length, or, when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. The term includes any structure that meets all of the requirements of this paragraph except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification required by the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and complies with the standards established under 42 U.S.C. (relating to public health and welfare).
"Manufactured-home transaction." A secured transaction:
(1) which creates a purchase-money security interest in a manufactured home, other than a manufactured home held as inventory; or
(2) in which a manufactured home, other than a manufactured home held as inventory, is the primary collateral.
"Money." Has the meaning in section 1201(b)(24) (relating to general definitions), but does not include a deposit account.
"Mortgage." A consensual interest in real property, including fixtures, which secures payment or performance of an obligation.
"New debtor." A person that becomes bound as debtor under section 9203(d) (relating to when person becomes bound by another person's security agreement) by a security agreement previously entered into by another person.
"New value." Any of the following:
(1) Money.
(2) Money's worth in property, services or new credit.
(3) Release by a transferee of an interest in property previously transferred to the transferee.
The term does not include an obligation substituted for another obligation.
"Noncash proceeds." Proceeds other than cash proceeds.
"Obligor." A person that, with respect to an obligation secured by a security interest in or an agricultural lien on the collateral:
(1) owes payment or other performance of the obligation;
(2) has provided property other than the collateral to secure payment or other performance of the obligation; or
(3) is otherwise accountable in whole or in part for payment or other performance of the obligation.
The term does not include any issuer or nominated person under a letter of credit.
"Original debtor." Except as used in section 9310(c) (relating to assignment of perfected security interest), a person that, as debtor, entered into a security agreement to which a new debtor has become bound under section 9203(d) (relating to when person becomes bound by another person's security agreement).
"Payment intangible." A general intangible under which the account debtor's principal obligation is a monetary obligation. The term includes a controllable payment intangible.
"Person related to." One of the following:
(1) With respect to an individual:
(i) the spouse of the individual;
(ii) a brother, brother-in-law, sister or sister-in-law of the individual;
(iii) an ancestor or lineal descendant of the individual or the individual's spouse; or
(iv) any other relative, by blood or marriage, of the individual or the individual's spouse, who shares the same home with the individual.
(2) With respect to an organization:
(i) a person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the organization;
(ii) an officer or director of or a person performing similar functions with respect to the organization;
(iii) an officer or director of or a person performing similar functions with respect to a person described in subparagraph (i);
(iv) the spouse of an individual described in subparagraph (i), (ii) or (iii); or
(v) an individual related by blood or marriage to an individual described in subparagraph (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) who shares the same home with the individual.
"Proceeds." Except as used in section 9609(b) (relating to secured party's right to take possession after default), the following property:
(1) Whatever is acquired upon the sale, lease, license, exchange or other disposition of collateral.
(2) Whatever is collected on or distributed on account of collateral.
(3) Rights arising out of collateral.
(4) To the extent of the value of collateral, claims arising out of:
(i) loss of the collateral;
(ii) nonconformity of the collateral;
(iii) interference with the use of the collateral;
(iv) defects in the collateral;
(v) infringement of rights in the collateral; or
(vi) damage to the collateral.
(5) To the extent of the value of collateral and to the extent payable to the debtor or the secured party, insurance payable by reason of:
(i) loss of the collateral;
(ii) nonconformity of the collateral;
(iii) defects in the collateral;
(iv) infringement of rights in the collateral; or
(v) damage to the collateral.
"Promissory note." An instrument which:
(1) evidences a promise to pay a monetary obligation;
(2) does not evidence an order to pay; and
(3) does not contain an acknowledgment by a bank that the bank has received for deposit a sum of money or funds.
"Proposal." A record signed by a secured party which includes the terms on which the secured party is willing to accept collateral in full or partial satisfaction of the obligation it secures under sections 9620 (relating to acceptance of collateral in full or partial satisfaction of obligation; compulsory disposition of collateral), 9621 (relating to notification of proposal to accept collateral) and 9622 (relating to effect of acceptance of collateral).
"Public organic record." A record that is available to the public for inspection and is:
(1) a record consisting of the record initially filed with or issued by a state or the United States to form or organize an organization and any record filed with or issued by the state or the United States which amends or restates the initial record;
(2) an organic record of a business trust consisting of the record initially filed with a state and any record filed with the state which amends or restates the initial record, if a statute of the state governing business trusts requires that the record be filed with the state; or
(3) a record consisting of legislation enacted by the legislature of a state or the Congress of the United States which forms or organizes an organization, any record amending the legislation and any record filed with or issued by the state or the United States which amends or restates the name of the organization.
"Public-finance transaction." A secured transaction in connection with which all of the following apply:
(1) Debt securities are issued.
(2) All or a portion of the securities issued have an initial stated maturity of at least 20 years.
(3) Any of the following is a state or a governmental unit of a state:
(i) The debtor.
(ii) The obligor.
(iii) The secured party.
(iv) The account debtor or other person obligated on collateral.
(v) The assignor or assignee of a secured obligation.
(vi) The assignor or assignee of a security interest.
"Pursuant to commitment." With respect to an advance made or other value given by a secured party, pursuant to the secured party's obligation, whether or not a subsequent event of default or other event not within the secured party's control has relieved or may relieve the secured party from its obligation.
"Record." Except as used in "for record," "of record," "record or legal title" or "record owner," either of the following:
(1) Information which is inscribed on a tangible medium.
(2) Information which is:
(i) stored in an electronic or other medium; and
(ii) retrievable in perceivable form.
"Registered organization." An organization formed or organized solely under the law of a single state or the United States by the filing of a public organic record, with the issuance of a public organic record by or the enactment of legislation by the state or the United States. The term includes a business trust that is formed or organized under the law of a single state if a statute of the state governing business trusts requires that a business trust's organic record be filed with the state.
"Secondary obligor." An obligor to the extent that:
(1) the obligor's obligation is secondary; or
(2) the obligor has a right of recourse with respect to an obligation secured by collateral against the debtor or another obligor or property of either.
"Secured party." Any of the following:
(1) A person in whose favor a security interest is created or provided for under a security agreement, whether or not any obligation to be secured is outstanding.
(2) A person that holds an agricultural lien.
(3) A consignor.
(4) A person to whom or which accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles or promissory notes have been sold.
(5) A trustee, indenture trustee, agent, collateral agent or other representative in whose favor a security interest or agricultural lien is created or provided for.
(6) A person that holds a security interest arising under section 2401 (relating to passing of title; reservation for security; limited application of section), 2505 (relating to shipment by seller under reservation), 2711(c) (relating to security interest of buyer in rejected goods), 2A508(e) (relating to security interest in goods in lessee's possession), 4210 (relating to security interest of collecting bank in items, accompanying documents and proceeds) or 5118 (relating to security interest of issuer or nominated person).
"Security agreement." An agreement which creates or provides for a security interest.
"Send." (Deleted by amendment).
"Software." A computer program and any supporting information provided in connection with a transaction relating to the program. The term does not include a computer program which is included in the definition of goods.
"State." A state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
"Supporting obligation." A letter-of-credit right or secondary obligation which supports the payment or performance of an account, chattel paper, a document, a general intangible, an instrument or investment property.
"Tangible chattel paper." (Deleted by amendment).
"Termination statement." An amendment of a financing statement which:
(1) identifies, by its file number, the initial financing statement to which it relates; and
(2) indicates either that it is a termination statement or that the identified financing statement is no longer effective.
"Transmitting utility." A person primarily engaged in the business of:
(1) operating a railroad, subway, street railway or trolley bus;
(2) transmitting communications electrically, electromagnetically or by light;
(3) transmitting goods by pipeline or sewer; or
(4) transmitting or producing and transmitting electricity, steam, gas or water.
(b) Definitions in other divisions.-- The following definitions in other divisions apply to this division:
"Applicant." Section 5102.
"Beneficiary." Section 5102.
"Broker." Section 8102.
"Certificated security." Section 8102.
"Check." Section 3104.
"Clearing corporation." Section 8102.
"Contract for sale." Section 2106.
"Control." With respect to a document of title, section 7106.
"Controllable electronic record." Section 12102.
"Customer." Section 4104.
"Entitlement holder." Section 8102.
"Financial asset." Section 8102.
"Holder in due course." Section 3302.
"Issuer." With respect to a letter of credit or letter-of-credit right, section 5102.
"Issuer." With respect to a document of title, section 7102.
"Issuer." With respect to a security, section 8201.
"Lease." Section 2A103.
"Lease agreement." Section 2A103.
"Lease contract." Section 2A103.
"Leasehold interest." Section 2A103.
"Lessee." Section 2A103.
"Lessee in ordinary course of business." Section 2A103.
"Lessor." Section 2A103.
"Lessor's residual interest." Section 2A103.
"Letter of credit." Section 5102.
"Merchant." Section 2104.
"Negotiable instrument." Section 3104.
"Nominated person." Section 5102.
"Note." Section 3104.
"Proceeds of a letter of credit." Section 5114.
"Protected purchaser." Section 8303.
"Prove." Section 3103.
"Qualifying purchaser." Section 12102.
"Sale." Section 2106.
"Securities account." Section 8501.
"Securities intermediary." Section 8102.
"Security." Section 8102.
"Security certificate." Section 8102.
"Security entitlement." Section 8102.
"Uncertificated security." Section 8102.
(c) Division 1 definitions and principles.-- Division 1 (relating to general provisions) contains general definitions and principles of construction and interpretation applicable throughout this division.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days; June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Definitions.-- As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Purchase-money collateral." Goods or software which secures a purchase-money obligation incurred with respect to that collateral.
"Purchase-money obligation." An obligation of an obligor incurred as all or part of the price of the collateral or for value given to enable the debtor to acquire rights in or the use of the collateral if the value is in fact so used.
(b) Purchase-money security interest in goods.-- A security interest in goods is a purchase-money security interest:
(1) to the extent that the goods are purchase-money collateral with respect to that security interest;
(2) if the security interest is in inventory which is or was purchase-money collateral, also to the extent that the security interest secures a purchase-money obligation incurred with respect to other inventory in which the secured party holds or held a purchase-money security interest; and
(3) also to the extent that the security interest secures a purchase-money obligation incurred with respect to software in which the secured party holds or held a purchase-money security interest.
(c) Purchase-money security interest in software.-- A security interest in software is a purchase-money security interest to the extent that the security interest also secures a purchase-money obligation incurred with respect to goods in which the secured party holds or held a purchase-money security interest if:
(1) the debtor acquired its interest in the software in an integrated transaction in which it acquired an interest in the goods; and
(2) the debtor acquired its interest in the software for the principal purpose of using the software in the goods.
(d) Consignor's inventory purchase-money security interest.-- The security interest of a consignor in goods which are the subject of a consignment is a purchase-money security interest in inventory.
(e) Application of payment in nonconsumer-goods transaction.-- In a transaction other than a consumer-goods transaction, if the extent to which a security interest is a purchase-money security interest depends on the application of a payment to a particular obligation, the payment must be applied:
(1) in accordance with any reasonable method of application to which the parties agree;
(2) in the absence of the parties' agreement to a reasonable method, in accordance with any intention of the obligor manifested at or before the time of payment; or
(3) in the absence of an agreement to a reasonable method and a timely manifestation of the obligor's intention, in the following order:
(i) to obligations which are not secured; and
(ii) if more than one obligation is secured, to obligations secured by purchase-money security interests in the order in which those obligations were incurred.
(f) No loss of status of purchase-money security interest in nonconsumer-goods transaction.-- In a transaction other than a consumer-goods transaction, a purchase-money security interest does not lose its status as such even if:
(1) the purchase-money collateral also secures an obligation which is not a purchase-money obligation;
(2) collateral which is not purchase-money collateral also secures the purchase-money obligation; or
(3) the purchase-money obligation has been renewed, refinanced, consolidated or restructured.
(g) Burden of proof in nonconsumer-goods transaction.-- In a transaction other than a consumer-goods transaction, a secured party claiming a purchase-money security interest has the burden of establishing the extent to which the security interest is a purchase-money security interest.
(h) Nonconsumer-goods transactions; no inference.-- The limitation of the rules in subsections (e), (f) and (g) to transactions other than consumer-goods transactions is intended to leave to the court the determination of the proper rules in consumer-goods transactions. The court may not infer from that limitation the nature of the proper rule in consumer-goods transactions and may continue to apply established approaches.
(a) Requirements for control.-- A secured party has control of a deposit account if:
(1) the secured party is the bank with which the deposit account is maintained;
(2) the debtor, secured party and bank have agreed in a signed record that the bank will comply with instructions originated by the secured party directing disposition of the funds in the deposit account without further consent by the debtor;
(3) the secured party becomes the bank's customer with respect to the deposit account; or
(4) another person, other than the debtor:
(i) has control of the deposit account and acknowledges that it has control on behalf of the secured party; or
(ii) obtains control of the deposit account after having acknowledged that it will obtain control of the deposit account on behalf of the secured party.
(b) Debtor's right to direct disposition.-- A secured party that has satisfied subsection (a) has control, even if the debtor retains the right to direct the disposition of funds from the deposit account.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule; control of electronic copy of record evidencing chattel paper.-- A purchaser has control of an authoritative electronic copy of a record evidencing chattel paper if a system employed for evidencing the assignment of interests in the chattel paper reliably establishes the purchaser as the person to which the authoritative electronic copy was assigned.
(b) Single authoritative copy.-- A system satisfies subsection (a) if the record or records evidencing the chattel paper are created, stored and assigned in a manner that:
(1) a single authoritative copy of the record or records exists which is unique, identifiable and, except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (4), (5) and (6), unalterable;
(2) the authoritative copy identifies the purchaser as the assignee of the record or records;
(3) the authoritative copy is communicated to and maintained by the purchaser or its designated custodian;
(4) copies or amendments which add or change an identified assignee of the authoritative copy can be made only with the consent of the purchaser;
(5) each copy of the authoritative copy and any copy of a copy is readily identifiable as a copy that is not the authoritative copy; and
(6) any amendment of the authoritative copy is readily identifiable as authorized or unauthorized.
(c) One or more authoritative copies.-- A system satisfies subsection (a) and a purchaser has control of an authoritative electronic copy of a record evidencing chattel paper, if the electronic copy, a record attached to or logically associated with the electronic copy or a system in which the electronic copy is recorded:
(1) enables the purchaser readily to identify each electronic copy as either an authoritative copy or a nonauthoritative copy;
(2) enables the purchaser readily to identify itself in any way, including by name, identifying number, cryptographic key, office or account number, as the assignee of the authoritative electronic copy; and
(3) gives the purchaser exclusive power, subject to subsection (d), to:
(i) prevent others from adding or changing an identified assignee of the authoritative electronic copy; and
(ii) transfer control of the authoritative electronic copy.
(d) Meaning of exclusive.-- Subject to subsection (e), a power is exclusive under subsection (c)(3) even if:
(1) the authoritative electronic copy, a record attached to or logically associated with the authoritative electronic copy or a system in which the authoritative electronic copy is recorded limits the use of the authoritative electronic copy or has a protocol programmed to cause a change, including a transfer or loss of control; or
(2) the power is shared with another person.
(e) When power not shared with another person.-- A power of a purchaser is not shared with another person under subsection (d)(2) and the purchaser's power is not exclusive if:
(1) the purchaser can exercise the power only if the power also is exercised by the other person; and
(2) the other person:
(i) can exercise the power without exercise of the power by the purchaser; or
(ii) is the transferor to the purchaser of an interest in the chattel paper.
(f) Presumption of exclusivity of certain powers.-- If a purchaser has the powers specified in subsection (c)(3), the powers are presumed to be exclusive.
(g) Obtaining control through another person.-- A purchaser has control of an authoritative electronic copy of a record evidencing chattel paper if another person, other than the transferor to the purchaser of an interest in the chattel paper:
(1) has control of the authoritative electronic copy and acknowledges that it has control on behalf of the purchaser; or
(2) obtains control of the authoritative electronic copy after having acknowledged that it will obtain control of the electronic copy on behalf of the purchaser.
(June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Control under section 8106.-- A person has control of a certificated security, an uncertificated security or a security entitlement as provided in section 8106 (relating to control).
(b) Control of commodity contract.-- A secured party has control of a commodity contract if:
(1) the secured party is the commodity intermediary with which the commodity contract is carried; or
(2) the commodity customer, secured party and commodity intermediary have agreed that the commodity intermediary will apply any value distributed on account of the commodity contract as directed by the secured party without further consent by the commodity customer.
(c) Effect of control of securities account or commodity account.-- A secured party having control of all security entitlements or commodity contracts carried in a securities account or commodity account has control over the securities account or commodity account.
A secured party has control of a letter-of-credit right to the extent of any right to payment or performance by the issuer or any nominated person if the issuer or nominated person has consented to an assignment of proceeds of the letter of credit under section 5114(c) (relating to recognition of assignment of proceeds) or otherwise applicable law or practice.
(a) Control under section 12105.-- A secured party has control of a controllable electronic record as provided in section 12105 (relating to control of controllable electronic record).
(b) Control of controllable account and controllable payment intangible.-- A secured party has control of a controllable account or controllable payment intangible if the secured party has control of the controllable electronic record that evidences the controllable account or controllable payment intangible.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Sufficiency of description.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsections (c), (d) and (e), a description of personal or real property is sufficient, whether or not it is specific, if it reasonably identifies what is described.
(b) Examples of reasonable identification.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), a description of collateral reasonably identifies the collateral if it identifies the collateral by:
(1) specific listing;
(2) category;
(3) except as otherwise provided in subsection (e), a type of collateral defined in this title;
(4) quantity;
(5) computational or allocational formula or procedure; or
(6) except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), any other method, if the identity of the collateral is objectively determinable.
(c) Supergeneric description not sufficient.-- A description of collateral as "all the debtor's assets" or "all the debtor's personal property" or using words of similar import does not reasonably identify the collateral.
(d) Investment property.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (e), a description of a security entitlement, securities account or commodity account is sufficient if it describes:
(1) the collateral by those terms or as investment property; or
(2) the underlying financial asset or commodity contract.
(e) When description by type insufficient.-- A description only by type of collateral defined in this title is an insufficient description of:
(1) a commercial tort claim; or
(2) in a consumer transaction, consumer goods, a security entitlement, a securities account or a commodity account.
(a) General scope of division.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsections (c) and (d), this division applies to:
(1) a transaction, regardless of its form, which creates a security interest in personal property or fixtures by contract;
(2) an agricultural lien;
(3) a sale of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles or promissory notes;
(4) a consignment;
(5) a security interest arising under section 2401 (relating to passing of title; reservation for security; limited application of section), 2505 (relating to shipment by seller under reservation), 2711(c) (relating to security interest of buyer in rejected goods) or 2A508(e) (relating to security interest in goods in lessee's possession), as provided in section 9110 (relating to security interests arising under Division 2 or 2A); and
(6) a security interest arising under section 4210 (relating to security interest of collecting bank in items, accompanying documents and proceeds) or 5118 (relating to security interest of issuer or nominated person).
(b) Security interest in secured obligation.-- The application of this division to a security interest in a secured obligation is not affected by the fact that the obligation is itself secured by a transaction or interest to which this division does not apply.
(c) Extent to which division does not apply.-- This division does not apply to the extent that:
(1) a statute, regulation or treaty of the United States preempts this division;
(2) another statute of this Commonwealth expressly governs the creation, perfection, priority or enforcement of a security interest created by the Commonwealth or a governmental unit of the Commonwealth;
(3) a statute of another state, a foreign country or a governmental unit of another state or a foreign country, other than a statute generally applicable to security interests, expressly governs creation, perfection, priority or enforcement of a security interest created by the state, country or governmental unit; or
(4) the rights of a transferee beneficiary or nominated person under a letter of credit are independent and superior under section 5114 (relating to assignment of proceeds).
(d) Inapplicability of division.-- This division does not apply to any of the following:
(1) A landlord's lien other than an agricultural lien.
(2) A lien, other than an agricultural lien, given by statute or other rule of law for services or materials. Section 9333 (relating to priority of certain liens arising by operation of law) applies with respect to priority of the lien.
(3) An assignment of a claim for wages, salary or other compensation of an employee.
(4) A sale of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles or promissory notes as part of a sale of the business out of which they arose.
(5) An assignment of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles or promissory notes which is for the purpose of collection only.
(6) An assignment of a right to payment under a contract to an assignee that is also obligated to perform under the contract.
(7) An assignment of a single account, payment intangible or promissory note to an assignee in full or partial satisfaction of a preexisting indebtedness.
(8) A transfer of an interest in or an assignment of a claim under a policy of insurance, other than an assignment by or to a health-care provider of a health-care-insurance receivable and any subsequent assignment of the right to payment. Sections 9315 (relating to secured party's rights on disposition of collateral and in proceeds) and 9322 (relating to priorities among conflicting security interests in and agricultural liens on same collateral) apply with respect to proceeds and priorities in proceeds.
(9) An assignment of a right represented by a judgment, other than a judgment taken on a right to payment which was collateral.
(10) A right of recoupment or set-off. However:
(i) section 9340 (relating to effectiveness of right of recoupment or set-off against deposit account) applies with respect to the effectiveness of rights of recoupment or set-off against deposit accounts; and
(ii) section 9404 (relating to rights acquired by assignee; claims and defenses against assignee) applies with respect to defenses or claims of an account debtor.
(11) The creation or transfer of an interest in or lien on real property, including a lease or rents thereunder, except to the extent that provision is made for:
(i) liens on real property in sections 9203 (relating to attachment and enforceability of security interest; proceeds; supporting obligations; formal requisites) and 9308 (relating to when security interest or agricultural lien is perfected; continuity of perfection);
(ii) fixtures in section 9334 (relating to priority of security interests in fixtures and crops);
(iii) fixture filings in sections 9501 (relating to filing office), 9502 (relating to contents of financing statement; record of mortgage as financing statement; time of filing financing statement), 9512 (relating to amendment of financing statement), 9516 (relating to what constitutes filing; effectiveness of filing) and 9519 (relating to numbering, maintaining and indexing records; communicating information provided in records); and
(iv) security agreements covering personal and real property in section 9604 (relating to procedure if security agreement covers real property or fixtures).
(12) An assignment of a claim arising in tort, other than a commercial tort claim. Sections 9315 and 9322 apply with respect to proceeds and priorities in proceeds.
(13) An assignment of a deposit account in a consumer transaction. Sections 9315 and 9322 apply with respect to proceeds and priorities in proceeds.
(14) A security interest in intangible transition property, as defined in 66 Pa.C.S. § 2812(g) (relating to approval of transition bonds), to the extent that such security interest is governed by 66 Pa.C.S. § 2812 rather than by this title.
A security interest arising under section 2401 (relating to passing of title; reservation for security; limited application of section), 2505 (relating to shipment by seller under reservation), 2711(c) (relating to security interest of buyer in rejected goods) or 2A508(e) (relating to security interest in goods in lessee's possession) is subject to this division. However, until the debtor obtains possession of the goods:
(1) the security interest is enforceable, even if section 9203(b)(3) (relating to enforceability) has not been satisfied;
(2) filing is not required to perfect the security interest;
(3) the rights of the secured party after default by the debtor are governed by Division 2 (relating to sales) or 2A (relating to leases); and
(4) the security interest has priority over a conflicting security interest created by the debtor.
(a) General effectiveness.-- Except as otherwise provided in this title, a security agreement is effective according to its terms between the parties, against purchasers of the collateral and against creditors.
(b) Applicable consumer laws and other law.-- A transaction subject to this division is subject to:
(1) any applicable rule of law which establishes a different rule for consumers;
(2) any other statute or regulation of the Commonwealth which regulates the rates, charges, agreements and practices for loans, credit sales or other extensions of credit; and
(3) any consumer protection statute or regulation of the Commonwealth.
(c) Other applicable law controls.-- In case of conflict between this division and a rule of law, statute or regulation described in subsection (b), the rule of law, statute or regulation controls. Failure to comply with a statute or regulation described in subsection (b) has only the effect the statute or regulation specifies.
(d) Further deference to other applicable law.-- This division does not:
(1) validate any rate, charge, agreement or practice which violates a rule of law, statute or regulation described in subsection (b); or
(2) extend the application of the rule of law, statute or regulation to a transaction not otherwise subject to it.
Except as otherwise provided with respect to consignments or sales of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles or promissory notes, the provisions of this division with regard to rights and obligations apply whether title to collateral is in the secured party or the debtor.
(a) Attachment.-- A security interest attaches to collateral when it becomes enforceable against the debtor with respect to the collateral unless an agreement expressly postpones the time of attachment.
(b) Enforceability.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsections (c) through (i), a security interest is enforceable against the debtor and third parties with respect to the collateral only if all of the following apply:
(1) Value has been given.
(2) The debtor has rights in the collateral or the power to transfer rights in the collateral to a secured party.
(3) One of the following conditions is met:
(i) The debtor has signed a security agreement which provides a description of the collateral and, if the security interest covers timber to be cut, a description of the land concerned.
(ii) The collateral is not a certificated security and is in the possession of the secured party under section 9313 (relating to when possession by or delivery to secured party perfects security interest without filing) pursuant to the debtor's security agreement.
(iii) The collateral is a certificated security in registered form, and the security certificate has been delivered to the secured party under section 8301 (relating to delivery) pursuant to the debtor's security agreement.
(iv) The collateral is controllable accounts, controllable electronic records, controlled payment intangibles, deposit accounts, electronic documents, investment property or letter-of-credit rights and the secured party has control under section 7106 (relating to control of electronic document of title), 9104 (relating to control of deposit account), 9106 (relating to control of investment property), 9107 (relating to control of letter-of-credit right) or 9107.1 (relating to control of controllable electronic record, controllable account or controllable payment intangible) pursuant to the debtor's security agreement.
(v) The collateral is chattel paper and the secured party has possession and control under section 9314.1 (relating to perfection by possession and control of chattel paper) pursuant to the debtor's security agreement.
(c) Other Title 13 provisions.-- Subsection (b) is subject to sections 4210 (relating to security interest of collecting bank in items, accompanying documents and proceeds), 5118 (relating to security interest of issuer or nominated person), 9110 (relating to security interests arising under Division 2 or 2A) and 9206 (relating to security interest arising in purchase or delivery of financial asset).
(d) When person becomes bound by another person's security agreement.-- A person becomes bound as debtor by a security agreement entered into by another person if, by operation of law other than this division or by contract:
(1) the security agreement becomes effective to create a security interest in the person's property; or
(2) the person becomes generally obligated for the obligations of the other person, including the obligation secured under the security agreement, and acquires or succeeds to all or substantially all of the assets of the other person.
(e) Effect of new debtor becoming bound.-- If a new debtor becomes bound as debtor by a security agreement entered into by another person:
(1) the agreement satisfies subsection (b)(3) with respect to existing or after-acquired property of the new debtor to the extent the property is described in the agreement; and
(2) another agreement is not necessary to make a security interest in the property enforceable.
(f) Proceeds and supporting obligations.-- The attachment of a security interest in collateral gives the secured party the rights to proceeds provided by section 9315 (relating to secured party's rights on disposition of collateral and in proceeds) and is also attachment of a security interest in a supporting obligation for the collateral.
(g) Lien securing right to payment.-- The attachment of a security interest in a right to payment or performance secured by a security interest or other lien on personal or real property is also attachment of a security interest in the security interest, mortgage or other lien.
(h) Security entitlement carried in securities account.-- The attachment of a security interest in a securities account is also attachment of a security interest in the security entitlements carried in the securities account.
(i) Commodity contracts carried in commodity account.-- The attachment of a security interest in a commodity account is also attachment of a security interest in the commodity contracts carried in the commodity account.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) After-acquired collateral.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), a security agreement may create or provide for a security interest in after-acquired collateral.
(b) When after-acquired property clause not effective.-- Subject to subsection (b.1), a security interest does not attach under a term constituting an after-acquired property clause to:
(1) consumer goods, other than an accession when given as additional security, unless the debtor acquires rights in them within ten days after the secured party gives value; or
(2) a commercial tort claim.
(b.1) Limitation.-- Subsection (b) does not prevent a security interest from attaching:
(1) to consumer goods as proceeds under section 9315(a) (relating to secured party's rights on disposition of collateral and in proceeds) or commingled goods under section 9336(c) (relating to commingled goods);
(2) to a commercial tort claim as proceeds under section 9315(a); or
(3) under an after-acquired property clause to property that is proceeds of consumer goods or a commercial tort claim.
(c) Future advances and other value.-- A security agreement may provide that collateral secures, or that accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles or promissory notes are sold in connection with, future advances or other value, whether or not the advances or value are given pursuant to commitment.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) When security interest not invalid or fraudulent.-- A security interest is not invalid or fraudulent against creditors solely because any of the following apply:
(1) The debtor has the right or ability to:
(i) use, commingle or dispose of all or part of the collateral, including returned or repossessed goods;
(ii) collect, compromise, enforce or otherwise deal with collateral;
(iii) accept the return of collateral or make repossessions; or
(iv) use, commingle or dispose of proceeds.
(2) The secured party fails to require the debtor to account for proceeds or replace collateral.
(b) Requirements of possession not relaxed.-- This section does not relax the requirements of possession if attachment, perfection or enforcement of a security interest depends upon possession of the collateral by the secured party.
(a) Security interest when person buys through securities intermediary.-- A security interest in favor of a securities intermediary attaches to a person's security entitlement if:
(1) the person buys a financial asset through the securities intermediary in a transaction in which the person is obligated to pay the purchase price to the securities intermediary at the time of the purchase; and
(2) the securities intermediary credits the financial asset to the buyer's securities account before the buyer pays the securities intermediary.
(b) Security interest secures obligation to pay for financial asset.-- The security interest described in subsection (a) secures the person's obligation to pay for the financial asset.
(c) Security interest in payment against delivery transaction.-- A security interest in favor of a person that delivers a certificated security or other financial asset represented by a writing attaches to the security or other financial asset if all of the following apply:
(1) The security or other financial asset:
(i) in the ordinary course of business is transferred by delivery with any necessary indorsement or assignment; and
(ii) is delivered under an agreement between persons in the business of dealing with such securities or financial assets.
(2) The agreement calls for delivery against payment.
(d) Security interest secures obligation to pay for delivery.-- The security interest described in subsection (c) secures the obligation to make payment for the delivery.
(a) Duty of care when secured party in possession.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), a secured party shall use reasonable care in the custody and preservation of collateral in the secured party's possession. In the case of chattel paper or an instrument, reasonable care includes taking necessary steps to preserve rights against prior parties unless otherwise agreed.
(b) Expenses, risks, duties and rights when secured party in possession.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), if a secured party has possession of collateral:
(1) Reasonable expenses, including the cost of insurance and payment of taxes or other charges, incurred in the custody, preservation, use or operation of the collateral are chargeable to the debtor and are secured by the collateral.
(2) The risk of accidental loss or damage is on the debtor to the extent of a deficiency in any effective insurance coverage.
(3) The secured party shall keep the collateral identifiable, but fungible collateral may be commingled.
(4) The secured party may use or operate the collateral:
(i) for the purpose of preserving the collateral or its value;
(ii) as permitted by an order of a court having competent jurisdiction; or
(iii) except in the case of consumer goods, in the manner and to the extent agreed by the debtor.
(c) Duties and rights when secured party in possession or control.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), a secured party having possession of collateral or control of collateral under section 7106 (relating to control of electronic document of title), 9104 (relating to control of deposit account), 9105 (relating to control of electronic copy of record evidencing chattel paper), 9106 (relating to control of investment property), 9107 (relating to control of letter-of-credit right) or 9107.1 (relating to control of controllable electronic record, controllable account or controllable payment intangible):
(1) may hold as additional security any proceeds, except money or funds, received from the collateral;
(2) shall apply money or funds received from the collateral to reduce the secured obligation unless remitted to the debtor; and
(3) may create a security interest in the collateral.
(d) Buyer of certain rights to payment.-- If the secured party is a buyer of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles or promissory notes or a consignor:
(1) Subsection (a) does not apply unless the secured party is entitled under an agreement:
(i) to charge back uncollected collateral; or
(ii) otherwise to full or limited recourse against the debtor or a secondary obligor based on the nonpayment or other default of an account debtor or other obligor on the collateral.
(2) Subsections (b) and (c) do not apply.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Applicability of section.-- This section applies to cases in which there is no outstanding secured obligation and the secured party is not committed to make advances, incur obligations or otherwise give value.
(b) Duties of secured party after receiving demand from debtor.-- Within ten days after receiving a signed demand by the debtor:
(1) A secured party having control of a deposit account under section 9104(a)(2) (relating to control of deposit account) shall send to the bank with which the deposit account is maintained a signed record which releases the bank from any further obligation to comply with instructions originated by the secured party.
(2) A secured party having control of a deposit account under section 9104(a)(3) shall:
(i) pay the debtor the balance on deposit in the deposit account; or
(ii) transfer the balance on deposit into a deposit account in the debtor's name.
(3) A secured party, other than a buyer, having control under section 9105 (relating to control of electronic copy of record evidencing chattel paper) of an authoritative electronic copy of a record evidencing chattel paper shall transfer control of the electronic copy to the debtor or a person designated by the debtor.
(i) (Deleted by amendment).
(ii) (Deleted by amendment).
(iii) (Deleted by amendment).
(4) A secured party having control of investment property under section 8106(d)(2) (relating to control of security entitlement) or 9106(b) (relating to control of commodity contract) shall send to the securities intermediary or commodity intermediary with which the security entitlement or commodity contract is maintained a signed record which releases the securities intermediary or commodity intermediary from any further obligation to comply with entitlement orders or directions originated by the secured party.
(5) A secured party having control of a letter-of-credit right under section 9107 (relating to control of letter-of-credit right) shall send to each person having an unfulfilled obligation to pay or deliver proceeds of the letter of credit to the secured party a signed release from any further obligation to pay or deliver proceeds of the letter of credit to the secured party.
(6) A secured party having control under section 7106 (relating to control of electronic document of title) of an authoritative electronic copy of an electronic document of title shall transfer control of the electronic copy to the debtor or a person designated by the debtor.
(i) (Deleted by amendment).
(ii) (Deleted by amendment).
(iii) (Deleted by amendment).
(7) A secured party having control under section 12105 (relating to control of controllable electronic record) of a controllable electronic record, other than a buyer of a controllable account or controllable payment intangible evidenced by the controllable electronic record, shall transfer control of the controllable electronic record to the debtor or a person designated by the debtor.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Applicability of section.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), this section applies if:
(1) there is no outstanding secured obligation; and
(2) the secured party is not committed to make advances, incur obligations or otherwise give value.
(b) Duties of secured party after receiving demand from debtor.-- Within ten days after receiving a signed demand by the debtor, a secured party shall send to an account debtor that has received notification under section 9406(a) (relating to discharge of account debtor; notification of assignment; identification and proof of assignment; restrictions on assignment of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles and promissory notes ineffective) or 12106(a) (relating to discharge of account debtor on controllable account or controllable payment intangible) of an assignment to the secured party as assignee a signed record which releases the account debtor from any further obligation to the secured party.
(c) Inapplicability to sales.-- This section does not apply to an assignment constituting the sale of an account, chattel paper or payment intangible.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Definitions.-- As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Request." A:
(1) request for an accounting;
(2) request regarding a list of collateral; or
(3) request regarding a statement of account.
"Request for an accounting." A record signed by a debtor requesting that the recipient provide an accounting of the unpaid obligations secured by collateral and reasonably identifying the transaction or relationship which is the subject of the request.
"Request regarding a list of collateral." A record signed by a debtor requesting that the recipient approve or correct a list of what the debtor believes to be the collateral securing an obligation and reasonably identifying the transaction or relationship which is the subject of the request.
"Request regarding a statement of account." A record signed by a debtor requesting that the recipient approve or correct a statement indicating what the debtor believes to be the aggregate amount of unpaid obligations secured by collateral as of a specified date and reasonably identifying the transaction or relationship which is the subject of the request.
(b) Duty to respond to requests.-- Subject to subsections (c), (d), (e) and (f), a secured party, other than a buyer of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles or promissory notes or a consignor, shall comply with a request within 14 days after receipt:
(1) in the case of a request for an accounting, by signing and sending to the debtor an accounting; and
(2) in the case of a request regarding a list of collateral or a request regarding a statement of account, by signing and sending to the debtor an approval or correction.
(c) Request regarding list of collateral; statement concerning type of collateral.-- A secured party that claims a security interest in all of a particular type of collateral owned by the debtor may comply with a request regarding a list of collateral by sending to the debtor a signed record including a statement to that effect within 14 days after receipt.
(d) Request regarding list of collateral; no interest claimed.-- A person that receives a request regarding a list of collateral, claims no interest in the collateral when it receives the request and claimed an interest in the collateral at an earlier time shall comply with the request within 14 days after receipt by sending to the debtor a signed record:
(1) disclaiming any interest in the collateral; and
(2) if known to the recipient, providing the name and mailing address of any assignee of or successor to the recipient's interest in the collateral.
(e) Request for accounting or regarding statement of account; no interest in obligation claimed.-- A person that receives a request for an accounting or a request regarding a statement of account, claims no interest in the obligations when it receives the request and claimed an interest in the obligations at an earlier time shall comply with the request within 14 days after receipt by sending to the debtor a signed record:
(1) disclaiming any interest in the obligations; and
(2) if known to the recipient, providing the name and mailing address of any assignee of or successor to the recipient's interest in the obligations.
(f) Charges for responses.-- A debtor is entitled without charge to one response to a request under this section during any six-month period. The secured party may require payment of a charge not exceeding $25 for each additional response.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule; location of debtor.-- Except as otherwise provided in this section, while a debtor is located in a jurisdiction, the local law of that jurisdiction governs perfection, the effect of perfection or nonperfection and the priority of a security interest in collateral.
(b) Possessory security interests; location of collateral.-- While collateral is located in a jurisdiction, the local law of that jurisdiction governs perfection, the effect of perfection or nonperfection and the priority of a possessory security interest in that collateral.
(c) Fixture filings, timber to be cut, priority of nonpossessory tangible personal property security interests; location of collateral.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), while collateral is located in a jurisdiction, the local law of that jurisdiction governs:
(1) perfection of a security interest in goods by filing a fixture filing;
(2) perfection of a security interest in timber to be cut; and
(3) the effect of perfection or nonperfection and the priority of a nonpossessory security interest in tangible negotiable documents, goods, instruments or money.
(d) As-extracted collateral; location of wellhead or minehead.-- The local law of the jurisdiction in which the wellhead or minehead is located governs perfection, the effect of perfection or nonperfection and the priority of a security interest in as-extracted collateral.
(e) Other exceptions.-- The rules of this section are subject to:
(1) Section 9303 (relating to law governing perfection and priority of security interests in goods covered by certificate of title).
(2) Section 9304 (relating to law governing perfection and priority of security interests in deposit accounts).
(3) Section 9305 (relating to law governing perfection and priority of security interests in investment property).
(4) Section 9306.1 (relating to law governing perfection and priority of security interests in chattel paper).
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
While farm products are located in a jurisdiction, the local law of that jurisdiction governs perfection, the effect of perfection or nonperfection and the priority of an agricultural lien on the farm products.
(a) Applicability of section.-- This section applies to goods covered by a certificate of title even if there is no other relationship between the jurisdiction under whose certificate of title the goods are covered and the goods or the debtor.
(b) When goods covered by certificate of title.-- Goods become covered by a certificate of title when a valid application for the certificate of title and the applicable fee are delivered to the appropriate authority. Goods cease to be covered by a certificate of title at the earlier of the time the certificate of title ceases to be effective under the law of the issuing jurisdiction or the time the goods become covered subsequently by a certificate of title issued by another jurisdiction.
(c) Applicable law.-- The local law of the jurisdiction under whose certificate of title the goods are covered governs perfection, the effect of perfection or nonperfection and the priority of a security interest in goods covered by a certificate of title from the time the goods become covered by the certificate of title until the goods cease to be covered by the certificate of title.
(a) Law of bank's jurisdiction governs.-- The local law of a bank's jurisdiction governs perfection, the effect of perfection or nonperfection and the priority of a security interest in a deposit account maintained with that bank even if the transaction does not bear any relation to the bank's jurisdiction.
(b) Bank's jurisdiction.-- The following rules determine a bank's jurisdiction for purposes of this chapter:
(1) If an agreement between the bank and its customer governing the deposit account expressly provides that a particular jurisdiction is the bank's jurisdiction for purposes of this chapter or this division, that jurisdiction is the bank's jurisdiction.
(2) If paragraph (1) does not apply and an agreement between the bank and its customer governing the deposit account expressly provides that the agreement is governed by the law of a particular jurisdiction, that jurisdiction is the bank's jurisdiction.
(3) If neither paragraph (1) nor paragraph (2) applies and an agreement between the bank and its customer governing the deposit account expressly provides that the deposit account is maintained at an office in a particular jurisdiction, that jurisdiction is the bank's jurisdiction.
(4) If none of the preceding paragraphs applies, the bank's jurisdiction is the jurisdiction in which the office identified in an account statement as the office serving the customer's account is located.
(5) If none of the preceding paragraphs applies, the bank's jurisdiction is the jurisdiction in which the chief executive office of the bank is located.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Governing law; general rules.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), the following rules apply:
(1) While a security certificate is located in a jurisdiction, the local law of that jurisdiction governs perfection, the effect of perfection or nonperfection and the priority of a security interest in the certificated security represented thereby.
(2) The local law of the issuer's jurisdiction as specified in section 8110(d) (relating to applicability; choice of law) governs perfection, the effect of perfection or nonperfection and the priority of a security interest in an uncertificated security.
(3) The local law of the securities intermediary's jurisdiction as specified in section 8110(e) governs perfection, the effect of perfection or nonperfection and the priority of a security interest in a security entitlement or securities account.
(4) The local law of the commodity intermediary's jurisdiction governs perfection, the effect of perfection or nonperfection and the priority of a security interest in a commodity contract or commodity account.
(5) Paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) apply even if the transaction does not bear any relation to the jurisdiction.
(b) Commodity intermediary's jurisdiction.-- The following rules determine a commodity intermediary's jurisdiction for purposes of this part:
(1) If an agreement between the commodity intermediary and commodity customer governing the commodity account expressly provides that a particular jurisdiction is the commodity intermediary's jurisdiction for purposes of this chapter, this division or this title, that jurisdiction is the commodity intermediary's jurisdiction.
(2) If paragraph (1) does not apply and an agreement between the commodity intermediary and commodity customer governing the commodity account expressly provides that the agreement is governed by the law of a particular jurisdiction, that jurisdiction is the commodity intermediary's jurisdiction.
(3) If neither paragraph (1) nor paragraph (2) applies and an agreement between the commodity intermediary and commodity customer governing the commodity account expressly provides that the commodity account is maintained at an office in a particular jurisdiction, that jurisdiction is the commodity intermediary's jurisdiction.
(4) If none of the preceding paragraphs applies, the commodity intermediary's jurisdiction is the jurisdiction in which the office identified in an account statement as the office serving the commodity customer's account is located.
(5) If none of the preceding paragraphs applies, the commodity intermediary's jurisdiction is the jurisdiction in which the chief executive office of the commodity intermediary is located.
(c) When perfection governed by law of jurisdiction where debtor located.-- The local law of the jurisdiction in which the debtor is located governs:
(1) perfection of a security interest in investment property by filing;
(2) automatic perfection of a security interest in investment property created by a broker or securities intermediary; and
(3) automatic perfection of a security interest in a commodity contract or commodity account created by a commodity intermediary.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Governing law; issuer's or nominated person's jurisdiction.-- Subject to subsection (c), the local law of the issuer's jurisdiction or a nominated person's jurisdiction governs perfection, the effect of perfection or nonperfection and the priority of a security interest in a letter-of-credit right if the issuer's jurisdiction or nominated person's jurisdiction is a state.
(b) Issuer's or nominated person's jurisdiction.-- For purposes of this chapter, an issuer's jurisdiction or nominated person's jurisdiction is the jurisdiction whose law governs the liability of the issuer or nominated person with respect to the letter-of-credit right as provided in section 5116 (relating to choice of law and forum).
(c) When section not applicable.-- This section does not apply to a security interest which is perfected only under section 9308(d) (relating to supporting obligation).
(a) Chattel paper evidenced by authoritative electronic copy.-- Except as provided in subsection (d), if chattel paper is evidenced only by an authoritative electronic copy of the chattel paper or is evidenced by an authoritative electronic copy and an authoritative tangible copy, the local law of the chattel paper's jurisdiction governs perfection, the effect of perfection or nonperfection and the priority of a security interest in the chattel paper, even if the transaction does not bear any relation to the chattel paper's jurisdiction.
(b) Chattel paper's jurisdiction.-- The following rules determine the chattel paper's jurisdiction under this section:
(1) If the authoritative electronic copy of the record evidencing chattel paper, or a record attached to or logically associated with the electronic copy and readily available for review, expressly provides that a particular jurisdiction is the chattel paper's jurisdiction for purposes of this division or title, that jurisdiction is the chattel paper's jurisdiction.
(2) If paragraph (1) does not apply and the rules of the system in which the authoritative electronic copy is recorded are readily available for review and expressly provide that a particular jurisdiction is the chattel paper's jurisdiction for purposes of this division or title, that jurisdiction is the chattel paper's jurisdiction.
(3) If paragraphs (1) and (2) do not apply and the authoritative electronic copy, or a record attached to or logically associated with the electronic copy and readily available for review, expressly provides that the chattel paper is governed by the law of a particular jurisdiction, that jurisdiction is the chattel paper's jurisdiction.
(4) If paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) do not apply and the rules of the system in which the authoritative electronic copy is recorded are readily available for review and expressly provide that the chattel paper or the system is governed by the law of a particular jurisdiction, that jurisdiction is the chattel paper's jurisdiction.
(5) If paragraphs (1), (2), (3) and (4) do not apply, the chattel paper's jurisdiction is the jurisdiction in which the debtor is located.
(c) Chattel paper evidenced by authoritative tangible copy.-- If an authoritative tangible copy of a record evidences chattel paper and the chattel paper is not evidenced by an authoritative electronic copy, while the authoritative tangible copy of the record evidencing chattel paper is located in a jurisdiction, the local law of that jurisdiction governs:
(1) Perfection of a security interest in the chattel paper by possession under section 9314.1 (relating to perfection by possession and control of chattel paper).
(2) The effect of perfection or nonperfection and the priority of a security interest in the chattel paper.
(d) When perfection governed by law of jurisdiction where debtor located.-- The local law of the jurisdiction in which the debtor is located governs perfection of a security interest in chattel paper by filing.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule.-- Except as provided in subsection (b), the local law of the controllable electronic record's jurisdiction specified in section 12107(c) and (d) (relating to governing law) governs perfection, the effect of perfection or nonperfection and the priority of a security interest in a controllable electronic record and a security interest in a controllable account or controllable payment intangible evidenced by the controllable electronic record.
(b) When perfection governed by law of jurisdiction where debtor located.-- The local law of the jurisdiction in which the debtor is located governs:
(1) Perfection of a security interest in a controllable account, controllable electronic record or controllable payment intangible by filing.
(2) Automatic perfection of a security interest in a controllable payment intangible created by a sale of the controllable payment intangible.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Place of business.-- As used in this section, the term "place of business" means a place where a debtor conducts its affairs.
(b) Debtor's location: general rules.-- Except as otherwise provided in this section, the following rules determine a debtor's location:
(1) A debtor who is an individual is located at the individual's principal residence.
(2) A debtor which is an organization and has only one place of business is located at its place of business.
(3) A debtor which is an organization and has more than one place of business is located at its chief executive office.
(c) Limitation of applicability of subsection (b).-- Subsection (b) applies only if a debtor's residence, place of business or chief executive office, as applicable, is located in a jurisdiction whose law generally requires information concerning the existence of a nonpossessory security interest to be made generally available in a filing, recording or registration system as a condition or result of the security interest's obtaining priority over the rights of a lien creditor with respect to the collateral. If subsection (b) does not apply, the debtor is located in the District of Columbia.
(d) Continuation of location: cessation of existence, etc.-- A person that ceases to exist, ceases to have a residence or ceases to have a place of business continues to be located in the jurisdiction specified by subsections (b) and (c).
(e) Location of registered organization organized under state law.-- A registered organization which is organized under the law of a state is located in that state.
(f) Location of registered organization organized under Federal law; bank branches and agencies.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (i), a registered organization which is organized under the law of the United States and a branch or agency of a bank which is not organized under the law of the United States or a state are located:
(1) in the state which the law of the United States designates, if the law designates a state of location;
(2) in the state which the registered organization, branch or agency designates, if the law of the United States authorizes the registered organization, branch or agency to designate its state of location, including by designating its main office, home office or other comparable office; or
(3) in the District of Columbia, if neither paragraph (1) nor paragraph (2) applies.
(g) Continuation of location: change in status of registered organization.-- A registered organization continues to be located in the jurisdiction specified by subsection (e) or (f) notwithstanding:
(1) the suspension, revocation, forfeiture or lapse of the registered organization's status as such in its jurisdiction of organization; or
(2) the dissolution, winding up or cancellation of the existence of the registered organization.
(h) Location of United States.-- The location of the United States is the District of Columbia.
(i) Location of foreign bank branch or agency if licensed in only one state.-- A branch or agency of a bank which is not organized under the law of the United States or a state is located in the state in which the branch or agency is licensed, if all branches and agencies of the bank are licensed in only one state.
(j) Location of foreign air carrier.-- A foreign air carrier under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (Public Law 85-726, 72 Stat. 731), as amended, is located at the designated office of the agent upon which service of process may be made on behalf of the carrier.
(k) Section applies only to this chapter.-- This section applies only for purposes of this chapter.
(June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013)
(a) Perfection of security interest.-- Except as otherwise provided in this section and section 9309 (relating to security interest perfected upon attachment), a security interest is perfected if it has attached and all of the applicable requirements for perfection in sections 9310 (relating to when filing required to perfect security interest or agricultural lien; security interests and agricultural liens to which filing provisions do not apply) through 9316 (relating to effect of change in governing law) have been satisfied. A security interest is perfected when it attaches if the applicable requirements are satisfied before the security interest attaches.
(b) Perfection of agricultural lien.-- An agricultural lien is perfected if it has become effective and all of the applicable requirements for perfection in section 9310 have been satisfied. An agricultural lien is perfected when it becomes effective if the applicable requirements are satisfied before the agricultural lien becomes effective.
(c) Continuous perfection; perfection by different methods.-- A security interest or agricultural lien is perfected continuously if it is originally perfected by one method under this division and is later perfected by another method under this division without an intermediate period when it was unperfected.
(d) Supporting obligation.-- Perfection of a security interest in collateral also perfects a security interest in a supporting obligation for the collateral.
(e) Lien securing right to payment.-- Perfection of a security interest in a right to payment or performance also perfects a security interest in a security interest, mortgage or other lien on personal or real property securing the right.
(f) Security entitlement carried in securities account.-- Perfection of a security interest in a securities account also perfects a security interest in the security entitlements carried in the securities account.
(g) Commodity contract carried in commodity account.-- Perfection of a security interest in a commodity account also perfects a security interest in the commodity contracts carried in the commodity account.
(June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013)
The following security interests are perfected when they attach:
(1) A purchase-money security interest in consumer goods, except as otherwise provided in section 9311(b) (relating to perfection of security interests in property subject to certain statutes, regulations and treaties) with respect to consumer goods which are subject to a statute or treaty described in section 9311(a).
(2) An assignment of accounts or payment intangibles which does not by itself or in conjunction with other assignments to the same assignee transfer a significant part of the assignor's outstanding accounts or payment intangibles.
(3) A sale of a payment intangible.
(4) A sale of a promissory note.
(5) A security interest created by the assignment of a health-care-insurance receivable to the provider of the health-care goods or services.
(6) A security interest arising under section 2401 (relating to passing of title; reservation for security; limited application of section), 2505 (relating to shipment by seller under reservation), 2711(c) (relating to security interest of buyer in rejected goods) or 2A508(e) (relating to security interest in goods in lessee's possession) until the debtor obtains possession of the collateral.
(7) A security interest of a collecting bank arising under section 4210 (relating to security interest of collecting bank in items, accompanying documents and proceeds).
(8) A security interest of an issuer or nominated person arising under section 5118 (relating to security interest of issuer or nominated person).
(9) A security interest arising in the delivery of a financial asset under section 9206(c) (relating to security interest in payment against delivery transaction).
(10) A security interest in investment property created by a broker or securities intermediary.
(11) A security interest in a commodity contract or a commodity account created by a commodity intermediary.
(12) An assignment for the benefit of all creditors of the transferor and subsequent transfers by the assignee thereunder.
(13) A security interest created by an assignment of a beneficial interest in a decedent's estate.
(14) A sale by an individual of an account that is a right to payment of winnings in a lottery or other game of chance.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule: perfection by filing.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) and section 9312(b) (relating to perfection of security interests in chattel paper, controllable accounts, controllable electronic records, controllable payment intangibles, deposit accounts, documents, goods covered by documents, instruments, investment property, letter-of-credit rights and money; perfection by permissive filing; temporary perfection without filing or transfer of possession), a financing statement must be filed to perfect all security interests and agricultural liens.
(b) Exceptions: filing not necessary.-- The filing of a financing statement is not necessary to perfect a security interest:
(1) which is perfected under section:
(i) 9308(d) (relating to supporting obligation);
(ii) 9308(e) (relating to lien securing right to payment);
(iii) 9308(f) (relating to security entitlement carried in securities account); or
(iv) 9308(g) (relating to commodity contract carried in commodity account);
(2) which is perfected under section 9309 (relating to security interest perfected upon attachment) when it attaches;
(3) in property subject to a statute, regulation or treaty described in section 9311(a) (relating to perfection of security interests in property subject to certain statutes, regulations and treaties);
(4) in goods in possession of a bailee which is perfected under section 9312(d)(1) or (2);
(5) in certificated securities, documents, goods or instruments which is perfected without filing, control or possession under section:
(i) 9312(e);
(ii) 9312(f); or
(iii) 9312(g);
(6) in collateral in the secured party's possession under section 9313 (relating to when possession by or delivery to secured party perfects security interest without filing);
(7) in a certificated security which is perfected by delivery of the security certificate to the secured party under section 9313;
(8) in controllable accounts, controllable electronic records, controllable payment intangibles, deposit accounts, electronic documents, investment property or letter-of-credit rights which is perfected by control under section 9314 (relating to perfection by control);
(8.1) in chattel paper which is perfected by possession and control under section 9314.1 (relating to perfection by possession and control of chattel paper);
(9) in proceeds which is perfected under section 9315 (relating to secured party's rights on disposition of collateral and in proceeds); or
(10) which is perfected under section 9316 (relating to effect of change in governing law).
(c) Assignment of perfected security interest.-- If a secured party assigns a perfected security interest or agricultural lien, a filing under this division is not required to continue the perfected status of the security interest against creditors of and transferees from the original debtor.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days; June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Security interest subject to other law.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), the filing of a financing statement is not necessary or effective to perfect a security interest in property subject to:
(1) a statute, regulation or treaty of the United States whose requirements for a security interest's obtaining priority over the rights of a lien creditor with respect to the property preempt section 9310(a) (relating to when filing required to perfect security interest or agricultural lien; security interests and agricultural liens to which filing provisions do not apply);
(2) a statute of this Commonwealth or regulations promulgated thereunder, to the extent such statute or regulations provide for a security interest to be indicated on certificate of title as a condition or result of perfection; or
(3) a statute of another jurisdiction which provides for a security interest to be indicated on a certificate of title as a condition or result of the security interest's obtaining priority over the rights of a lien creditor with respect to the property.
(b) Compliance with other law.-- Compliance with the requirements of a statute, regulation or treaty described in subsection (a) for obtaining priority over the rights of a lien creditor is equivalent to the filing of a financing statement under this division. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) and sections 9313 (relating to when possession by or delivery to secured party perfects security interest without filing) and 9316(d) and (e) (relating to effect of change in governing law) for goods covered by a certificate of title, a security interest in property subject to a statute, regulation or treaty described in subsection (a) may be perfected only by compliance with those requirements, and a security interest so perfected remains perfected notwithstanding a change in the use or transfer of possession of the collateral.
(c) Duration and renewal of perfection.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) and section 9316(d) and (e), duration and renewal of perfection of a security interest perfected by compliance with the requirements prescribed by a statute, regulation or treaty described in subsection (a) are governed by the statute, regulation or treaty. In other respects, the security interest is subject to this division.
(d) Inapplicability to certain inventory.-- During any period in which collateral subject to a statute specified in subsection (a)(2) is inventory held for sale or lease by a person or leased by that person as lessor and that person is in the business of selling goods of that kind, this section does not apply to a security interest in that collateral created by that person.
(June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013)
(a) Perfection by filing permitted.-- A security interest in chattel paper, controllable accounts, controllable electronic records, controllable payment intangibles, instruments, investment property or negotiable documents may be perfected by filing.
(b) Control or possession of certain collateral.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 9315(c) (relating to perfection of security interest in proceeds) and (d) (relating to continuation of perfection) for proceeds:
(1) a security interest in a deposit account may be perfected only by control under section 9314 (relating to perfection by control);
(2) except as otherwise provided in section 9308(d) (relating to supporting obligation), a security interest in a letter-of-credit right may be perfected only by control under section 9314; and
(3) a security interest in money may be perfected only by the secured party's taking possession under section 9313 (relating to when possession by or delivery to secured party perfects security interest without filing).
(c) Goods covered by negotiable document.-- While goods are in the possession of a bailee that has issued a negotiable document covering the goods:
(1) a security interest in the goods may be perfected by perfecting a security interest in the document; and
(2) a security interest perfected in the document has priority over any security interest which becomes perfected in the goods by another method during that time.
(d) Goods covered by nonnegotiable document.-- While goods are in the possession of a bailee that has issued a nonnegotiable document covering the goods, a security interest in the goods may be perfected by:
(1) issuance of a document in the name of the secured party;
(2) the bailee's receipt of notification of the secured party's interest; or
(3) filing as to the goods.
(e) Temporary perfection: new value.-- A security interest in certificated securities, negotiable documents or instruments is perfected without filing or the taking of possession or control for a period of 20 days from the time it attaches to the extent that it arises for new value given under a signed security agreement.
(f) Temporary perfection: goods or documents made available to debtor.-- A perfected security interest in a negotiable document or goods in possession of a bailee, other than one that has issued a negotiable document for the goods, remains perfected for 20 days without filing if the secured party makes available to the debtor the goods or documents representing the goods for the purpose of:
(1) ultimate sale or exchange; or
(2) loading, unloading, storing, shipping, transshipping, manufacturing, processing or otherwise dealing with them in a manner preliminary to their sale or exchange.
(g) Temporary perfection: delivery of security certificate or instrument to debtor.-- A perfected security interest in a certificated security or instrument remains perfected for 20 days without filing if the secured party delivers the security certificate or instrument to the debtor for the purpose of:
(1) ultimate sale or exchange; or
(2) presentation, collection, enforcement, renewal or registration of transfer.
(h) Expiration of temporary perfection.-- After the 20-day period specified in subsection (e), (f) or (g) expires, perfection depends upon compliance with this division.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Perfection by possession or delivery.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), a secured party may perfect a security interest in goods, instruments, negotiable tangible documents or money by taking possession of the collateral. A secured party may perfect a security interest in certificated securities by taking delivery under section 8301 (relating to delivery).
(b) Goods covered by certificate of title.-- With respect to goods covered by a certificate of title issued by the Commonwealth, a secured party may perfect a security interest in the goods by taking possession of the goods only in the circumstances described in section 9316(d) (relating to effect of change in governing law).
(c) Collateral in possession of person other than debtor.-- With respect to collateral other than certificated securities and goods covered by a document, a secured party takes possession of collateral in the possession of a person other than the debtor, the secured party or a lessee of the collateral from the debtor in the ordinary course of the debtor's business when:
(1) the person in possession signs a record acknowledging that the person holds possession of the collateral for the secured party's benefit; or
(2) the person takes possession of the collateral after having signed a record acknowledging that the person will hold possession of the collateral for the secured party's benefit.
(d) Time of perfection by possession; continuation of perfection.-- If perfection of a security interest depends upon possession of the collateral by a secured party, perfection occurs not earlier than the time the secured party takes possession and continues only while the secured party retains possession.
(e) Time of perfection by delivery; continuation of perfection.-- A security interest in a certificated security in registered form is perfected by delivery when delivery of the certificated security occurs under section 8301 and remains perfected by delivery until the debtor obtains possession of the security certificate.
(f) Acknowledgment not required.-- A person in possession of collateral is not required to acknowledge that the person holds possession for a secured party's benefit.
(g) Effectiveness of acknowledgment; no duties or confirmation.-- If a person acknowledges that the person holds possession for the secured party's benefit:
(1) the acknowledgment is effective under subsection (c) or section 8301(a) (relating to delivery of certificated security) even if the acknowledgment violates the rights of a debtor; and
(2) unless the person otherwise agrees or law other than this division otherwise provides, the person does not owe any duty to the secured party and is not required to confirm the acknowledgment to another person.
(h) Secured party's delivery to person other than debtor.-- A secured party having possession of collateral does not relinquish possession by delivering the collateral to a person other than the debtor or a lessee of the collateral from the debtor in the ordinary course of the debtor's business if the person was instructed before the delivery or is instructed contemporaneously with the delivery:
(1) to hold possession of the collateral for the secured party's benefit; or
(2) to redeliver the collateral to the secured party.
(i) Effect of delivery under subsection (h); no duties or confirmation.-- A secured party does not relinquish possession even if a delivery under subsection (h) violates the rights of a debtor. A person to which collateral is delivered under subsection (h) does not owe any duty to the secured party and is not required to confirm the delivery to another person unless the person otherwise agrees or law other than this division otherwise provides.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days; June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Perfection by control.-- A security interest in controllable accounts, controllable electronic records, controllable payment intangibles, deposit accounts, electronic documents, investment property or letter-of-credit rights may be perfected by control of the collateral under section 7106 (relating to control of electronic document of title), 9104 (relating to control of deposit account), 9106 (relating to control of investment property), 9107 (relating to control of letter-of-credit right) or 9107.1 (relating to control of controllable electronic record, controllable account or controllable payment intangible).
(b) Specified collateral: time of perfection by control; continuation of perfection.-- A security interest in controllable accounts, controllable electronic records, controllable payment intangibles, deposit accounts, electronic documents or letter-of-credit rights is perfected by control under section 7106, 9104, 9107 or 9107.1 not earlier than the time the secured party obtains control and remains perfected by control only while the secured party retains control.
(c) Investment property: time of perfection by control; continuation of perfection.-- A security interest in investment property is perfected by control under section 9106 not earlier than the time the secured party obtains control and remains perfected by control until both of the following paragraphs apply:
(1) The secured party does not have control.
(2) One of the following occurs:
(i) If the collateral is a certificated security, the debtor has or acquires possession of the security certificate.
(ii) If the collateral is an uncertificated security, the issuer has registered or registers the debtor as the registered owner.
(iii) If the collateral is a security entitlement, the debtor is or becomes the entitlement holder.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Perfection by possession and control.-- A secured party may perfect a security interest in chattel paper by taking possession of each authoritative tangible copy of the record evidencing the chattel paper and obtaining control of each authoritative electronic copy of the electronic record evidencing the chattel paper.
(b) Time of perfection; continuation of perfection.-- A security interest is perfected under subsection (a) not earlier than the time the secured party takes possession and obtains control and remains perfected under subsection (a) only while the secured party retains possession and control.
(c) Application of section 9313 to perfection by possession of chattel paper.-- Section 9313(c), (f), (g), (h) and (i) (relating to when possession by or delivery to secured party perfects security interest without filing) applies to perfection by possession of an authoritative tangible copy of a record evidencing chattel paper.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Disposition of collateral: continuation of security interest or agricultural lien; proceeds.-- Except as otherwise provided in this division and in section 2403(b) (relating to transfer by merchant entrusted with possession of goods):
(1) a security interest or agricultural lien continues in collateral notwithstanding sale, lease, license, exchange or other disposition thereof unless the secured party authorized the disposition free of the security interest or agricultural lien; and
(2) a security interest attaches to any identifiable proceeds of collateral.
(b) When commingled proceeds identifiable.-- Proceeds which are commingled with other property are identifiable proceeds:
(1) if the proceeds are goods, to the extent provided by section 9336 (relating to commingled goods); and
(2) if the proceeds are not goods, to the extent that the secured party identifies the proceeds by a method of tracing, including application of equitable principles, that is permitted under law other than this division with respect to commingled property of the type involved.
(c) Perfection of security interest in proceeds.-- A security interest in proceeds is a perfected security interest if the security interest in the original collateral was perfected.
(d) Continuation of perfection.-- A perfected security interest in proceeds becomes unperfected on the 21st day after the security interest attaches to the proceeds unless one of the following paragraphs applies:
(1) The conditions set forth in all of the following subparagraphs are satisfied:
(i) A filed financing statement covers the original collateral.
(ii) The proceeds are collateral in which a security interest may be perfected by filing in the office in which the financing statement has been filed.
(iii) The proceeds are not acquired with cash proceeds.
(2) The proceeds are identifiable cash proceeds.
(3) The security interest in the proceeds is perfected other than under subsection (c) when the security interest attaches to the proceeds or within 20 days thereafter.
(e) When perfected security interest in proceeds becomes unperfected.-- If a filed financing statement covers the original collateral, a security interest in proceeds which remains perfected under subsection (d)(1) becomes unperfected at the later of:
(1) when the effectiveness of the filed financing statement lapses under section 9515 (relating to duration and effectiveness of financing statement; effect of lapsed financing statement) or is terminated under section 9513 (relating to termination statement); or
(2) the 21st day after the security interest attaches to the proceeds.
(a) General rule: effect on perfection of change in governing law.-- A security interest perfected pursuant to the law of the jurisdiction designated in section 9301(a) (relating to general rule: location of debtor), 9305(c) (relating to when perfection governed by law of jurisdiction where debtor located), 9306.1(d) (relating to law governing perfection and priority of security interests in chattel paper) or 9306.2(b) (relating to law governing perfection and priority of security interests in controllable accounts, controllable electronic records and controllable payment intangibles) remains perfected until the earliest of:
(1) the time perfection would have ceased under the law of that jurisdiction;
(2) the expiration of four months after a change of the debtor's location to another jurisdiction; or
(3) the expiration of one year after a transfer of collateral to a person that thereby becomes a debtor and is located in another jurisdiction.
(b) Security interest perfected or unperfected under law of new jurisdiction.-- If a security interest described in subsection (a) becomes perfected under the law of the other jurisdiction before the earliest time or event described in that subsection, it remains perfected thereafter. If the security interest does not become perfected under the law of the other jurisdiction before the earliest time or event, it becomes unperfected and is deemed never to have been perfected as against a purchaser of the collateral for value.
(c) Possessory security interest in collateral moved to new jurisdiction.-- A possessory security interest in collateral, other than goods covered by a certificate of title and as-extracted collateral consisting of goods, remains continuously perfected if:
(1) the collateral is located in one jurisdiction and subject to a security interest perfected under the law of that jurisdiction;
(2) thereafter the collateral is brought into another jurisdiction; and
(3) upon entry into the other jurisdiction, the security interest is perfected under the law of the other jurisdiction.
(d) Goods covered by certificate of title from the Commonwealth.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (e), a security interest in goods covered by a certificate of title which is perfected by any method under the law of another jurisdiction when the goods become covered by a certificate of title from the Commonwealth remains perfected until the security interest would have become unperfected under the law of the other jurisdiction had the goods not become so covered.
(e) When subsection (d) security interest becomes unperfected against purchasers.-- A security interest described in subsection (d) becomes unperfected as against a purchaser of the goods for value and is deemed never to have been perfected as against a purchaser of the goods for value if the applicable requirements for perfection under section 9311(b) (relating to perfection of security interests in property subject to certain statutes, regulations and treaties) or 9313 (relating to when possession by or delivery to secured party perfects security interest without filing) are not satisfied before the earlier of:
(1) the time the security interest would have become unperfected under the law of the other jurisdiction had the goods not become covered by a certificate of title from the Commonwealth; or
(2) the expiration of four months after the goods had become so covered.
(f) Change in jurisdiction of chattel paper, controllable electronic record, bank, issuer, nominated person, securities intermediary or commodity intermediary.-- A security interest in chattel paper, controllable accounts, controllable electronic records, controllable payment intangibles, deposit accounts, letter-of-credit rights or investment property which is perfected under the law of the chattel paper's jurisdiction, the controllable electronic record's jurisdiction, the bank's jurisdiction, the issuer's jurisdiction, a nominated person's jurisdiction, the securities intermediary's jurisdiction or the commodity intermediary's jurisdiction, as applicable, remains perfected until the earlier of:
(1) the time the security interest would have become unperfected under the law of that jurisdiction; or
(2) the expiration of four months after a change of the applicable jurisdiction to another jurisdiction.
(g) Subsection (f) security interest perfected or unperfected under law of new jurisdiction.-- If a security interest described in subsection (f) becomes perfected under the law of the other jurisdiction before the earlier of the time or the end of the period described in that subsection, it remains perfected thereafter. If the security interest does not become perfected under the law of the other jurisdiction before the earlier of that time or the end of that period, it becomes unperfected and is deemed never to have been perfected as against a purchaser of the collateral for value.
(h) Effect on filed financing statement of change in governing law.-- The following rules apply to collateral to which a security interest attaches within four months after the debtor changes its location to another jurisdiction:
(1) A financing statement filed before the change pursuant to the law of the jurisdiction designated in section 9301(a) or 9305(c) is effective to perfect a security interest in the collateral if the financing statement would have been effective to perfect a security interest in the collateral had the debtor not changed its location.
(2) If a security interest perfected by a financing statement that is effective under paragraph (1) becomes perfected under the law of the other jurisdiction before the earlier of the time the financing statement would have become ineffective under the law of the jurisdiction designated in section 9301(a) or 9305(c) or the expiration of the four-month period, it remains perfected thereafter. If the security interest does not become perfected under the law of the other jurisdiction before the earlier time or event, it becomes unperfected and is deemed never to have been perfected as against a purchaser of the collateral for value.
(i) Effect of change in governing law on financing statement filed against original debtor.-- If a financing statement naming an original debtor is filed pursuant to the law of the jurisdiction designated in section 9301(a) or 9305(c) and the new debtor is located in another jurisdiction, the following rules apply:
(1) The financing statement is effective to perfect a security interest in collateral acquired by the new debtor before, and within four months after, the new debtor becomes bound under section 9203(d) (relating to attachment and enforceability of security interest; proceeds; supporting obligations; formal requisites), if the financing statement would have been effective to perfect a security interest in the collateral had the collateral been acquired by the original debtor.
(2) A security interest perfected by the financing statement and which becomes perfected under the law of the other jurisdiction before the earlier of the time the financing statement would have become ineffective under the law of the jurisdiction designated in section 9301(a) or 9305(c) or the expiration of the four-month period remains perfected thereafter. A security interest that is perfected by the financing statement but which does not become perfected under the law of the other jurisdiction before the earlier time or event becomes unperfected and is deemed never to have been perfected as against a purchaser of the collateral for value.
(June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Conflicting security interests and rights of lien creditors.-- A security interest or agricultural lien is subordinate to the rights of all of the following:
(1) A person entitled to priority under section 9322 (relating to priorities among conflicting security interests in and agricultural liens on same collateral).
(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (e), a person that becomes a lien creditor before the earlier of the time:
(i) the security interest or agricultural lien is perfected; or
(ii) one of the conditions specified in section 9203(b)(3) (relating to enforceability) is met and a financing statement covering the collateral is filed.
(b) Buyers that receive delivery.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (e), a buyer, other than a secured party, of goods, instruments, tangible documents or a certificated security takes free of a security interest or agricultural lien if the buyer gives value and receives delivery of the collateral without knowledge of the security interest or agricultural lien and before it is perfected.
(c) Lessees that receive delivery.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (e), a lessee of goods takes free of a security interest or agricultural lien if the lessee gives value and receives delivery of the collateral without knowledge of the security interest or agricultural lien and before it is perfected.
(d) Licensees and buyers of certain collateral.-- Subject to subsections (f), (g), (h) and (i), a licensee of a general intangible or a buyer, other than a secured party, of collateral other than goods, instruments, tangible documents or a certificated security takes free of a security interest if the licensee or buyer gives value without knowledge of the security interest and before it is perfected.
(e) Purchase-money security interest.-- Except as otherwise provided in sections 9320 (relating to buyer of goods) and 9321 (relating to licensee of general intangible and lessee of goods in ordinary course of business), if a person files a financing statement with respect to a purchase-money security interest before or within 20 days after the debtor receives delivery of the collateral, the security interest takes priority over the rights of a buyer, lessee or lien creditor which arise between the time the security interest attaches and the time of filing.
(f) Buyers of chattel paper.-- A buyer, other than a secured party, of chattel paper takes free of a security interest if, without knowledge of the security interest and before it is perfected, the buyer gives value and:
(1) receives delivery of each authoritative tangible copy of the record evidencing the chattel paper; and
(2) if each authoritative electronic copy of the record evidencing the chattel paper can be subjected to control under section 9105 (relating to control of electronic copy of record evidencing chattel paper), obtains control of each authoritative electronic copy.
(g) Buyers of electronic documents.-- A buyer of an electronic document takes free of a security interest if, without knowledge of the security interest and before it is perfected, the buyer gives value and, if each authoritative electronic copy of the document can be subjected to control under section 7106 (relating to control of electronic document of title), obtains control of each authoritative electronic copy.
(h) Buyers of controllable electronic records.-- A buyer of a controllable electronic record takes free of a security interest if, without knowledge of the security interest and before it is perfected, the buyer gives value and obtains control of the controllable electronic record.
(i) Buyers of controllable accounts and controllable payment intangibles.-- A buyer, other than a secured party, of a controllable account or a controllable payment intangible takes free of a security interest if, without knowledge of the security interest and before it is perfected, the buyer gives value and obtains control of the controllable account or controllable payment intangible.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days; June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Seller retains no interest.-- A debtor that has sold an account, chattel paper, payment intangible or promissory note does not retain a legal or equitable interest in the collateral sold.
(b) Deemed rights of debtor if buyer's security interest unperfected.-- For purposes of determining the rights of creditors of and purchasers for value of an account or chattel paper from a debtor that has sold an account or chattel paper, while the buyer's security interest is unperfected, the debtor is deemed to have rights and title to the account or chattel paper identical to those the debtor sold.
(a) Consignee has consignor's rights.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), for purposes of determining the rights of creditors of and purchasers for value of goods from a consignee, while the goods are in the possession of the consignee, the consignee is deemed to have rights and title to the goods identical to those the consignor had or had power to transfer.
(b) Applicability of other law.-- For purposes of determining the rights of a creditor of a consignee, law other than this division determines the rights and title of a consignee while goods are in the consignee's possession if, under this chapter, a perfected security interest held by the consignor would have priority over the rights of the creditor.
(a) Buyer in ordinary course of business.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (e), a buyer in ordinary course of business, other than a person buying farm products from a person engaged in farming operations, takes free of a security interest created by the buyer's seller, even if the security interest is perfected and the buyer knows of its existence.
(b) Buyer of consumer goods.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (e), a buyer of goods from a person who used or bought the goods for use primarily for personal, family or household purposes takes free of a security interest, even if perfected, if the buyer buys:
(1) without knowledge of the security interest;
(2) for value;
(3) primarily for the buyer's personal, family or household purposes; and
(4) before the filing of a financing statement covering the goods.
(c) Effectiveness of filing for subsection (b).-- To the extent that it affects the priority of a security interest over a buyer of goods under subsection (b), the period of effectiveness of a filing made in the jurisdiction in which the seller is located is governed by section 9316(a) and (b) (relating to effect of change in governing law).
(d) Buyer in ordinary course of business at wellhead or minehead.-- A buyer in ordinary course of business buying oil, gas or other minerals at the wellhead or minehead or after extraction takes free of an interest arising out of an encumbrance.
(e) Possessory security interest not affected.-- Subsections (a) and (b) do not affect a security interest in goods in the possession of the secured party under section 9313 (relating to when possession by or delivery to secured party perfects security interest without filing).
(June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013)
(a) Licensee in ordinary course of business.-- As used in this section, the term "licensee in ordinary course of business" means a person that becomes a licensee of a general intangible in good faith, without knowledge that the license violates the rights of another person in the general intangible, and in the ordinary course from a person in the business of licensing general intangibles of that kind. A person becomes a licensee in the ordinary course if the license to the person comports with the usual or customary practices in the kind of business in which the licensor is engaged or with the licensor's own usual or customary practices.
(b) Rights of licensee in ordinary course of business.-- A licensee in ordinary course of business takes its rights under a nonexclusive license free of a security interest in the general intangible created by the licensor even if the security interest is perfected and the licensee knows of its existence.
(c) Rights of lessee in ordinary course of business.-- A lessee in ordinary course of business takes its leasehold interest free of a security interest in the goods created by the lessor even if the security interest is perfected and the lessee knows of its existence.
(a) General priority rules.-- Except as otherwise provided in this section, priority among conflicting security interests and agricultural liens in the same collateral is determined according to the following rules:
(1) Conflicting perfected security interests and agricultural liens rank according to priority in time of filing or perfection. Priority dates from the earlier of the time a filing covering the collateral is first made or the security interest or agricultural lien is first perfected, if there is no period thereafter when there is neither filing nor perfection.
(2) A perfected security interest or agricultural lien has priority over a conflicting unperfected security interest or agricultural lien.
(3) The first security interest or agricultural lien to attach or become effective has priority if conflicting security interests and agricultural liens are unperfected.
(b) Time of perfection: proceeds and supporting obligations.-- For the purposes of subsection (a)(1):
(1) the time of filing or perfection as to a security interest in collateral is also the time of filing or perfection as to a security interest in proceeds; and
(2) the time of filing or perfection as to a security interest in collateral supported by a supporting obligation is also the time of filing or perfection as to a security interest in the supporting obligation.
(c) Special priority rules: proceeds and supporting obligations.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (f), a security interest in collateral which qualifies for priority over a conflicting security interest under section 9327 (relating to priority of security interests in deposit account), 9328 (relating to priority of security interests in investment property), 9329 (relating to priority of security interests in letter-of-credit right), 9330 (relating to priority of purchaser of chattel paper or instrument) or 9331 (relating to priority of rights of purchasers of controllable accounts, controllable electronic records, controllable payment intangibles, documents, instruments and securities under other divisions; priority of interests in financial assets and security entitlements and protection against assertion of claim under Divisions 8 and 12) also has priority over a conflicting security interest in all of the following:
(1) Any supporting obligation for the collateral.
(2) Proceeds of the collateral if:
(i) the security interest in proceeds is perfected;
(ii) the proceeds are cash proceeds or of the same type as the collateral; and
(iii) in the case of proceeds which are proceeds of proceeds, all intervening proceeds are:
(A) cash proceeds;
(B) proceeds of the same type as the collateral; or
(C) an account relating to the collateral.
(d) First-to-file priority rule for certain collateral.-- Subject to subsection (e) and except as otherwise provided in subsection (f), if a security interest in chattel paper, deposit accounts, negotiable documents, instruments, investment property or letter-of-credit rights is perfected by a method other than filing, conflicting perfected security interests in proceeds of the collateral rank according to priority in time of filing.
(e) Applicability of subsection (d).-- Subsection (d) applies only if the proceeds of the collateral are not cash proceeds, chattel paper, negotiable documents, instruments, investment property or letter-of-credit rights.
(f) Limitations on subsections (a) through (e).-- Subsections (a) through (e) are subject to:
(1) subsection (g) and the other provisions of this chapter;
(2) section 4210 (relating to security interest of collecting bank in items, accompanying documents and proceeds);
(3) section 5118 (relating to security interest of issuer or nominated person); and
(4) section 9110 (relating to security interests arising under Division 2 or 2A).
(g) Priority under agricultural lien statute.-- A perfected agricultural lien on collateral has priority over a conflicting security interest in or agricultural lien on the same collateral if the statute creating the agricultural lien so provides.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) When priority based on time of advance.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), for purposes of determining the priority of a perfected security interest under section 9322(a)(1) (relating to general priority rules), perfection of the security interest dates from the time an advance is made to the extent that the security interest secures an advance which:
(1) is made while the security interest is perfected only:
(i) under section 9309 (relating to security interest perfected upon attachment) when it attaches; or
(ii) temporarily under any of the following sections:
(A) 9312(e) (relating to perfection of security interests in chattel paper, controllable accounts, controllable electronic records, controllable payment intangibles, deposit accounts, documents, goods covered by documents, instruments, investment property, letter-of-credit rights and money; perfection by permissive filing; temporary perfection without filing or transfer of possession);
(B) 9312(f); or
(C) 9312(g); and
(2) is not made pursuant to a commitment entered into before or while the security interest is perfected by a method other than under section 9309 or 9312(e), (f) or (g).
(b) Lien creditor.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), a security interest is subordinate to the rights of a person that becomes a lien creditor to the extent that the security interest secures an advance made more than 45 days after the person becomes a lien creditor unless the advance is made:
(1) without knowledge of the lien; or
(2) pursuant to a commitment entered into without knowledge of the lien.
(c) Buyer of receivables.-- Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to a security interest held by a secured party that is a buyer of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles or promissory notes or a consignor.
(d) Buyer of goods.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (e), a buyer of goods takes free of a security interest to the extent that it secures advances made after the earlier of:
(1) the time the secured party acquires knowledge of the buyer's purchase; or
(2) 45 days after the purchase.
(e) Advances made pursuant to commitment: priority of buyer of goods.-- Subsection (d) does not apply if the advance is made pursuant to a commitment entered into without knowledge of the buyer's purchase and before the expiration of the 45-day period.
(f) Lessee of goods.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (g), a lessee of goods takes the leasehold interest free of a security interest to the extent that it secures advances made after the earlier of:
(1) the time the secured party acquires knowledge of the lease; or
(2) 45 days after the lease contract becomes enforceable.
(g) Advances made pursuant to commitment: priority of lessee of goods.-- Subsection (f) does not apply if the advance is made pursuant to a commitment entered into without knowledge of the lease and before the expiration of the 45-day period.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) General rule: purchase-money priority.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (g), a perfected purchase-money security interest in goods other than inventory or livestock has priority over a conflicting security interest in the same goods, and, except as otherwise provided in section 9327 (relating to priority of security interests in deposit account), a perfected security interest in its identifiable proceeds also has priority if the purchase-money security interest is perfected when the debtor receives possession of the collateral or within 20 days thereafter.
(b) Inventory purchase-money priority.-- Subject to subsection (c) and except as otherwise provided in subsection (g), a perfected purchase-money security interest in inventory has priority over a conflicting security interest in the same inventory; has priority over a conflicting security interest in chattel paper or an instrument constituting proceeds of the inventory and in proceeds of the chattel paper if so provided in section 9330 (relating to priority of purchaser of chattel paper or instrument); and, except as otherwise provided in section 9327, also has priority in identifiable cash proceeds of the inventory to the extent the identifiable cash proceeds are received on or before the delivery of the inventory to a buyer, if:
(1) the purchase-money security interest is perfected when the debtor receives possession of the inventory;
(2) the purchase-money secured party sends a signed notification to the holder of the conflicting security interest;
(3) the holder of the conflicting security interest receives the notification within five years before the debtor receives possession of the inventory; and
(4) the notification states that the person sending the notification has or expects to acquire a purchase-money security interest in inventory of the debtor and describes the inventory.
(c) Holders of conflicting inventory security interests to be notified.-- Subsection (b)(2) through (4) apply only if the holder of the conflicting security interest had filed a financing statement covering the same types of inventory:
(1) if the purchase-money security interest is perfected by filing, before the date of the filing; or
(2) if the purchase-money security interest is temporarily perfected without filing or possession under section 9312(f) (relating to perfection of security interests in chattel paper, controllable accounts, controllable electronic records, controllable payment intangibles, deposit accounts, documents, goods covered by documents, instruments, investment property, letter-of-credit rights and money; perfection by permissive filing; temporary perfection without filing or transfer of possession), before the beginning of the 20-day period thereunder.
(d) Livestock purchase-money priority.-- Subject to subsection (e) and except as otherwise provided in subsection (g), a perfected purchase-money security interest in livestock which are farm products has priority over a conflicting security interest in the same livestock; and, except as otherwise provided in section 9327, a perfected security interest in their identifiable proceeds and identifiable products in their unmanufactured state also has priority, if:
(1) the purchase-money security interest is perfected when the debtor receives possession of the livestock;
(2) the purchase-money secured party sends a signed notification to the holder of the conflicting security interest;
(3) the holder of the conflicting security interest receives the notification within six months before the debtor receives possession of the livestock; and
(4) the notification states that the person sending the notification has or expects to acquire a purchase-money security interest in livestock of the debtor and describes the livestock.
(e) Holders of conflicting livestock security interests to be notified.-- Subsection (d)(2) through (4) apply only if the holder of the conflicting security interest had filed a financing statement covering the same types of livestock:
(1) if the purchase-money security interest is perfected by filing, before the date of the filing; or
(2) if the purchase-money security interest is temporarily perfected without filing or possession under section 9312(f), before the beginning of the 20-day period thereunder.
(f) Software purchase-money priority.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (g), a perfected purchase-money security interest in software has priority over a conflicting security interest in the same collateral; and, except as otherwise provided in section 9327, a perfected security interest in its identifiable proceeds also has priority, to the extent that the purchase-money security interest in the goods in which the software was acquired for use has priority in the goods and proceeds of the goods under this section.
(g) Conflicting purchase-money security interests.-- If more than one security interest qualifies for priority in the same collateral under subsection (a), (b), (d) or (f):
(1) a security interest securing an obligation incurred as all or part of the price of the collateral has priority over a security interest securing an obligation incurred for value given to enable the debtor to acquire rights in or the use of collateral; and
(2) in all other cases, section 9322(a) (relating to general priority rules) applies to the qualifying security interests.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Subordination of security interest in transferred collateral.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), a security interest created by a debtor is subordinate to a security interest in the same collateral created by another person if:
(1) the debtor acquired the collateral subject to the security interest created by the other person;
(2) the security interest created by the other person was perfected when the debtor acquired the collateral; and
(3) there is no period thereafter when the security interest is unperfected.
(b) Limitation of subsection (a) subordination.-- Subsection (a) subordinates a security interest only if the security interest:
(1) otherwise would have priority solely under section 9322(a) (relating to general priority rules) or 9324 (relating to priority of purchase-money security interests); or
(2) arose solely under section 2711(c) (relating to security interest of buyer in rejected goods) or 2A508(e) (relating to security interest in goods in lessee's possession).
(a) Subordination of security interest created by new debtor.-- Subject to subsection (b), a security interest that is created by a new debtor in collateral in which the new debtor has or acquires rights and is perfected solely by a filed financing statement which would be ineffective to perfect the security interest but for the application of section 9316(i)(1) (relating to effect of change in governing law) or 9508 (relating to effectiveness of financing statement if new debtor becomes bound by security agreement) is subordinate to a security interest in the same collateral which is perfected other than by such a filed financing statement.
(b) Priority under other provisions; multiple original debtors.-- The other provisions of this chapter determine the priority among conflicting security interests in the same collateral perfected by filed financing statements described in subsection (a). However, if the security agreements to which a new debtor became bound as debtor were not entered into by the same original debtor, the conflicting security interests rank according to priority in time of the new debtor's having become bound.
(June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013)
A security interest in a controllable account, controllable electronic record or controllable payment intangible held by a secured party having control of the account, electronic record or payment intangible has priority over a conflicting security interest held by a secured party that does not have control.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
The following rules govern priority among conflicting security interests in the same deposit account:
(1) A security interest held by a secured party having control of the deposit account under section 9104 (relating to control of deposit account) has priority over a conflicting security interest held by a secured party that does not have control.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (3) and (4), security interests perfected by control under section 9314 (relating to perfection by control) rank according to priority in time of obtaining control.
(3) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (4), a security interest held by the bank with which the deposit account is maintained has priority over a conflicting security interest held by another secured party.
(4) A security interest perfected by control under section 9104(a)(3) has priority over a security interest held by the bank with which the deposit account is maintained.
The following rules govern priority among conflicting security interests in the same investment property:
(1) A security interest of a secured party having control of investment property under section 9106 (relating to control of investment property) has priority over a security interest of a secured party that does not have control over the investment property.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (3) and (4), conflicting security interests held by secured parties each of which has control under section 9106 rank according to priority in time of:
(i) if the collateral is a security, obtaining control;
(ii) if the collateral is a security entitlement carried in a securities account and:
(A) if the secured party obtained control under section 8106(d)(1) (relating to control), the secured party's becoming the person for which the securities account is maintained;
(B) if the secured party obtained control under section 8106(d)(2), the securities intermediary's agreement to comply with the secured party's entitlement orders with respect to security entitlements carried or to be carried in the securities account; or
(C) if the secured party obtained control through another person under section 8106(d)(3), the time on which priority would be based under this subsection if the other person were the secured party; or
(iii) if the collateral is a commodity contract carried with a commodity intermediary, the satisfaction of the requirement for control specified in section 9106(b)(2) with respect to commodity contracts carried or to be carried with the commodity intermediary.
(3) A security interest held by a securities intermediary in a security entitlement or a securities account maintained with the securities intermediary has priority over a conflicting security interest held by another secured party.
(4) A security interest held by a commodity intermediary in a commodity contract or a commodity account maintained with the commodity intermediary has priority over a conflicting security interest held by another secured party.
(5) A security interest in a certificated security in registered form which is perfected by taking delivery under section 9313(a) (relating to perfection by possession or delivery) and not by control under section 9314 (relating to perfection by control) has priority over a conflicting security interest perfected by a method other than control.
(6) Conflicting security interests created by a broker, securities intermediary or commodity intermediary which are perfected without control under section 9106 rank equally.
(7) In all other cases, priority among conflicting security interests in investment property is governed by sections 9322 (relating to priorities among conflicting security interests in and agricultural liens on same collateral) and 9323 (relating to future advances).
The following rules govern priority among conflicting security interests in the same letter-of-credit right:
(1) A security interest held by a secured party having control of the letter-of-credit right under section 9107 (relating to control of letter-of-credit right) has priority to the extent of its control over a conflicting security interest held by a secured party that does not have control.
(2) Security interests perfected by control under section 9314 (relating to perfection by control) rank according to priority in time of obtaining control.
(a) Purchaser's priority: security interest claimed merely as proceeds.-- A purchaser of chattel paper has priority over a security interest in the chattel paper which is claimed merely as proceeds of inventory subject to a security interest if:
(1) in good faith and in the ordinary course of the purchaser's business, the purchaser gives new value, takes possession of each authoritative tangible copy of the record evidencing the chattel paper and obtains control under section 9105 (relating to control of electronic copy of record evidencing chattel paper) of each authoritative electronic copy of the record evidencing the chattel paper; and
(2) the authoritative copies of the record evidencing the chattel paper do not indicate that the chattel paper has been assigned to an identified assignee other than the purchaser.
(b) Purchaser's priority: other security interests.-- A purchaser of chattel paper has priority over a security interest in the chattel paper which is claimed other than merely as proceeds of inventory subject to a security interest if the purchaser gives new value, takes possession of each authoritative tangible copy of the record evidencing the chattel paper and obtains control under section 9105 of each authoritative electronic copy of the record evidencing the chattel paper in good faith, in the ordinary course of the purchaser's business and without knowledge that the purchase violates the rights of the secured party.
(c) Chattel paper purchaser's priority in proceeds.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 9327 (relating to priority of security interests in deposit account), a purchaser having priority in chattel paper under subsection (a) or (b) also has priority in proceeds of the chattel paper to the extent that:
(1) section 9322 (relating to priorities among conflicting security interests in and agricultural liens on same collateral) provides for priority in the proceeds; or
(2) the proceeds consist of the specific goods covered by the chattel paper or cash proceeds of the specific goods even if the purchaser's security interest in the proceeds is unperfected.
(d) Instrument purchaser's priority.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 9331(a) (relating to priority of rights of purchasers of controllable accounts, controllable electronic records, controllable payment intangibles, documents, instruments and securities under other divisions; priority of interests in financial assets and security entitlements and protection against assertion of claim under Divisions 8 and 12), a purchaser of an instrument has priority over a security interest in the instrument perfected by a method other than possession if the purchaser gives value and takes possession of the instrument in good faith and without knowledge that the purchase violates the rights of the secured party.
(e) Holder of purchase-money security interest gives new value.-- For purposes of subsections (a) and (b), the holder of a purchase-money security interest in inventory gives new value for chattel paper constituting proceeds of the inventory.
(f) Indication of assignment gives knowledge.-- For purposes of subsections (b) and (d), if the authoritative copies of the record evidencing chattel paper or an instrument indicate that the chattel paper or instrument has been assigned to an identified secured party other than the purchaser, a purchaser of the chattel paper or instrument has knowledge that the purchase violates the rights of the secured party.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Rights under Divisions 3, 7, 8 and 12 not limited.-- This division does not limit the rights of a holder in due course of a negotiable instrument, a holder to which a negotiable document of title has been duly negotiated, a protected purchaser of a security or a qualifying purchaser of a controllable account, controllable electronic record or controllable payment intangible. These holders or purchasers take priority over an earlier security interest, even if perfected, to the extent provided in Divisions 3 (relating to negotiable instruments), 7 (relating to warehouse receipts, bills of lading and other documents of title), 8 (relating to investment securities) and 12 (relating to controllable electronic records).
(b) Protection under Divisions 8 and 12.-- This division does not limit the rights of or impose liability on a person to the extent that the person is protected against the assertion of a claim under Division 8 or 12.
(c) Filing not notice.-- Filing under this division does not constitute notice of a claim or defense to the holders, purchasers or persons described in subsections (a) and (b).
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Transferee of money.-- A transferee of money takes the money free of a security interest if the transferee receives possession of the money without acting in collusion with the debtor in violating the rights of the secured party.
(b) Transferee of funds from deposit account.-- A transferee of funds from a deposit account takes the funds free of a security interest in the deposit account if the transferee receives the funds without acting in collusion with the debtor in violating the rights of the secured party.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Possessory lien.-- As used in this section, the term "possessory lien" means an interest, other than a security interest or an agricultural lien:
(1) which secures payment or performance of an obligation for services or materials furnished with respect to goods by a person in the ordinary course of the person's business;
(2) which is created by statute or rule of law in favor of the person; and
(3) whose effectiveness depends on the person's possession of the goods.
(b) Priority of possessory lien.-- A possessory lien on goods has priority over a security interest in the goods unless the lien is created by a statute which expressly provides otherwise.
(a) Security interest in fixtures under this division.-- A security interest under this division may be created in goods which are fixtures or may continue in goods which become fixtures. A security interest does not exist under this division in ordinary building materials incorporated into an improvement on land.
(b) Security interest in fixtures under real property law.-- This division does not prevent creation of an encumbrance upon fixtures under real property law.
(c) General rule: subordination of security interest in fixtures.-- In cases not governed by subsections (d) through (h), a security interest in fixtures is subordinate to a conflicting interest of an encumbrancer or owner of the related real property other than the debtor.
(d) Fixtures purchase-money priority.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (h), a perfected security interest in fixtures has priority over a conflicting interest of an encumbrancer or owner of the real property if the debtor has an interest of record in or is in possession of the real property and:
(1) the security interest is a purchase-money security interest;
(2) the interest of the encumbrancer or owner arises before the goods become fixtures; and
(3) the security interest is perfected by a fixture filing before the goods become fixtures or within 20 days thereafter.
(e) Priority of security interest in fixtures over interests in real property.-- A perfected security interest in fixtures has priority over a conflicting interest of an encumbrancer or owner of the real property if any of the following paragraphs apply:
(1) The debtor has an interest of record in the real property or is in possession of the real property and the security interest:
(i) is perfected by a fixture filing before the interest of the encumbrancer or owner is of record; and
(ii) has priority over any conflicting interest of a predecessor in title of the encumbrancer or owner.
(2) Before the goods become fixtures, the security interest is perfected by any method permitted by this division and the fixtures are readily removable:
(i) factory or office machines;
(ii) equipment which is not primarily used or leased for use in the operation of the real property; or
(iii) replacements of domestic appliances which are consumer goods.
(3) The conflicting interest is a lien on the real property obtained by legal or equitable proceedings after the security interest was perfected by any method permitted by this division.
(4) The security interest is:
(i) created in a manufactured home in a manufactured-home transaction; and
(ii) perfected pursuant to a statute described in section 9311(a)(2) (relating to perfection of security interests in property subject to certain statutes, regulations and treaties).
(f) Priority based on consent, disclaimer or right to remove.-- A security interest in fixtures, whether or not perfected, has priority over a conflicting interest of an encumbrancer or owner of the real property if:
(1) the encumbrancer or owner has, in a signed record, consented to the security interest or disclaimed an interest in the goods as fixtures; or
(2) the debtor has a right to remove the goods as against the encumbrancer or owner.
(g) Continuation of subsection (f)(2) priority.-- The priority of the security interest under subsection (f)(2) continues for a reasonable time if the debtor's right to remove the goods as against the encumbrancer or owner terminates.
(h) Priority of construction mortgage.-- A mortgage is a construction mortgage to the extent that it secures an obligation incurred for the construction of an improvement on land, including the acquisition cost of the land, if a recorded record of the mortgage so indicates. Except as otherwise provided in subsections (e) and (f), a security interest in fixtures is subordinate to a construction mortgage if a record of the mortgage is recorded before the goods become fixtures and the goods become fixtures before the completion of the construction. A mortgage has this priority to the same extent as a construction mortgage to the extent that it is given to refinance a construction mortgage.
(i) Priority of security interest in crops.-- A perfected security interest in crops growing on real property has priority over a conflicting interest of an encumbrancer or owner of the real property if the debtor has an interest of record in or is in possession of the real property.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Creation of security interest in accession.-- A security interest may be created in an accession and continues in collateral which becomes an accession.
(b) Perfection of security interest.-- If a security interest is perfected when the collateral becomes an accession, the security interest remains perfected in the collateral.
(c) Priority of security interest.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), the other provisions of this chapter determine the priority of a security interest in an accession.
(d) Compliance with certificate-of-title statute.-- A security interest in an accession is subordinate to a security interest in the whole which is perfected by compliance with the requirements of a certificate-of-title statute under section 9311(b) (relating to perfection of security interests in property subject to certain statutes, regulations and treaties).
(e) Removal of accession after default.-- After default, subject to Chapter 96 (relating to default), a secured party may remove an accession from other goods if the security interest in the accession has priority over the claims of every person having an interest in the whole.
(f) Reimbursement following removal.-- A secured party that removes an accession from other goods under subsection (e) shall promptly reimburse any holder of a security interest or other lien on, or owner of, the whole or of the other goods, other than the debtor, for the cost of repair of any physical injury to the whole or the other goods. The secured party need not reimburse the holder or owner for any diminution in value of the whole or the other goods caused by the absence of the accession removed or by any necessity for replacing it. A person entitled to reimbursement may refuse permission to remove until the secured party gives adequate assurance for the performance of the obligation to reimburse.
(a) Commingled goods.-- As used in this section, the term "commingled goods" means goods which are physically united with other goods in such a manner that their identity is lost in a product or mass.
(b) No security interest in commingled goods as such.-- A security interest does not exist in commingled goods as such. However, a security interest may attach to a product or mass which results when goods become commingled goods.
(c) Attachment of security interest to product or mass.-- If collateral becomes commingled goods, a security interest attaches to the product or mass.
(d) Perfection of security interest.-- If a security interest in collateral is perfected before the collateral becomes commingled goods, the security interest which attaches to the product or mass under subsection (c) is perfected.
(e) Priority of security interest.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (f), the other provisions of this chapter determine the priority of a security interest which attaches to the product or mass under subsection (c).
(f) Conflicting security interests in product or mass.-- If more than one security interest attaches to the product or mass under subsection (c), the following rules determine priority:
(1) A security interest which is perfected under subsection (d) has priority over a security interest which is unperfected at the time the collateral becomes commingled goods.
(2) If more than one security interest is perfected under subsection (d), the security interests rank equally in proportion to the value of the collateral at the time it became commingled goods.
If, while a security interest in goods is perfected by any method under the law of another jurisdiction, the Commonwealth issues a certificate of title which does not show that the goods are subject to the security interest or contain a statement that they may be subject to security interests not shown on the certificate:
(1) a buyer of the goods, other than a person in the business of selling goods of that kind, takes free of the security interest if the buyer gives value and receives delivery of the goods after issuance of the certificate and without knowledge of the security interest; and
(2) the security interest is subordinate to a conflicting security interest in the goods which attaches, and is perfected under section 9311(b) (relating to perfection of security interests in property subject to certain statutes, regulations and treaties), after issuance of the certificate and without the conflicting secured party's knowledge of the security interest.
If a security interest or agricultural lien is perfected by a filed financing statement providing information described in section 9516(b)(5) (relating to what constitutes filing; effectiveness of filing) which is incorrect at the time the financing statement is filed:
(1) the security interest or agricultural lien is subordinate to a conflicting perfected security interest in the collateral to the extent that the holder of the conflicting security interest gives value in reasonable reliance upon the incorrect information; and
(2) a purchaser, other than a secured party, of the collateral takes free of the security interest or agricultural lien to the extent that, in reasonable reliance upon the incorrect information, the purchaser gives value and, in the case of tangible chattel paper, tangible documents, goods, instruments or a security certificate, receives delivery of the collateral.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days)
This division does not preclude subordination by agreement by a person entitled to priority.
(a) Exercise of recoupment or set-off.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), a bank with which a deposit account is maintained may exercise any right of recoupment or set-off against a secured party that holds a security interest in the deposit account.
(b) Recoupment or set-off not affected by security interest.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), the application of this division to a security interest in a deposit account does not affect a right of recoupment or set-off of the secured party as to a deposit account maintained with the secured party.
(c) When set-off ineffective.-- The exercise by a bank of a set-off against a deposit account is ineffective against a secured party that holds a security interest in the deposit account which is perfected by control under section 9104(a)(3) (relating to requirements for control) if the set-off is based on a claim against the debtor.
Except as otherwise provided in section 9340(c) (relating to when set-off ineffective) and unless the bank otherwise agrees in a signed record, a bank's rights and duties with respect to a deposit account maintained with the bank are not terminated, suspended or modified by:
(1) the creation, attachment or perfection of a security interest in the deposit account;
(2) the bank's knowledge of the security interest; or
(3) the bank's receipt of instructions from the secured party.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
This division does not require a bank to enter into an agreement of the kind described in section 9104(a)(2) (relating to requirements for control) even if its customer so requests or directs. A bank which has entered into such an agreement is not required to confirm the existence of the agreement to another person unless requested to do so by its customer.
(a) Other law governs alienability; exceptions.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (c), whether a debtor's rights in collateral may be voluntarily or involuntarily transferred is governed by law other than this division.
(b) Agreement does not prevent transfer.-- An agreement between the debtor and secured party which prohibits a transfer of the debtor's rights in collateral or makes the transfer a default does not prevent the transfer from taking effect.
(c) Exceptions.-- Subsection (a) is also subject to the following:
(1) section 9406 (relating to discharge of account debtor; notification of assignment; identification and proof of assignment; restrictions on assignment of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles and promissory notes ineffective);
(2) section 9407 (relating to restrictions on creation or enforcement of security interest in leasehold interest or in lessor's residual interest);
(3) section 9408 (relating to restrictions on assignment of promissory notes, health-care-insurance receivables and certain general intangibles ineffective); and
(4) section 9409 (relating to restrictions on assignment of letter-of-credit rights ineffective).
The existence of a security interest, agricultural lien or authority given to a debtor to dispose of or use collateral, without more, does not subject a secured party to liability in contract or tort for the debtor's acts or omissions.
(a) Value.-- As used in this section, the term "value" has the meaning provided in section 3303(a) (relating to value).
(b) Agreement not to assert claim or defense.-- Except as otherwise provided in this section, an agreement between an account debtor and an assignor not to assert against an assignee any claim or defense which the account debtor may have against the assignor is enforceable by an assignee that takes an assignment:
(1) for value;
(2) in good faith;
(3) without notice of a claim of a property or possessory right to the property assigned; and
(4) without notice of a defense or claim in recoupment of the type which may be asserted against a person entitled to enforce a negotiable instrument under section 3305(a) (relating to defenses and claims in recoupment).
(c) When subsection (b) not applicable.-- Subsection (b) does not apply to defenses of a type which may be asserted against a holder in due course of a negotiable instrument under section 3305(b).
(d) Omission of required statement in consumer transaction.-- In a consumer transaction, if a record evidences the account debtor's obligation, law other than this division requires that the record include a statement to the effect that the rights of an assignee are subject to claims or defenses which the account debtor could assert against the original obligee and the record does not include such a statement:
(1) the record has the same effect as if the record included such a statement; and
(2) the account debtor may assert against an assignee those claims and defenses which would have been available if the record included such a statement.
(e) Rule for individual under other law.-- This section is subject to law other than this division which establishes a different rule for an account debtor who is an individual and who incurred the obligation primarily for personal, family or household purposes.
(f) Other law not displaced.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), this section does not displace law other than this division which gives effect to an agreement by an account debtor not to assert a claim or defense against an assignee.
(a) Assignee's rights subject to terms, claims and defenses; exceptions.-- Unless an account debtor has made an enforceable agreement not to assert defenses or claims, and subject to subsections (b) through (e), the rights of an assignee are subject to:
(1) all terms of the agreement between the account debtor and assignor and any defense or claim in recoupment arising from the transaction which gave rise to the contract; and
(2) any other defense or claim of the account debtor against the assignor which accrues before the account debtor receives a notification of the assignment signed by the assignor or the assignee.
(b) Account debtor's claim reduces amount owed to assignee.-- Subject to subsection (c) and except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), the claim of an account debtor against an assignor may be asserted against an assignee under subsection (a) only to reduce the amount the account debtor owes.
(c) Rule for individual under other law.-- This section is subject to law other than this division which establishes a different rule for an account debtor who is an individual and who incurred the obligation primarily for personal, family or household purposes.
(d) Omission of required statement in consumer transaction.-- In a consumer transaction, if a record evidences the account debtor's obligation, law other than this division requires that the record include a statement to the effect that the account debtor's recovery against an assignee with respect to claims and defenses against the assignor may not exceed amounts paid by the account debtor under the record, and the record does not include such a statement, the extent to which a claim of an account debtor against the assignor may be asserted against an assignee is determined as if the record included such a statement.
(e) Inapplicability to health-care-insurance receivable.-- This section does not apply to an assignment of a health-care-insurance receivable.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Effect of modification on assignee.-- A modification of or substitution for an assigned contract is effective against an assignee if made in good faith. The assignee acquires corresponding rights under the modified or substituted contract. The assignment may provide that the modification or substitution is a breach of contract by the assignor. This subsection is subject to subsections (b) through (d).
(b) Applicability of subsection (a).-- Subsection (a) applies to the extent that:
(1) the right to payment or a part thereof under an assigned contract has not been fully earned by performance; or
(2) the right to payment or a part thereof has been fully earned by performance and the account debtor has not received notification of the assignment under section 9406(a) (relating to discharge of account debtor; effect of notification).
(c) Rule for individual under other law.-- This section is subject to law other than this division which establishes a different rule for an account debtor who is an individual and who incurred the obligation primarily for personal, family or household purposes.
(d) Inapplicability to health-care-insurance receivable.-- This section does not apply to an assignment of a health-care-insurance receivable.
(a) Discharge of account debtor; effect of notification.-- Subject to subsections (b) through (i) and (l), an account debtor on an account, chattel paper or a payment intangible may discharge its obligation by paying the assignor until, but not after, the account debtor receives a notification, signed by the assignor or the assignee, that the amount due or to become due has been assigned and that payment is to be made to the assignee. After receipt of the notification, the account debtor may discharge its obligation by paying the assignee and may not discharge the obligation by paying the assignor.
(b) When notification ineffective.-- Subject to subsections (h) and (l), notification is ineffective under subsection (a):
(1) If it does not reasonably identify the rights assigned.
(2) To the extent that an agreement between an account debtor and a seller of a payment intangible limits the account debtor's duty to pay a person other than the seller and the limitation is effective under law other than this division.
(3) At the option of an account debtor, if the notification notifies the account debtor to make less than the full amount of any installment or other periodic payment to the assignee even if:
(i) only a portion of the account, chattel paper or payment intangible has been assigned to that assignee;
(ii) a portion has been assigned to another assignee; or
(iii) the account debtor knows that the assignment to that assignee is limited.
(c) Proof of assignment.-- Subject to subsections (h) and (l), if requested by the account debtor, an assignee shall seasonably furnish reasonable proof that the assignment has been made. Unless the assignee complies, the account debtor may discharge its obligation by paying the assignor even if the account debtor has received a notification under subsection (a).
(d) Term restricting assignment generally ineffective.-- In this subsection, "promissory note" includes a negotiable instrument that evidences chattel paper. Except as otherwise provided in subsections (e) and (j) and sections 2A303 (relating to alienability of party's interest under lease contract or of lessor's residual interest in goods; delegation of performance; transfer of rights) and 9407 (relating to restrictions on creation or enforcement of security interest in leasehold interest or in lessor's residual interest) and subject to subsection (h), a term in an agreement between an account debtor and an assignor or in a promissory note is ineffective to the extent that it:
(1) prohibits, restricts or requires the consent of the account debtor or person obligated on the promissory note to the assignment or transfer of, or the creation, attachment, perfection or enforcement of a security interest in, the account, chattel paper, payment intangible or promissory note; or
(2) provides that the assignment or transfer or the creation, attachment, perfection or enforcement of the security interest may give rise to a default, breach, right of recoupment, claim, defense, termination, right of termination or remedy under the account, chattel paper, payment intangible or promissory note.
(e) Inapplicability of subsection (d) to certain sales.-- Subsection (d) does not apply to the sale of a payment intangible or promissory note, other than a sale pursuant to a disposition under section 9610 (relating to disposition of collateral after default) or an acceptance of collateral under section 9620 (relating to acceptance of collateral in full or partial satisfaction of obligation; compulsory disposition of collateral).
(f) Legal restrictions on assignment generally ineffective.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (j) and sections 2A303 and 9407 and subject to subsections (h) and (i), a rule of law, statute or regulation which prohibits, restricts or requires the consent of a government, governmental body or official or account debtor to the assignment or transfer of, or creation of a security interest in, an account or chattel paper is ineffective to the extent that the rule of law, statute or regulation:
(1) prohibits, restricts or requires the consent of the government, governmental body or official or account debtor to the assignment or transfer of, or the creation, attachment, perfection or enforcement of a security interest in, the account or chattel paper; or
(2) provides that the assignment or transfer or the creation, attachment, perfection or enforcement of the security interest may give rise to a default, breach, right of recoupment, claim, defense, termination, right of termination or remedy under the account or chattel paper.
(g) Subsection (b)(3) not waivable.-- Subject to subsections (h) and (l), an account debtor may not waive or vary its option under subsection (b)(3).
(h) Rule for individual under other law.-- This section is subject to law other than this division which establishes a different rule for an account debtor who is an individual and who incurred the obligation primarily for personal, family or household purposes.
(i) Inapplicability to health-care-insurance receivable.-- This section does not apply to an assignment of a health-care-insurance receivable.
(j) Section prevails over inconsistent law.--
(1) Except as set forth in paragraphs (2), (3), (4) and (5), this section prevails over any inconsistent provision of any existing or future statute or regulation of the Commonwealth unless the provision is contained in a statute of the Commonwealth, refers expressly to this section and states that the provision prevails over this section.
(2) Subsection (f) does not apply to an account or chattel paper if the account debtor is the Commonwealth.
(3) Subsection (f) does not apply to the following:
(i) A claim or right to receive benefits under a workers' compensation act as compensation for personal injury or sickness, including a claim or right to receive benefits under the act of June 2, 1915 (P.L.736, No.338), known as the Workers' Compensation Act.
(ii) The act of June 21, 1939 (P.L.566, No.284), known as The Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act.
(iii) Section 306 of the act of August 26, 1971 (P.L.351, No.91), known as the State Lottery Law.
(4) Subsections (d) and (f) do not apply to a claim or right to receive benefits from a special needs trust described in section 1917(d)(4) of the Social Security Act (49 Stat. 620, 42 U.S.C. § 1396p(d)(4)).
(5) The limitations on restrictions of assignments contained in this section are inapplicable to transfers of structured settlement payment rights pursuant to the act of February 11, 2000 (P.L.1, No.1), known as the Structured Settlement Protection Act.
(k) (Reserved).
(l) Inapplicability of certain subsections.-- Subsections (a), (b), (c) and (g) do not apply to a controllable account or controllable payment intangible.
(June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Term restricting assignment generally ineffective.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), a term in a lease agreement is ineffective to the extent that it:
(1) prohibits, restricts or requires the consent of a party to the lease to the assignment or transfer of, or the creation, attachment, perfection or enforcement of a security interest in, an interest of a party under the lease contract or in the lessor's residual interest in the goods; or
(2) provides that the assignment or transfer or the creation, attachment, perfection or enforcement of the security interest may give rise to a default, breach, right of recoupment, claim, defense, termination, right of termination or remedy under the lease.
(b) Effectiveness of certain terms.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 2A303(g) (relating to requirements for prohibition of transfer in consumer lease), a term described in subsection (a)(2) is effective to the extent that there is:
(1) a transfer by the lessee of the lessee's right of possession or use of the goods in violation of the term; or
(2) a delegation of a material performance of either party to the lease contract in violation of the term.
(c) Security interest not material impairment.-- The creation, attachment, perfection or enforcement of a security interest in the lessor's interest under the lease contract or the lessor's residual interest in the goods is not a transfer which materially impairs the lessee's prospect of obtaining return performance or materially changes the duty of or materially increases the burden or risk imposed on the lessee within the purview of section 2A303(d) (relating to certain rights and remedies) unless, and then only to the extent that, enforcement actually results in a delegation of material performance of the lessor.
(a) Term restricting assignment generally ineffective.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (e), a term in a promissory note or in an agreement between an account debtor and a debtor which relates to a health-care-insurance receivable or a general intangible, including a contract, permit, license or franchise, and which term prohibits, restricts or requires the consent of the person obligated on the promissory note or the account debtor to, the assignment or transfer of, or creation, attachment or perfection of a security interest in, the promissory note, health-care-insurance receivable or general intangible, is ineffective to the extent that the term:
(1) would impair the creation, attachment or perfection of a security interest; or
(2) provides that the assignment or transfer or the creation, attachment or perfection of the security interest may give rise to a default, breach, right of recoupment, claim, defense, termination, right of termination or remedy under the promissory note, health-care-insurance receivable or general intangible.
(b) Applicability of subsection (a) to sales of certain rights to payment.-- Subsection (a) applies to a security interest in a payment intangible or promissory note only if the security interest arises out of a sale of the payment intangible or promissory note, other than a sale pursuant to a disposition under section 9610 (relating to disposition of collateral after default) or an acceptance of collateral under section 9620 (relating to acceptance of collateral in full or partial satisfaction of obligation; compulsory disposition of collateral).
(c) Legal restrictions on assignment generally ineffective.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (e), a rule of law, statute or regulation which prohibits, restricts or requires the consent of a government, governmental body or official, person obligated on a promissory note or account debtor to the assignment or transfer of, or creation of a security interest in, a promissory note, health-care-insurance receivable or general intangible, including a contract, permit, license or franchise between an account debtor and a debtor, is ineffective to the extent that the rule of law, statute or regulation:
(1) would impair the creation, attachment or perfection of a security interest; or
(2) provides that the assignment or transfer or the creation, attachment or perfection of the security interest may give rise to a default, breach, right of recoupment, claim, defense, termination, right of termination or remedy under the promissory note, health-care-insurance receivable or general intangible.
(d) Limitation on ineffectiveness under subsections (a) and (c).-- To the extent that a term in a promissory note or in an agreement between an account debtor and a debtor which relates to a health-care-insurance receivable or general intangible or a rule of law, statute or regulation described in subsection (c) would be effective under law other than this division but is ineffective under subsection (a) or (c), the creation, attachment or perfection of a security interest in the promissory note, health-care-insurance receivable or general intangible:
(1) is not enforceable against the person obligated on the promissory note or the account debtor;
(2) does not impose a duty or obligation on the person obligated on the promissory note or the account debtor;
(3) does not require the person obligated on the promissory note or the account debtor to recognize the security interest, pay or render performance to the secured party or accept payment or performance from the secured party;
(4) does not entitle the secured party to use or assign the debtor's rights under the promissory note, health-care-insurance receivable or general intangible, including any related information or materials furnished to the debtor in the transaction giving rise to the promissory note, health-care-insurance receivable or general intangible;
(5) does not entitle the secured party to use, assign, possess or have access to any trade secrets or confidential information of the person obligated on the promissory note or the account debtor; and
(6) does not entitle the secured party to enforce the security interest in the promissory note, health-care-insurance receivable or general intangible.
(e) Section prevails over inconsistent law.--
(1) Except as set forth in paragraphs (2), (3) and (4), this section prevails over any inconsistent provision of any existing or future statute or regulation of the Commonwealth unless the provision is contained in a statute of the Commonwealth, refers expressly to this section and states that the provision prevails over this section.
(2) Subsection (c) does not apply to the provisions, claims and rights listed in section 9406(j)(3) (relating to discharge of account debtor; notification of assignment; identification and proof of assignment; restrictions on assignment of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles and promissory notes ineffective).
(3) Subsections (a) and (c) do not apply to the claims and rights described in section 9406(j)(4).
(4) The limitations on restrictions of assignments contained in this section are inapplicable to transfers of structured settlement payment rights pursuant to the act of February 11, 2000 (P.L.1, No.1), known as the Structured Settlement Protection Act.
(f) (Reserved).
(g) "Promissory note".-- In this section, "promissory note" includes a negotiable instrument that evidences chattel paper.
(June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Term or law restricting assignment generally ineffective.-- A term in a letter of credit or a rule of law, statute, regulation, custom or practice applicable to the letter of credit which prohibits, restricts or requires the consent of an applicant, issuer or nominated person to a beneficiary's assignment of or creation of a security interest in a letter-of-credit right is ineffective to the extent that the term or rule of law, statute, regulation, custom or practice:
(1) would impair the creation, attachment or perfection of a security interest in the letter-of-credit right; or
(2) provides that the assignment or the creation, attachment or perfection of the security interest may give rise to a default, breach, right of recoupment, claim, defense, termination, right of termination or remedy under the letter-of-credit right.
(b) Limitation on ineffectiveness under subsection (a).-- To the extent that a term in a letter of credit is ineffective under subsection (a) but would be effective under law other than this division or a custom or practice applicable to the letter of credit, to the transfer of a right to draw or otherwise demand performance under the letter of credit or to the assignment of a right to proceeds of the letter of credit, the creation, attachment or perfection of a security interest in the letter-of-credit right:
(1) is not enforceable against the applicant, issuer, nominated person or transferee beneficiary;
(2) imposes no duties or obligations on the applicant, issuer, nominated person or transferee beneficiary; and
(3) does not require the applicant, issuer, nominated person or transferee beneficiary to recognize the security interest, pay or render performance to the secured party or accept payment or other performance from the secured party.
(a) Filing offices.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), if the local law of this Commonwealth governs perfection of a security interest or agricultural lien, the office in which to file a financing statement to perfect the security interest or agricultural lien is one of the following:
(1) The office designated for the filing or recording of a record of a mortgage on the related real property if:
(i) the collateral is as-extracted collateral or timber to be cut; or
(ii) the financing statement is filed as a fixture filing and the collateral is goods which are or are to become fixtures.
(2) The office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth in all other cases, including a case in which the collateral is goods which are or are to become fixtures and the financing statement is not filed as a fixture filing.
(b) Filing office for transmitting utilities.-- The office in which to file a financing statement to perfect a security interest in collateral, including fixtures, of a transmitting utility is the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The financing statement also constitutes a fixture filing as to the collateral indicated in the financing statement which is or is to become fixtures.
(a) Sufficiency of financing statement.-- Subject to subsection (b), a financing statement is sufficient only if it:
(1) provides the name of the debtor;
(2) provides the name of the secured party or a representative of the secured party; and
(3) indicates the collateral covered by the financing statement.
(b) Real-property-related financing statements.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 9501(b) (relating to filing office for transmitting utilities), to be sufficient, a financing statement which covers as-extracted collateral or timber to be cut or which is filed as a fixture filing and covers goods which are or are to become fixtures must satisfy subsection (a) and also:
(1) indicate that it covers this type of collateral;
(2) indicate that it is to be filed in the real property records;
(3) provide a description of the real property to which the collateral is related; and
(4) if the debtor does not have an interest of record in the real property, provide the name of a record owner.
(c) Record of mortgage as financing statement.-- A record of a mortgage is effective, from the date of recording, as a financing statement filed as a fixture filing or as a financing statement covering as-extracted collateral or timber to be cut only if all of the following apply:
(1) The record indicates the goods or accounts which it covers.
(2) The goods are or are to become fixtures related to the real property described in the record, or the collateral is related to the real property described in the record and is as-extracted collateral or timber to be cut.
(3) The record satisfies the requirements for a financing statement in this section subject to the following:
(i) The record need not indicate that it is to be filed in the real property records.
(ii) The record sufficiently provides the name of a debtor who is an individual if it provides the individual name of the debtor or the surname and first personal name of the debtor, even if the debtor is an individual to whom section 9503(a)(4) (relating to name of debtor and secured party) applies.
(4) The record is duly recorded.
(d) Filing before security agreement or attachment.-- A financing statement may be filed before a security agreement is made or a security interest otherwise attaches.
(June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013)
(a) Sufficiency of debtor's name.-- A financing statement sufficiently provides the name of the debtor:
(1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (3), if the debtor is a registered organization or the collateral is held in a trust that is a registered organization, only if the financing statement provides the name that is stated to be the registered organization's name on the public organic record most recently filed with or issued or enacted by the registered organization's jurisdiction of organization which purports to state, amend or restate the registered organization's name.
(2) Subject to subsection (f), if the collateral is being administered by the personal representative of a decedent, only if the financing statement provides, as the name of the debtor, the name of the decedent and, in a separate part of the financing statement, indicates that the collateral is being administered by a personal representative.
(3) If the collateral is held in a trust that is not a registered organization, only if the financing statement:
(i) provides, as the name of the debtor:
(A) if the organic record of the trust specifies a name for the trust, the name specified; or
(B) if the organic record of the trust does not specify a name for the trust, the name of the settlor or testator; and
(ii) in a separate part of the financing statement:
(A) if the name is provided under subparagraph (i)(A), indicates that the collateral is held in a trust; or
(B) if the name is provided under subparagraph (i)(B), provides additional information sufficient to distinguish the trust from other trusts having one or more of the same settlors or the same testator and indicates that the collateral is held in a trust, unless the additional information so indicates.
(4) Subject to subsection (g), if the debtor is an individual to whom the Department of Transportation has issued a driver's license which has not expired under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1510(a) (relating to issuance and content of driver's license) or an identification card under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1510(b), only if the financing statement provides the name of the individual which is indicated on:
(i) except as set forth in subparagraph (ii), the driver's license; or
(ii) if there is no driver's license, the identification card.
(5) If the debtor is an individual to whom paragraph (4) does not apply, only if the financing statement provides the individual name of the debtor or the surname and first personal name of the debtor.
(6) In other cases:
(i) if the debtor has a name, only if the financing statement provides the organizational name of the debtor; and
(ii) if the debtor does not have a name, only if the financing statement provides the names of the partners, members, associates or other persons comprising the debtor, in a manner that each name provided would be sufficient if the person named were the debtor.
(b) Additional debtor-related information.-- A financing statement which provides the name of the debtor in accordance with subsection (a) is not rendered ineffective by the absence of:
(1) a trade name or other name of the debtor; or
(2) unless required under subsection (a)(6)(ii), names of partners, members, associates or other persons comprising the debtor.
(c) Debtor's trade name insufficient.-- A financing statement which provides only the debtor's trade name does not sufficiently provide the name of the debtor.
(d) Representative capacity.-- Failure to indicate the representative capacity of a secured party or representative of a secured party does not affect the sufficiency of a financing statement.
(e) Multiple debtors and secured parties.-- A financing statement may provide the name of more than one debtor and the name of more than one secured party.
(f) Name of decedent.-- The name of the decedent indicated on the order appointing the personal representative of the decedent issued by the court having jurisdiction over the collateral is sufficient as the name of the decedent under subsection (a)(2).
(g) Multiple driver's licenses.-- If the department has issued to an individual more than one driver's license or identification card of a kind described in subsection (a)(4), the one that was issued most recently is the one to which subsection (a)(4) refers.
(h) Definition.-- As used in this section, the term "name of the settlor or testator" means:
(1) if the settlor is a registered organization, the name that is stated to be the settlor's name on the public organic record most recently filed with or issued or enacted by the settlor's jurisdiction of organization which purports to state, amend or restate the settlor's name; or
(2) in other cases, the name of the settlor or testator indicated in the trust's organic record.
(June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013)
A financing statement sufficiently indicates the collateral which it covers if the financing statement provides:
(1) a description of the collateral pursuant to section 9108 (relating to sufficiency of description); or
(2) an indication that the financing statement covers all assets or all personal property.
(a) Use of terms other than "debtor" and "secured party".-- A consignor, lessor or other bailor of goods, a licensor or a buyer of a payment intangible or promissory note may file a financing statement or may comply with a statute or treaty described in section 9311(a) (relating to perfection of security interests in property subject to certain statutes, regulations and treaties), using the terms "consignor," "consignee," "lessor," "lessee," "bailor," "bailee," "licensor," "licensee," "owner," "registered owner," "buyer," "seller" or words of similar import, instead of the terms "secured party" and "debtor."
(b) Effect of financing statement under subsection (a).-- This chapter applies to the filing of a financing statement under subsection (a) and, as appropriate, to compliance which is equivalent to filing a financing statement under section 9311(b), but the filing or compliance is not of itself a factor in determining whether the collateral secures an obligation. If it is determined for another reason that the collateral secures an obligation, a security interest held by the consignor, lessor, bailor, licensor, owner or buyer which attaches to the collateral is perfected by the filing or compliance.
(a) Minor errors and omissions.-- A financing statement substantially satisfying the requirements of this chapter is effective even if it has minor errors or omissions unless the errors or omissions make the financing statement seriously misleading.
(b) Financing statement seriously misleading.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), a financing statement which fails sufficiently to provide the name of the debtor in accordance with section 9503(a) (relating to sufficiency of debtor's name) is seriously misleading.
(c) Financing statement not seriously misleading.-- If a search of the records of the filing office under the debtor's correct name, using the filing office's standard search logic, if any, would disclose a financing statement which fails sufficiently to provide the name of the debtor in accordance with section 9503(a), the name provided does not make the financing statement seriously misleading.
(d) Debtor's correct name.-- For purposes of section 9508(b) (relating to effectiveness of financing statement if new debtor becomes bound by security agreement), the "debtor's correct name" in subsection (c) means the correct name of the new debtor.
(a) Disposition.-- A filed financing statement remains effective with respect to collateral which is sold, exchanged, leased, licensed or otherwise disposed of and in which a security interest or agricultural lien continues even if the secured party knows of or consents to the disposition.
(b) Information becoming seriously misleading.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) and section 9508 (relating to effectiveness of financing statement if new debtor becomes bound by security agreement), a financing statement is not rendered ineffective if, after the financing statement is filed, the information provided in the financing statement becomes seriously misleading under section 9506 (relating to effect of errors or omissions).
(c) Change in debtor's name.-- If the name that a filed financing statement provides for a debtor becomes insufficient as the name of the debtor under section 9503(a) (relating to name of debtor and secured party) so that the financing statement becomes seriously misleading under section 9506:
(1) the financing statement is effective to perfect a security interest in collateral acquired by the debtor before, or within four months after, the filed financing statement becomes seriously misleading; and
(2) the financing statement is not effective to perfect a security interest in collateral acquired by the debtor more than four months after the filed financing statement becomes seriously misleading, unless an amendment to the financing statement which renders the financing statement not seriously misleading is filed within four months after the financing statement became seriously misleading.
(June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013)
(a) Financing statement naming original debtor.-- Except as otherwise provided in this section, a filed financing statement naming an original debtor is effective to perfect a security interest in collateral in which a new debtor has or acquires rights to the extent that the financing statement would have been effective had the original debtor acquired rights in the collateral.
(b) Financing statement becoming seriously misleading.-- If the difference between the name of the original debtor and that of the new debtor causes a filed financing statement which is effective under subsection (a) to be seriously misleading under section 9506 (relating to effect of errors or omissions):
(1) the financing statement is effective to perfect a security interest in collateral acquired by the new debtor before and within four months after the new debtor becomes bound under section 9203(d) (relating to when person becomes bound by another person's security agreement); and
(2) the financing statement is not effective to perfect a security interest in collateral acquired by the new debtor more than four months after the new debtor becomes bound under section 9203(d) unless an initial financing statement providing the name of the new debtor is filed before the expiration of that time.
(c) When section not applicable.-- This section does not apply to collateral as to which a filed financing statement remains effective against the new debtor under section 9507(a) (relating to disposition).
(a) Person entitled to file record.-- A person may file an initial financing statement, amendment which adds collateral covered by a financing statement or amendment which adds a debtor to a financing statement only if:
(1) the debtor authorizes the filing in a signed record or pursuant to subsection (b) or (c); or
(2) the person holds an agricultural lien which has become effective at the time of filing and the financing statement covers only collateral in which the person holds an agricultural lien.
(b) Security agreement as authorization.-- By signing or becoming bound as debtor by a security agreement, a debtor or new debtor authorizes the filing of an initial financing statement and an amendment covering:
(1) the collateral described in the security agreement; and
(2) property which becomes collateral under section 9315(a)(2) (relating to secured party's rights on disposition of collateral and in proceeds), whether or not the security agreement expressly covers proceeds.
(c) Acquisition of collateral as authorization.-- By acquiring collateral in which a security interest or agricultural lien continues under section 9315(a)(1), a debtor authorizes the filing of an initial financing statement and an amendment covering the collateral and property which becomes collateral under section 9315(a)(2).
(d) Person entitled to file certain amendments.-- A person may file an amendment other than an amendment which adds collateral covered by a financing statement or an amendment which adds a debtor to a financing statement only if:
(1) the secured party of record authorizes the filing; or
(2) the amendment is a termination statement for a financing statement as to which the secured party of record has failed to file or send a termination statement as required by section 9513(a) or (c) (relating to termination statement), the debtor authorizes the filing and the termination statement indicates that the debtor authorized it to be filed.
(e) Multiple secured parties of record.-- If there is more than one secured party of record for a financing statement, each secured party of record may authorize the filing of an amendment under subsection (d).
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Filed record effective if authorized.-- A filed record is effective only to the extent that it was filed by a person that may file it under section 9509 (relating to persons entitled to file a record).
(b) Authorization by one secured party of record.-- A record authorized by one secured party of record does not affect the financing statement with respect to another secured party of record.
(c) Continuation statement not timely filed.-- A continuation statement which is not filed within the six-month period prescribed by section 9515(d) (relating to when continuation statement may be filed) is ineffective.
(a) Secured party of record.-- A secured party of record with respect to a financing statement is a person whose name is provided as the name of the secured party or a representative of the secured party in an initial financing statement which has been filed. If an initial financing statement is filed under section 9514(a) (relating to assignment reflected on initial financing statement), the assignee named in the initial financing statement is the secured party of record with respect to the financing statement.
(b) Amendment naming secured party of record.-- If an amendment of a financing statement which provides the name of a person as a secured party or a representative of a secured party is filed, the person named in the amendment is a secured party of record. If an amendment is filed under section 9514(b), the assignee named in the amendment is a secured party of record.
(c) Amendment deleting secured party of record.-- A person remains a secured party of record until the filing of an amendment of the financing statement which deletes the person.
(a) Amendment of information in financing statement.-- Subject to section 9509 (relating to persons entitled to file a record), a person may add or delete collateral covered by, continue or terminate the effectiveness of or, subject to subsection (e), otherwise amend the information provided in a financing statement by filing an amendment which:
(1) identifies by its file number the initial financing statement to which the amendment relates; and
(2) if the amendment relates to an initial financing statement filed in a filing office described in section 9501(a)(1) (relating to filing offices), provides the information specified in section 9502(b) (relating to real-property-related financing statements).
(b) Period of effectiveness not affected.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 9515 (relating to duration and effectiveness of financing statement; effect of lapsed financing statement), the filing of an amendment does not extend the period of effectiveness of the financing statement.
(c) Effectiveness of amendment adding collateral.-- A financing statement which is amended by an amendment which adds collateral is effective as to the added collateral only from the date of the filing of the amendment.
(d) Effectiveness of amendment adding debtor.-- A financing statement which is amended by an amendment which adds a debtor is effective as to the added debtor only from the date of the filing of the amendment.
(e) Certain amendments ineffective.-- An amendment is ineffective to the extent it:
(1) purports to delete all debtors and fails to provide the name of a debtor to be covered by the financing statement; or
(2) purports to delete all secured parties of record and fails to provide the name of a new secured party of record.
(a) Consumer goods.-- A secured party shall cause the secured party of record for a financing statement to file a termination statement for the financing statement if the financing statement covers consumer goods and:
(1) there is no obligation secured by the collateral covered by the financing statement and no commitment to make an advance, incur an obligation or otherwise give value; or
(2) the debtor did not authorize the filing of the initial financing statement.
(b) Time for compliance with subsection (a).-- To comply with subsection (a), a secured party shall cause the secured party of record to file the termination statement:
(1) within one month after there is no obligation secured by the collateral covered by the financing statement and no commitment to make an advance, incur an obligation or otherwise give value; or
(2) if earlier, within 20 days after the secured party receives a signed demand from a debtor.
(c) Other collateral.-- In cases not governed by subsection (a), within 20 days after a secured party receives a signed demand from a debtor, the secured party shall cause the secured party of record for a financing statement to send to the debtor a termination statement for the financing statement or file the termination statement in the filing office if:
(1) except in the case of a financing statement covering accounts or chattel paper which has been sold or goods which are the subject of a consignment, there is no obligation secured by the collateral covered by the financing statement and no commitment to make an advance, incur an obligation or otherwise give value;
(2) the financing statement covers accounts or chattel paper which has been sold but as to which the account debtor or other person obligated has discharged its obligation;
(3) the financing statement covers goods which were the subject of a consignment to the debtor but are not in the debtor's possession; or
(4) the debtor did not authorize the filing of the initial financing statement.
(d) Effect of filing termination statement.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 9510 (relating to effectiveness of filed record), upon the filing of a termination statement with the filing office, the financing statement to which the termination statement relates ceases to be effective. Except as otherwise provided in section 9510, for purposes of sections 9519(g) (relating to removal of debtor's name), 9522(a) (relating to post-lapse maintenance and retrieval of information) and 9523(c) (relating to communication of requested information), the filing with the filing office of a termination statement relating to a financing statement which indicates that the debtor is a transmitting utility also causes the effectiveness of the financing statement to lapse.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Assignment reflected on initial financing statement.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), an initial financing statement may reflect an assignment of all of the secured party's power to authorize an amendment to the financing statement by providing the name and mailing address of the assignee as the name and address of the secured party.
(b) Assignment of filed financing statement.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c), a secured party of record may assign of record all or part of its power to authorize an amendment to a financing statement by filing in the filing office an amendment of the financing statement which:
(1) identifies by its file number the initial financing statement to which it relates;
(2) provides the name of the assignor; and
(3) provides the name and mailing address of the assignee.
(c) Assignment of record of mortgage.-- An assignment of record of a security interest in a fixture covered by a record of a mortgage which is effective as a financing statement filed as a fixture filing under section 9502(c) (relating to record of mortgage as financing statement) may be made only by an assignment of record of the mortgage in the manner provided by law of this Commonwealth other than this title.
(a) Five-year effectiveness.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b), (e), (f) and (g), a filed financing statement is effective for a period of five years after the date of filing.
(b) Public-finance or manufactured-home transaction.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsections (e), (f) and (g), an initial financing statement filed in connection with a public-finance transaction or manufactured-home transaction is effective for a period of 30 years after the date of filing if it indicates that it is filed in connection with a public-finance transaction or manufactured-home transaction.
(c) Lapse and continuation of financing statement.-- The effectiveness of a filed financing statement lapses on the expiration of the period of its effectiveness unless before the lapse a continuation statement is filed pursuant to subsection (d). Upon lapse, a financing statement ceases to be effective and any security interest or agricultural lien which was perfected by the financing statement becomes unperfected unless the security interest is perfected otherwise. If the security interest or agricultural lien becomes unperfected upon lapse, it is deemed never to have been perfected as against a purchaser of the collateral for value.
(d) When continuation statement may be filed.-- A continuation statement may be filed only within six months before the expiration of the five-year period specified in subsection (a) or the 30-year period specified in subsection (b), whichever is applicable.
(e) Effect of filing continuation statement.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 9510 (relating to effectiveness of filed record), upon timely filing of a continuation statement, the effectiveness of the initial financing statement continues for a period of five years commencing on the day on which the financing statement would have become ineffective in the absence of the filing. Upon the expiration of the five-year period, the financing statement lapses in the same manner as provided in subsection (c) unless, before the lapse, another continuation statement is filed pursuant to subsection (d). Succeeding continuation statements may be filed in the same manner to continue the effectiveness of the initial financing statement.
(f) Transmitting utility financing statement.-- If a debtor is a transmitting utility and a filed initial financing statement so indicates, the financing statement is effective until a termination statement is filed.
(g) Record of mortgage as financing statement.-- A record of a mortgage which is effective as a financing statement filed as a fixture filing under section 9502(c) (relating to record of mortgage as financing statement) remains effective as a financing statement filed as a fixture filing until the mortgage is released or satisfied of record or its effectiveness otherwise terminates as to the real property.
(June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013)
(a) What constitutes filing.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), communication of a record to a filing office and tender of the filing fee or acceptance of the record by the filing office constitutes filing.
(b) Refusal to accept record; filing does not occur.-- Filing does not occur with respect to a record which a filing office refuses to accept because one of the following paragraphs applies:
(1) The record is not communicated by a method or medium of communication authorized by the filing office.
(2) An amount equal to or greater than the applicable filing fee is not tendered.
(3) The filing office is unable to index the record because of a reason stated in one of the following subparagraphs:
(i) In the case of an initial financing statement, the record does not provide a name for the debtor.
(ii) In the case of an amendment or information statement, the record:
(A) does not identify the initial financing statement as required by section 9512 (relating to amendment of financing statement) or 9518 (relating to claim concerning inaccurate or wrongfully filed record), as applicable; or
(B) identifies an initial financing statement whose effectiveness has lapsed under section 9515 (relating to duration and effectiveness of financing statement; effect of lapsed financing statement).
(iii) In the case of an initial financing statement which provides the name of a debtor identified as an individual or an amendment which provides a name of a debtor identified as an individual which was not previously provided in the financing statement to which the record relates, the record does not identify the debtor's surname.
(iv) In the case of a record filed in the filing office described in section 9501(a)(1) (relating to filing offices), the record does not provide a sufficient description of the real property to which it relates.
(4) In the case of an initial financing statement or an amendment which adds a secured party of record, the record does not provide a name and mailing address for the secured party of record.
(5) In the case of an initial financing statement or an amendment which provides a name of a debtor which was not previously provided in the financing statement to which the amendment relates, the record does not do both of the following:
(i) Provide a mailing address for the debtor.
(ii) Indicate whether the name provided as the name of the debtor is the name of an individual or an organization.
(iii) (Deleted by amendment).
(6) In the case of an assignment reflected in an initial financing statement under section 9514(a) (relating to assignment reflected on initial financing statement) or an amendment filed under section 9514(b) (relating to assignment of filed financing statement), the record does not provide a name and mailing address for the assignee.
(7) In the case of a continuation statement, the record is not filed within the six-month period prescribed by section 9515(d) (relating to when continuation statement may be filed).
(c) Rules applicable to subsection (b).-- For purposes of subsection (b):
(1) a record does not provide information if the filing office is unable to read or decipher the information; and
(2) a record which does not indicate that it is an amendment or identify an initial financing statement to which it relates, as required by section 9512, 9514 or 9518, is an initial financing statement.
(d) Refusal to accept record; record effective as filed record.-- A record which is communicated to the filing office with tender of the filing fee, but which the filing office refuses to accept for a reason other than one set forth in subsection (b), is effective as a filed record except as against a purchaser of the collateral that gives value in reasonable reliance upon the absence of the record from the files.
(June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013)
The failure of the filing office to index a record correctly does not affect the effectiveness of the filed record.
(a) Statement with respect to record indexed under person's name.-- A person may file in the filing office an information statement with respect to a record indexed there under the person's name if the person believes that the record is inaccurate or was wrongfully filed.
(b) Contents of statement under subsection (a).-- An information statement under subsection (a) must:
(1) identify the record to which it relates by the file number assigned to the initial financing statement to which the record relates;
(2) indicate that it is an information statement; and
(3) provide the basis for the person's belief that the record is inaccurate and indicate the manner in which the person believes the record should be amended to cure any inaccuracy or provide the basis for the person's belief that the record was wrongfully filed.
(c) Statement by secured party of record.-- A person may file in the filing office an information statement with respect to a record filed there if the person is a secured party of record with respect to the financing statement to which the record relates and believes that the person that filed the record was not entitled to do so under section 9509(d) (relating to persons entitled to file a record).
(d) Contents of statement under subsection (c).-- An information statement under subsection (c) must:
(1) identify the record to which it relates by the file number assigned to the initial financing statement to which the record relates;
(2) indicate that it is an information statement; and
(3) provide the basis for the person's belief that the person that filed the record was not entitled to do so under section 9509(d).
(e) Record not affected by information statement.-- Except as provided in subsection (f), the filing of an information statement does not affect the effectiveness of an initial financing statement or other filed record.
(f) Fraudulent financing statements.--
(1) The Department of State may conduct an administrative hearing to determine if an initial financing statement was fraudulently filed in accordance with the following:
(i) The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with 2 Pa.C.S. (relating to Administrative Law and Procedure). The department shall determine the initial financing statement to be fraudulently filed for purposes of this subsection if it determines that no rational basis exists under section 9509 entitling the person to file the initial financing statement and it appears that the person filed the initial financing statement with intent to annoy, harass or harm the debtor.
(ii) If the department determines that the initial financing statement was fraudulently filed and no timely appeal of the determination was filed, the department shall file an information statement with respect to the initial financing statement indexed there. In addition to complying with the requirements of subsection (b), the information statement filed by the department under this paragraph shall state all of the following:
(A) the correction statement was filed by the department under this subsection;
(B) the department has determined that the initial financing statement was fraudulently filed and that the person had the right to appeal the decision to a court of competent jurisdiction;
(C) the initial financing statement found to be fraudulently filed may be ineffective; and
(D) the reasons why the department found the initial financing statement to have been fraudulently filed.
(iii) An information statement filed by the department in accordance with paragraph (ii) creates a rebuttable presumption that the initial financing statement found to be fraudulently filed is ineffective.
(iv) A person adversely affected by a determination of the department under paragraph (i) may appeal the determination in accordance with 2 Pa.C.S. § 702 (relating to appeals).
(v) If the department determines that the initial financing statement was fraudulently filed and the determination is appealed to Commonwealth Court, the department shall file an information statement with respect to the initial financing statement indexed there only upon affirmation by the court of its determination. In addition to complying with the requirements of subsection (b), the information statement shall state all of the following:
(A) the information statement was filed by the department under this subsection;
(B) the department has determined that the initial financing statement was fraudulently filed and that the person had the right to appeal the decision to a court of competent jurisdiction;
(C) the initial financing statement found to be fraudulently filed is ineffective; and
(D) the reasons why the department found the initial financing statement to have been fraudulently filed.
(vi) If the department files an information statement with respect to the initial financing statement indexed there under this subsection, it shall refer the matter for criminal prosecution to the Office of Attorney General pursuant to 18 Pa.C.S. § 4911 (relating to tampering with public records or information).
(2) Nothing in this subsection limits the rights or remedies the debtor may have with respect to an initial financing statement that has been fraudulently filed. Nothing in this subsection limits the effectiveness of any termination or information statement filed by a debtor under sections 9509(d)(2) and 9513 (relating to termination statement) or the rights of a debtor under section 9625 (relating to remedies for secured party's failure to comply with division).
(June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013)
(a) Filing office duties.-- For each record filed in a filing office, the filing office shall:
(1) assign a unique number to the filed record;
(2) create a record which bears the number assigned to the filed record and the date and time of filing;
(3) maintain the filed record for public inspection; and
(4) index the filed record in accordance with subsections (c), (d) and (e).
(b) File number.-- Except as provided in subsection (i), a file number assigned after January 1, 2002, must include a digit which:
(1) is mathematically derived from or related to the other digits of the file number; and
(2) aids the filing office in determining whether a number communicated as the file number includes a single digit or transpositional error.
(c) Indexing: general.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsections (d) and (e), the filing office shall:
(1) index an initial financing statement according to the name of the debtor and index all filed records relating to the initial financing statement in a manner which associates with one another an initial financing statement and all filed records relating to the initial financing statement; and
(2) index a record which provides a name of a debtor which was not previously provided in the financing statement to which the record relates also according to the name which was not previously provided.
(d) Indexing: real-property-related financing statement.-- If a financing statement is filed as a fixture filing or covers as-extracted collateral or timber to be cut, the filing office shall index it:
(1) under the names of the debtor and of each owner of record shown on the financing statement as if they were the mortgagors under a mortgage of the real property described; and
(2) to the extent that the law of this Commonwealth provides for indexing of records of mortgages under the name of the mortgagee, under the name of the secured party as if the secured party were the mortgagee thereunder or, if indexing is by description, as if the financing statement were a record of a mortgage of the real property described.
(e) Indexing: real-property-related assignment.-- If a financing statement is filed as a fixture filing or covers as-extracted collateral or timber to be cut, the filing office shall index an assignment filed under section 9514(a) (relating to assignment reflected on initial financing statement) or an amendment filed under section 9514(b) (relating to assignment of filed financing statement):
(1) under the name of the assignor as grantor; and
(2) to the extent that the law of this Commonwealth provides for indexing a record of the assignment of a mortgage under the name of the assignee, under the name of the assignee.
(f) Retrieval and association capability.-- The filing office shall maintain a capability:
(1) to retrieve a record by the name of the debtor and by the file number assigned to the initial financing statement to which the record relates; and
(2) to associate and retrieve with one another an initial financing statement and each filed record relating to the initial financing statement.
(g) Removal of debtor's name.-- The filing office may not remove a debtor's name from the index until one year after the effectiveness of a financing statement naming the debtor lapses under section 9515 (relating to duration and effectiveness of financing statement; effect of lapsed financing statement) with respect to all secured parties of record.
(h) Timeliness of filing office performance.-- Except as provided in subsection (i), the filing office shall perform the acts required by subsections (a) through (e) at the time and in the manner prescribed by filing-office rule but not later than five business days after the filing office receives the record in question.
(i) Inapplicability to real-property-related filing office.-- Subsections (b) and (h) do not apply to a filing office described in section 9501(a)(1) (relating to filing offices).
(a) Mandatory refusal to accept record.-- A filing office shall refuse to accept a record for filing for a reason set forth in section 9516(b) (relating to refusal to accept record; filing does not occur) and may refuse to accept a record for filing only for a reason set forth in section 9516(b).
(b) Communication concerning refusal.-- If a filing office refuses to accept a record for filing, it shall communicate to the person that presented the record the fact of and reason for the refusal and the date and time the record would have been filed had the filing office accepted it. The communication must be made at the time and in the manner prescribed by filing-office rule but, in the case of a filing office described in section 9501(a)(2) (relating to filing offices), in no event more than five business days after the filing office receives the record.
(c) When filed financing statement effective.-- A filed financing statement satisfying section 9502(a) and (b) (relating to contents of financing statement; record of mortgage as financing statement; time of filing financing statement) is effective even if the filing office is required to refuse to accept it for filing under subsection (a). However, section 9338 (relating to priority of security interest or agricultural lien perfected by filed financing statement providing certain incorrect information) applies to a filed financing statement providing information described in section 9516(b)(5) which is incorrect at the time the financing statement is filed.
(d) Separate application to multiple debtors.-- If a record communicated to a filing office provides information which relates to more than one debtor, this chapter applies as to each debtor separately.
(a) Initial financing statement form.-- A filing office which accepts written records may not refuse to accept a written initial financing statement in the form and format set forth in the final official text of the 1999 revisions to Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code promulgated by The American Law Institute and the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, except for a reason set forth in section 9516(b) (relating to refusal to accept record; filing does not occur).
(b) Amendment form.-- A filing office which accepts written records may not refuse to accept a written record in the form and format set forth in the final official text of the 1999 revisions to Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code promulgated by The American Law Institute and the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, except for a reason set forth in section 9516(b).
(a) Post-lapse maintenance and retrieval of information.-- The filing office shall maintain a record of the information provided in a filed financing statement for at least one year after the effectiveness of the financing statement has lapsed under section 9515 (relating to duration and effectiveness of financing statement; effect of lapsed financing statement) with respect to all secured parties of record. The record must be retrievable by using the name of the debtor and by using the file number assigned to the initial financing statement to which the record relates.
(b) Destruction of written records.-- Except to the extent that a statute governing disposition of public records provides otherwise, the filing office immediately may destroy any written record evidencing a financing statement. However, if the filing office destroys a written record, it shall maintain another record of the financing statement which complies with subsection (a).
(a) Acknowledgment of filing written record.-- If a person that files a written record requests an acknowledgment of the filing, the filing office shall send to the person an image of the record showing the number assigned to the record pursuant to section 9519(a)(1) (relating to numbering, maintaining and indexing records; communicating information provided in records) and the date and time of the filing of the record. However, if the person furnishes a copy of the record to the filing office, the filing office may instead:
(1) note upon the copy the number assigned to the record pursuant to section 9519(a)(1) and the date and time of the filing of the record; and
(2) send the copy to the person.
(b) Acknowledgment of filing other record.-- If a person files a record other than a written record, the filing office shall communicate to the person an acknowledgment which provides:
(1) the information in the record;
(2) the number assigned to the record pursuant to section 9519(a)(1); and
(3) the date and time of the filing of the record.
(c) Communication of requested information.-- The filing office shall communicate or otherwise make available in a record the following information to any person that requests it:
(1) Whether there is on file on a date and time specified by the filing office, but not a date earlier than three business days before the filing office receives the request, any financing statement which:
(i) designates a particular debtor or, if the request so states, designates a particular debtor at the address specified in the request;
(ii) has not lapsed under section 9515 (relating to duration and effectiveness of financing statement; effect of lapsed financing statement) with respect to all secured parties of record; and
(iii) if the request so states, has lapsed under section 9515 and a record of which is maintained by the filing office under section 9522(a) (relating to post-lapse maintenance and retrieval of information).
(2) The date and time of filing of each financing statement.
(3) The information provided in each financing statement.
(d) Medium for communicating information.-- In complying with its duty under subsection (c), the filing office may communicate information in any medium. However, if requested, the filing office shall communicate information by issuing its written certificate.
(e) Timeliness of filing office performance.--
(1) Except as set forth in paragraph (2), the filing office shall perform the acts required by subsections (a) through (d) at the time and in the manner prescribed by filing-office rule.
(2) A filing office described in section 9501(a)(2) (relating to filing offices) shall perform the acts required by subsections (a) through (d) not later than five business days after the filing office receives the request.
(f) Public availability of records.-- At least weekly, the filing office described in section 9501(a)(2) shall offer to sell or license to the public on a nonexclusive basis, in bulk, copies of all records filed in it under this chapter in every medium from time to time available to the filing office.
Delay by the filing office beyond a time limit prescribed by this chapter is excused if:
(1) the delay is caused by interruption of communication or computer facilities, war, emergency conditions, failure of equipment or other circumstances beyond control of the filing office; and
(2) the filing office exercises reasonable diligence under the circumstances.
(a) Initial financing statement or other record.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsections (c) and (d):
(1) The fee for filing and indexing a record under this chapter shall be as follows:
(i) For a record communicated to a filing office described in section 9501(a)(1) (relating to filing office), $48.
(ii) For a record communicated to a filing office described in section 9501(a)(2), $12.
(2) The amount of the fee for filing and indexing the record is not affected by the number of names to be indexed or the number of pages in the record.
(b) Response to information request.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), the fee for responding to a request for information from the filing office, including for issuing a certificate showing whether there is on file any financing statement naming a particular debtor, shall be as follows:
(1) The basic charge is $12.
(2) If the filing office responds to the request in writing, there is an additional charge of:
(i) no charge per record found;
(ii) $2 per page of copies; and
(iii) if certification is requested, $28.
(c) Record of mortgage.-- This section does not require a fee with respect to a record of a mortgage which is effective as a financing statement filed as a fixture filing or as a financing statement covering as-extracted collateral or timber to be cut under section 9502(c) (relating to record of mortgage as financing statement). However, the recording and satisfaction fees that otherwise would be applicable to the record of the mortgage apply.
(d) Variation by regulation.-- Within 90 days of the effective date of this subsection, the Department of State shall promulgate regulations regarding the fees required by subsections (a) and (b). The department shall establish fees required by subsection (a)(1)(i) that generate revenue equivalent to the amount collected from UCC filing fees by all counties during calendar year 2000. The department shall establish fees required by subsection (a)(1)(ii) which generate revenue equivalent to the amount collected from UCC filing fees and deposited in the General Fund and the Corporation Bureau Restricted Account during fiscal year 1999-2000. Changes in the fees shall be promulgated as a final-form regulation with proposed rulemaking omitted in accordance with the act of June 25, 1982 (P.L.633, No.181), known as the Regulatory Review Act. After July 1, 2001, the department may promulgate regulations in accordance with the Regulatory Review Act regarding the fees required by subsections (a) and (b) for services rendered by the department. Fee regulations promulgated by the department under this subsection shall supersede the fees listed in subsections (a) and (b).
(a) Adoption of filing-office rules.-- The Department of State shall promulgate rules to implement this division. The filing-office rules must be consistent with this division.
(b) Harmonization of rules.-- To keep the filing-office rules and practices of the filing office in harmony with the rules and practices of filing offices in other jurisdictions which enact substantially this chapter and to keep the technology used by the filing office compatible with the technology used by filing offices in other jurisdictions which enact substantially this chapter, the department, so far as is consistent with the purposes, policies and provisions of this division, in promulgating filing-office rules, shall:
(1) consult with filing offices in other jurisdictions which enact substantially this chapter;
(2) consult the most recent version of the Model Rules promulgated by the International Association of Corporate Administrators or any successor organization; and
(3) take into consideration the rules and practices of and the technology used by filing offices in other jurisdictions which enact substantially this chapter.
The Department of State shall report by October 31 of every even-numbered year to the Governor and the General Assembly on the operation of the filing office. The report must contain a statement of the extent to which:
(1) the filing-office rules are not in harmony with the rules of filing offices in other jurisdictions which enact substantially this chapter and the reasons for these variations; and
(2) the filing-office rules are not in harmony with the most recent version of the Model Rules promulgated by the International Association of Corporate Administrators or any successor organization and the reasons for these variations.
(a) Rights of secured party after default.-- After default, a secured party has the rights provided in this chapter and, except as otherwise provided in section 9602 (relating to waiver and variance of rights and duties), those provided by agreement of the parties. A secured party:
(1) may reduce a claim to judgment, foreclose or otherwise enforce the claim, security interest or agricultural lien by any available judicial procedure; and
(2) if the collateral is documents, may proceed either as to the documents or as to the goods they cover.
(b) Rights and duties of secured party in possession or control.-- A secured party in possession of collateral or control of collateral under section 7106 (relating to control of electronic document of title), 9104 (relating to control of deposit account), 9105 (relating to control of electronic copy of record evidencing chattel paper), 9106 (relating to control of investment property), 9107 (relating to control of letter-of-credit right) or 9107.1 (relating to control of controllable electronic record, controllable account or controllable payment intangible) has the rights and duties provided in section 9207 (relating to rights and duties of secured party having possession or control of collateral).
(c) Rights cumulative; simultaneous exercise.-- The rights under subsections (a) and (b) are cumulative and may be exercised simultaneously.
(d) Rights of debtor and obligor.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (g) and section 9605 (relating to unknown debtor or secondary obligor), after default, a debtor and an obligor have the rights provided in this chapter and by agreement of the parties.
(e) Lien of levy after judgment.-- If a secured party has reduced its claim to judgment, the lien of any levy which may be made upon the collateral by virtue of an execution based upon the judgment relates back to the earliest of:
(1) the date of perfection of the security interest or agricultural lien in the collateral;
(2) the date of filing a financing statement covering the collateral; or
(3) any date specified in a statute under which the agricultural lien was created.
(f) Execution sale.-- A sale pursuant to an execution is a foreclosure of the security interest or agricultural lien by judicial procedure within the meaning of this section. A secured party may purchase at the sale and thereafter hold the collateral free of any other requirements of this division.
(g) Consignor or buyer of certain rights to payment.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 9607(c) (relating to commercially reasonable collection and enforcement), this chapter imposes no duties upon a secured party that is a consignor or is a buyer of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles or promissory notes.
(Apr. 16, 2008, P.L.57, No.13, eff. 60 days; July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
Except as otherwise provided in section 9624 (relating to waiver), to the extent that they give rights to a debtor or obligor and impose duties on a secured party, the debtor or obligor may not waive or vary the rules stated in:
(1) section 9207(b)(4)(iii) (relating to expenses, risks, duties and rights when secured party in possession);
(2) section 9210 (relating to request for accounting; request regarding list of collateral or statement of account);
(3) section 9607(c) (relating to commercially reasonable collection and enforcement);
(4) sections 9608(a) (relating to application of proceeds, surplus and deficiency if obligation secured) and 9615(c) (relating to application of noncash proceeds) to the extent that they deal with application or payment of noncash proceeds of collection, enforcement or disposition;
(5) sections 9608(a) and 9615(d) (relating to surplus or deficiency if obligation secured) to the extent that they require accounting for or payment of surplus proceeds of collateral;
(6) section 9609 (relating to secured party's right to take possession after default) to the extent that it imposes upon a secured party that takes possession of collateral without judicial process the duty to do so without breach of the peace;
(7) sections 9610(b) (relating to commercially reasonable disposition), 9611 (relating to notification before disposition of collateral), 9613 (relating to contents and form of notification before disposition of collateral: general) and 9614 (relating to contents and form of notification before disposition of collateral: consumer-goods transaction);
(8) section 9615(f) (relating to calculation of surplus or deficiency in disposition to person related to secured party);
(9) section 9616 (relating to explanation of calculation of surplus or deficiency);
(10) sections 9620 (relating to acceptance of collateral in full or partial satisfaction of obligation; compulsory disposition of collateral), 9621 (relating to notification of proposal to accept collateral) and 9622 (relating to effect of acceptance of collateral);
(11) section 9623 (relating to right to redeem collateral);
(12) section 9624 (relating to waiver); and
(13) sections 9625 (relating to remedies for secured party's failure to comply with division) and 9626 (relating to action in which deficiency or surplus is in issue).
(a) Agreed standards.-- The parties may determine by agreement the standards measuring the fulfillment of the rights of a debtor or obligor and the duties of a secured party under a rule stated in section 9602 (relating to waiver and variance of rights and duties) if the standards are not manifestly unreasonable.
(b) Agreed standards inapplicable to breach of peace.-- Subsection (a) does not apply to the duty under section 9609 (relating to secured party's right to take possession after default) to refrain from breaching the peace.
(a) Enforcement: personal and real property.-- If a security agreement covers both personal and real property, a secured party may proceed:
(1) under this chapter as to the personal property without prejudicing any rights with respect to the real property; or
(2) as to both the personal property and the real property in accordance with the rights with respect to the real property, in which case the other provisions of this chapter do not apply.
(b) Enforcement: fixtures.-- Subject to subsection (c), if a security agreement covers goods which are or become fixtures, a secured party may proceed:
(1) under this chapter; or
(2) in accordance with the rights with respect to real property, in which case the other provisions of this chapter do not apply.
(c) Removal of fixtures.-- Subject to the other provisions of this chapter, if a secured party holding a security interest in fixtures has priority over all owners and encumbrancers of the real property, the secured party, after default, may remove the collateral from the real property.
(d) Injury caused by removal.-- A secured party that removes collateral shall promptly reimburse any encumbrancer or owner of the real property, other than the debtor, for the cost of repair of any physical injury caused by the removal. The secured party need not reimburse the encumbrancer or owner for any diminution in value of the real property caused by the absence of the goods removed or by any necessity of replacing them. A person entitled to reimbursement may refuse permission to remove until the secured party gives adequate assurance for the performance of the obligation to reimburse.
(a) In general: no duty owed by secured party.-- Except as provided in subsection (b), a secured party does not owe a duty based on its status as secured party to any of the following:
(1) A person that is a debtor or obligor unless the secured party knows:
(i) that the person is a debtor or obligor;
(ii) the identity of the person; and
(iii) how to communicate with the person.
(2) A secured party or lienholder that has filed a financing statement against a person unless the secured party knows:
(i) that the person is a debtor; and
(ii) the identity of the person.
(b) Exception: secured party owes duty to debtor or obligor.-- A secured party owes a duty based on its status as a secured party to a person if, at the time the secured party obtains control of collateral that is a controllable account, controllable electronic record or controllable payment intangible or at the time the security interest attaches to the collateral, whichever is later:
(1) the person is a debtor or obligor; and
(2) the secured party knows that the information in subsection (a)(1) relating to the person is not provided by the collateral, a record attached to or logically associated with the collateral or the system in which the collateral is recorded.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
For purposes of this chapter, a default occurs in connection with an agricultural lien at the time the secured party becomes entitled to enforce the lien in accordance with the statute under which it was created.
(a) Collection and enforcement generally.-- If so agreed, and in any event after default, a secured party:
(1) may notify an account debtor or other person obligated on collateral to make payment or otherwise render performance to or for the benefit of the secured party;
(2) may take any proceeds to which the secured party is entitled under section 9315 (relating to secured party's rights on disposition of collateral and in proceeds);
(3) may enforce the obligations of an account debtor or other person obligated on collateral and exercise the rights of the debtor with respect to the obligation of the account debtor or other person obligated on collateral to make payment or otherwise render performance to the debtor and with respect to any property which secures the obligations of the account debtor or other person obligated on the collateral;
(4) if the secured party holds a security interest in a deposit account perfected by control under section 9104(a)(1) (relating to requirements for control), may apply the balance of the deposit account to the obligation secured by the deposit account; and
(5) if the secured party holds a security interest in a deposit account perfected by control under section 9104(a)(2) or (3), may instruct the bank to pay the balance of the deposit account to or for the benefit of the secured party.
(b) Nonjudicial enforcement of mortgage.-- If necessary to enable a secured party to exercise under subsection (a)(3) the right of a debtor to enforce a mortgage nonjudicially, the secured party may record in the office in which a record of the mortgage is recorded:
(1) A copy of the security agreement which creates or provides for a security interest in the obligation secured by the mortgage.
(2) The secured party's sworn affidavit in recordable form stating that:
(i) a default has occurred with respect to the obligation secured by the mortgage; and
(ii) the secured party is entitled to enforce the mortgage nonjudicially.
(c) Commercially reasonable collection and enforcement.-- A secured party shall proceed in a commercially reasonable manner if the secured party:
(1) undertakes to collect from or enforce an obligation of an account debtor or other person obligated on collateral; and
(2) is entitled to charge back uncollected collateral or otherwise to full or limited recourse against the debtor or a secondary obligor.
(d) Expenses of collection and enforcement.-- A secured party may deduct from the collections made pursuant to subsection (c) reasonable expenses of collection and enforcement, including reasonable attorney fees and legal expenses incurred by the secured party.
(e) Duties to secured party not affected.-- This section does not determine whether an account debtor, bank or other person obligated on collateral owes a duty to a secured party.
(June 27, 2013, P.L.154, No.30, eff. July 1, 2013)
(a) Application of proceeds, surplus and deficiency if obligation secured.-- If a security interest or agricultural lien secures payment or performance of an obligation, the following rules apply:
(1) A secured party shall apply or pay over for application the cash proceeds of collection or enforcement under section 9607 (relating to collection and enforcement by secured party) in the following order to:
(i) the reasonable expenses of collection and enforcement and, to the extent provided for by agreement and not prohibited by law, reasonable attorney fees and legal expenses incurred by the secured party;
(ii) the satisfaction of obligations secured by the security interest or agricultural lien under which the collection or enforcement is made; and
(iii) the satisfaction of obligations secured by any subordinate security interest in or other lien on the collateral subject to the security interest or agricultural lien under which the collection or enforcement is made if the secured party receives a signed demand for proceeds before distribution of the proceeds is completed.
(2) If requested by a secured party, a holder of a subordinate security interest or other lien shall furnish reasonable proof of the interest or lien within a reasonable time. Unless the holder complies, the secured party need not comply with the holder's demand under paragraph (1)(iii).
(3) A secured party need not apply or pay over for application noncash proceeds of collection and enforcement under section 9607 unless the failure to do so would be commercially unreasonable. A secured party that applies or pays over for application noncash proceeds shall do so in a commercially reasonable manner.
(4) A secured party shall account to and pay a debtor for any surplus, and the obligor is liable for any deficiency.
(b) No surplus or deficiency in sales of certain rights to payment.-- If the underlying transaction is a sale of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles or promissory notes, the debtor is not entitled to any surplus and the obligor is not liable for any deficiency.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Possession; rendering equipment unusable; disposition on debtor's premises.-- After default, a secured party:
(1) may take possession of the collateral; and
(2) without removal, may render equipment unusable and dispose of collateral on a debtor's premises under section 9610 (relating to disposition of collateral after default).
(b) Judicial and nonjudicial process.-- A secured party may proceed under subsection (a):
(1) pursuant to judicial process; or
(2) without judicial process if it proceeds without breach of the peace.
(c) Assembly of collateral.-- If so agreed, and in any event after default, a secured party may require the debtor to assemble the collateral and make it available to the secured party at a place to be designated by the secured party which is reasonably convenient to both parties.
(a) Disposition after default.-- After default, a secured party may sell, lease, license or otherwise dispose of any or all of the collateral in its present condition or following any commercially reasonable preparation or processing.
(b) Commercially reasonable disposition.-- Every aspect of a disposition of collateral, including the method, manner, time, place and other terms, must be commercially reasonable. If commercially reasonable, a secured party may dispose of collateral by public or private proceedings, by one or more contracts, as a unit or in parcels and at any time and place and on any terms.
(c) Purchase by secured party.-- A secured party may purchase collateral:
(1) at a public disposition; or
(2) at a private disposition only if the collateral is of a kind which is customarily sold on a recognized market or the subject of widely distributed standard price quotations.
(d) Warranties on disposition.-- A contract for sale, lease, license or other disposition includes the warranties relating to title, possession, quiet enjoyment and the like which by operation of law accompany a voluntary disposition of property of the kind subject to the contract.
(e) Disclaimer of warranties.-- A secured party may disclaim or modify warranties under subsection (d):
(1) in a manner which would be effective to disclaim or modify the warranties in a voluntary disposition of property of the kind subject to the contract of disposition; or
(2) by communicating to the purchaser a record evidencing the contract for disposition and including an express disclaimer or modification of the warranties.
(f) Record sufficient to disclaim warranties.-- A record is sufficient to disclaim warranties under subsection (e) if it indicates "There is no warranty relating to title, possession, quiet enjoyment or the like in this disposition" or uses words of similar import.
(a) Notification date.-- As used in this section, the term "notification date" means the earlier of the date on which:
(1) a secured party sends to the debtor and any secondary obligor a signed notification of disposition; or
(2) the debtor and any secondary obligor waive the right to notification.
(b) Notification of disposition required.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), a secured party that disposes of collateral under section 9610 (relating to disposition of collateral after default) shall send to the persons specified in subsection (c) a reasonable signed notification of disposition.
(c) Persons to be notified.-- To comply with subsection (b), the secured party shall send a signed notification of disposition to all of the following:
(1) The debtor.
(2) Any secondary obligor.
(3) If the collateral is other than consumer goods, all of the following:
(i) Any other person from which the secured party has received, before the notification date, a signed notification of a claim of an interest in the collateral.
(ii) Any other secured party or lienholder that, ten days before the notification date, held a security interest in or other lien on the collateral perfected by the filing of a financing statement which:
(A) identified the collateral;
(B) was indexed under the debtor's name as of that date; and
(C) was filed in the office in which to file a financing statement against the debtor covering the collateral as of that date.
(iii) Any other secured party that, ten days before the notification date, held a security interest in the collateral perfected by compliance with a statute, regulation or treaty described in section 9311(a) (relating to security interest subject to other law).
(d) Subsection (b) inapplicable: perishable collateral; recognized market.-- Subsection (b) does not apply if the collateral is perishable or threatens to decline speedily in value or is of a type customarily sold on a recognized market.
(e) Compliance with subsection (c)(3)(ii).-- A secured party complies with the requirement for notification prescribed by subsection (c)(3)(ii) if both of the following paragraphs apply:
(1) Not later than 20 days or earlier than 30 days before the notification date, the secured party requests, in a commercially reasonable manner, information concerning financing statements indexed under the debtor's name in the office indicated in subsection (c)(3)(ii).
(2) Before the notification date, the secured party:
(i) did not receive a response to the request for information; or
(ii) received a response to the request for information and sent a signed notification of disposition to each secured party or other lienholder named in that response whose financing statement covered the collateral.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Reasonable time is question of fact.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), whether a notification is sent within a reasonable time is a question of fact.
(b) Ten-day period sufficient in nonconsumer transaction.-- In a transaction other than a consumer transaction, a notification of disposition sent after default and ten days or more before the earliest time of disposition set forth in the notification is sent within a reasonable time before the disposition.
(a) Contents and form of notification.-- Except in a consumer-goods transaction, the following rules apply:
(1) The contents of a notification of disposition are sufficient if the notification:
(i) describes the debtor and the secured party;
(ii) describes the collateral which is the subject of the intended disposition;
(iii) states the method of intended disposition;
(iv) states that the debtor is entitled to an accounting of the unpaid indebtedness and states the charge, if any, for an accounting; and
(v) states the time and place of a public disposition or the time after which any other disposition is to be made.
(2) Whether the contents of a notification which lacks any of the information specified in paragraph (1) are nevertheless sufficient is a question of fact.
(3) The contents of a notification providing substantially the information specified in paragraph (1) are sufficient even if the notification includes:
(i) information not specified by that paragraph; or
(ii) minor errors which are not seriously misleading.
(4) A particular phrasing of the notification is not required.
(5) The following form of notification and the form appearing in section 9614(a)(3) (relating to contents and form of notification before disposition of collateral: consumer-goods transaction), when completed in accordance with the instructions in subsection (b) and section 9614(b), each provides sufficient information:
NOTIFICATION OF DISPOSITION OF COLLATERAL
To: (Name of debtor, obligor, or other person to which the notification is sent)
From: (Name, address, and telephone number of secured party)
{1} Name of any debtor that is not an addressee: (Name of each debtor)
{2} We will sell (describe collateral) (to the highest qualified bidder) at public sale. A sale could include a lease or license. The sale will be held as follows:
(Date)
(Time)
(Place)
{3} We will sell (describe collateral) at private sale sometime after (date). A sale could include a lease or license.
{4} You are entitled to an accounting of the unpaid indebtedness secured by the property that we intend to sell or, as applicable, lease or license.
{5} If you request an accounting you must pay a charge of $ (amount).
{6} You may request an accounting by calling us at (telephone number).
(End of Form)
(b) Instructions for form of notification.-- The following instructions apply to the form of notification in subsection (a)(5):
(1) The instructions in this subsection refer to the numbers in braces before items in the form of notification in subsection (a)(5). Do not include the numbers or braces in the notification. The numbers and braces are used only for the purpose of these instructions.
(2) Include and complete item {1} only if there is a debtor that is not an addressee of the notification and list the name or names.
(3) Include and complete either item {2}, if the notification relates to a public disposition of the collateral, or item {3}, if the notification relates to a private disposition of the collateral. If item {2} is included, include the words "to the highest qualified bidder" only if applicable.
(4) Include and complete items {4} and {6}.
(5) Include and complete item {5} only if the sender will charge the recipient for an accounting.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Contents and form of notification.-- In a consumer-goods transaction, the following rules apply:
(1) A notification of disposition must provide the following information:
(i) the information specified in section 9613(a)(1) (relating to contents and form of notification before disposition of collateral: general);
(ii) a description of any liability for a deficiency of the person to which the notification is sent;
(iii) a telephone number from which the amount which must be paid to the secured party to redeem the collateral under section 9623 (relating to right to redeem collateral) is available; and
(iv) a telephone number or mailing address from which additional information concerning the disposition and the obligation secured is available.
(2) A particular phrasing of the notification is not required.
(3) The following form of notification, when completed in accordance with the instructions in subsection (b), provides sufficient information:
(Name and address of secured party)
(Date)
NOTICE OF OUR PLAN TO SELL PROPERTY
(Name and address of any obligor who is also a debtor)
Subject: (Identify transaction)
We have your (describe collateral), because you broke promises in our agreement.
{1} We will sell (describe collateral) at public sale. A sale could include a lease or license. The sale will be held as follows:
(Date)
(Time)
(Place)
You may attend the sale and bring bidders if you want.
{2} We will sell (describe collateral) at private sale sometime after (date). A sale could include a lease or license.
{3} The money that we get from the sale, after paying our costs, will reduce the amount you owe. If we get less money than you owe, you (will or will not, as applicable) still owe us the difference. If we get more money than you owe, you will get the extra money, unless we must pay it to someone else.
{4} You can get the property back at any time before we sell it by paying us the full amount you owe, not just the past due payments, including our expenses. To learn the exact amount you must pay, call us at (telephone number).
{5} If you want us to explain to you in (writing) (writing or in (description of electronic record)) (description of electronic record) how we have figured the amount that you owe us, {6} call us at (telephone number) (or) (write us at (secured party's address)) (or contact us by (description of electronic communication method)) {7} and request (a written explanation) (a written explanation or an explanation in (description of electronic record)) (an explanation in (description of electronic record)).
{8} We will charge you $ (amount) for the explanation if we sent you another written explanation of the amount you owe us within the last six months.
{9} If you need more information about the sale (call us at (telephone number)) (or) (write us at (secured party's address)) (or contact us by (description of electronic communication method)).
{10} We are sending this notice to the following other people who have an interest in (describe collateral) or who owe money under your agreement:
(Names of all other debtors and obligors, if any)
(End of Form)
(b) Instructions for form of notification.-- The following instructions apply to the form of notification in subsection (a)(3):
(1) The instructions in this subsection refer to the numbers in braces before items in the form of notification in subsection (a)(3). Do not include the numbers or braces in the notification. The numbers and braces are used only for the purpose of these instructions.
(2) Include and complete either item {1}, if the notification relates to a public disposition of the collateral, or item {2}, if the notification relates to a private disposition of the collateral.
(3) Include and complete items {3}, {4}, {5}, {6} and {7}.
(4) In item {5}, include and complete any one of the three alternative methods for the explanation--writing, writing or electronic record or electronic record.
(5) In item {6}, include the telephone number. In addition, the sender may include and complete either or both of the two additional alternative methods of communication--writing or electronic communication--for the recipient of the notification to communicate with the sender. Neither of the two additional methods of communication is required to be included.
(6) In item {7}, include and complete the method or methods for the explanation--writing, writing or electronic record or electronic record--included in item {5}.
(7) Include and complete item {8} only if a written explanation is included in item {5} as a method for communicating the explanation and the sender will charge the recipient for another written explanation.
(8) In item {9}, include either the telephone number or the address or both the telephone number and the address. In addition, the sender may include and complete the additional method of communication--electronic communication for the recipient of the notification to communicate with the sender. The additional method of electronic communication is not required to be included.
(9) If item {10} does not apply, insert "None" after "agreement:."
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Application of proceeds.-- A secured party shall apply or pay over for application the cash proceeds of disposition under section 9610 (relating to disposition of collateral after default) in the following order to:
(1) The reasonable expenses of retaking, holding, preparing for disposition, processing and disposing and, to the extent provided for by agreement and not prohibited by law, reasonable attorney fees and legal expenses incurred by the secured party.
(2) The satisfaction of obligations secured by the security interest or agricultural lien under which the disposition is made.
(3) The satisfaction of obligations secured by any subordinate security interest in or other subordinate lien on the collateral if:
(i) the secured party receives from the holder of the subordinate security interest or other lien a signed demand for proceeds before distribution of the proceeds is completed; and
(ii) in a case in which a consignor has an interest in the collateral, the subordinate security interest or other lien is senior to the interest of the consignor.
(4) A secured party that is a consignor of the collateral if the secured party receives from the consignor a signed demand for proceeds before distribution of the proceeds is completed.
(b) Proof of subordinate interest.-- If requested by a secured party, a holder of a subordinate security interest or other lien shall furnish reasonable proof of the interest or lien within a reasonable time. Unless the holder does so, the secured party need not comply with the holder's demand under subsection (a)(3).
(c) Application of noncash proceeds.-- A secured party need not apply or pay over for application noncash proceeds of disposition under section 9610 unless the failure to do so would be commercially unreasonable. A secured party that applies or pays over for application noncash proceeds shall do so in a commercially reasonable manner.
(d) Surplus or deficiency if obligation secured.-- If the security interest under which a disposition is made secures payment or performance of an obligation, after making the payments and applications required by subsection (a) and permitted by subsection (c):
(1) unless subsection (a)(4) requires the secured party to apply or pay over cash proceeds to a consignor, the secured party shall account to and pay a debtor for any surplus; and
(2) the obligor is liable for any deficiency.
(e) No surplus or deficiency in sales of certain rights to payment.-- If the underlying transaction is a sale of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles or promissory notes:
(1) the debtor is not entitled to any surplus; and
(2) the obligor is not liable for any deficiency.
(f) Calculation of surplus or deficiency in disposition to person related to secured party.-- The surplus or deficiency following a disposition is calculated based on the amount of proceeds which would have been realized in a disposition complying with this chapter to a transferee other than the secured party, a person related to the secured party or a secondary obligor if:
(1) the transferee in the disposition is the secured party, a person related to the secured party or a secondary obligor; and
(2) the amount of proceeds of the disposition is significantly below the range of proceeds which a complying disposition to a person other than the secured party, a person related to the secured party or a secondary obligor would have brought.
(g) Cash proceeds received by junior secured party.-- A secured party that receives cash proceeds of a disposition in good faith and without knowledge that the receipt violates the rights of the holder of a security interest or other lien which is not subordinate to the security interest or agricultural lien under which the disposition is made:
(1) takes the cash proceeds free of the security interest or other lien;
(2) is not obligated to apply the proceeds of the disposition to the satisfaction of obligations secured by the security interest or other lien; and
(3) is not obligated to account to or pay the holder of the security interest or other lien for any surplus.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Definitions.-- As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Explanation." A record which:
(1) states the amount of the surplus or deficiency;
(2) provides an explanation in accordance with subsection (c) of how the secured party calculated the surplus or deficiency;
(3) states, if applicable, that future debits, credits, charges, including additional credit service charges or interest, rebates and expenses may affect the amount of the surplus or deficiency; and
(4) provides a telephone number or mailing address from which additional information concerning the transaction is available.
"Request." A record:
(1) signed by a debtor or consumer obligor;
(2) requesting that the recipient provide an explanation; and
(3) sent after disposition of the collateral under section 9610 (relating to disposition of collateral after default).
(b) Explanation of calculation.-- In a consumer-goods transaction in which the debtor is entitled to a surplus or a consumer obligor is liable for a deficiency under section 9615 (relating to application of proceeds of disposition; liability for deficiency and right to surplus), the secured party shall comply with one of the following paragraphs:
(1) Send an explanation to the debtor or consumer obligor, as applicable, after the disposition and:
(i) before or when the secured party accounts to the debtor and pays any surplus or first makes demand in a record on the consumer obligor after the disposition for payment of the deficiency; and
(ii) within 14 days after receipt of a request.
(2) In the case of a consumer obligor who is liable for a deficiency, within 14 days after receipt of a request, send to the consumer obligor a record waiving the secured party's right to a deficiency.
(c) Required information.-- To comply with paragraph (2) of the definition of the term "explanation" in subsection (a), an explanation must provide the following information in the following order:
(1) The aggregate amount of obligations secured by the security interest under which the disposition was made and, if the amount reflects a rebate of unearned interest or credit service charge, an indication of that fact, calculated as of a specified date:
(i) if the secured party takes or receives possession of the collateral after default, not more than 35 days before the secured party takes or receives possession; or
(ii) if the secured party takes or receives possession of the collateral before default or does not take possession of the collateral, not more than 35 days before the disposition.
(2) The amount of proceeds of the disposition.
(3) The aggregate amount of the obligations after deducting the amount of proceeds.
(4) The amount, in the aggregate or by type, and types of expenses, including expenses of retaking, holding, preparing for disposition, processing and disposing of the collateral and attorney fees secured by the collateral which are known to the secured party and relate to the current disposition.
(5) The amount, in the aggregate or by type and types of credits, including rebates of interest or credit service charges, to which the obligor is known to be entitled and which are not reflected in the amount in paragraph (1).
(6) The amount of the surplus or deficiency.
(d) Substantial compliance.-- A particular phrasing of the explanation is not required. An explanation complying substantially with the requirements of subsection (a) is sufficient even if it includes minor errors which are not seriously misleading.
(e) Charges for responses.-- A debtor or consumer obligor is entitled without charge to one response to a request under this section during any six-month period in which the secured party did not send to the debtor or consumer obligor an explanation pursuant to subsection (b)(1). The secured party may require payment of a charge not exceeding $25 for each additional response.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Effects of disposition.-- A secured party's disposition of collateral after default:
(1) transfers to a transferee for value all of the debtor's rights in the collateral;
(2) discharges the security interest under which the disposition is made; and
(3) discharges any subordinate security interest or other subordinate lien.
(b) Rights of good-faith transferee.-- A transferee that acts in good faith takes free of the rights and interests described in subsection (a) even if the secured party fails to comply with this division or the requirements of any judicial proceeding.
(c) Rights of other transferee.-- If a transferee does not take free of the rights and interests described in subsection (a), the transferee takes the collateral subject to:
(1) the debtor's rights in the collateral;
(2) the security interest or agricultural lien under which the disposition is made; and
(3) any other security interest or other lien.
(a) Rights and duties of secondary obligor.-- A secondary obligor acquires the rights and becomes obligated to perform the duties of the secured party after the secondary obligor:
(1) receives an assignment of a secured obligation from the secured party;
(2) receives a transfer of collateral from the secured party and agrees to accept the rights and assume the duties of the secured party; or
(3) is subrogated to the rights of a secured party with respect to collateral.
(b) Effect of assignment, transfer or subrogation.-- An assignment, transfer or subrogation described in subsection (a):
(1) is not a disposition of collateral under section 9610 (relating to disposition of collateral after default); and
(2) relieves the secured party of further duties under this division.
(a) Transfer statement.-- As used in this section, the term "transfer statement" means a record signed by a secured party stating:
(1) that the debtor has defaulted in connection with an obligation secured by specified collateral;
(2) that the secured party has exercised its postdefault remedies with respect to the collateral;
(3) that, by reason of the exercise, a transferee has acquired the rights of the debtor in the collateral; and
(4) the name and mailing address of the secured party, debtor and transferee.
(b) Effect of transfer statement.-- A transfer statement entitles the transferee to the transfer of record of all rights of the debtor in the collateral specified in the statement in any official filing, recording, registration or certificate-of-title system covering the collateral. If a transfer statement is presented with the applicable fee and request form to the official or office responsible for maintaining the system, the official or office shall:
(1) accept the transfer statement;
(2) promptly amend its records to reflect the transfer; and
(3) if applicable, issue a new appropriate certificate of title in the name of the transferee.
(c) Transfer not a disposition; no relief of secured party's duties.-- A transfer of the record or legal title to collateral to a secured party under subsection (b) or otherwise is not of itself a disposition of collateral under this division and does not of itself relieve the secured party of its duties under this division.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Conditions to acceptance in satisfaction.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (g), a secured party may accept collateral in full or partial satisfaction of the obligation it secures only if all of the following paragraphs apply:
(1) The debtor consents to the acceptance under subsection (c).
(2) The secured party does not receive, within the time set forth in subsection (d), a notification of objection to the proposal signed by:
(i) a person to which the secured party was required to send a proposal under section 9621 (relating to notification of proposal to accept collateral); or
(ii) any other person, other than the debtor, holding an interest in the collateral subordinate to the security interest which is the subject of the proposal.
(3) If the collateral is consumer goods, the collateral is not in the possession of the debtor when the debtor consents to the acceptance.
(4) Subsection (e) does not require the secured party to dispose of the collateral or the debtor waives the requirement pursuant to section 9624 (relating to waiver).
(b) Purported acceptance ineffective.-- A purported or apparent acceptance of collateral under this section is ineffective unless:
(1) the secured party consents to the acceptance in a signed record or sends a proposal to the debtor; and
(2) the conditions of subsection (a) are met.
(c) Debtor's consent.-- For purposes of this section:
(1) A debtor consents to an acceptance of collateral in partial satisfaction of the obligation it secures only if the debtor agrees to the terms of the acceptance in a record signed after default.
(2) A debtor consents to an acceptance of collateral in full satisfaction of the obligation it secures only if the debtor agrees to the terms of the acceptance in a record signed after default or the secured party:
(i) sends to the debtor after default a proposal which is unconditional or subject only to a condition that collateral not in the possession of the secured party be preserved or maintained;
(ii) in the proposal, proposes to accept collateral in full satisfaction of the obligation it secures; and
(iii) does not receive a notification of objection signed by the debtor within 20 days after the proposal is sent.
(d) Effectiveness of notification.-- To be effective under subsection (a)(2), a notification of objection must be received by the secured party:
(1) In the case of a person to which the proposal was sent pursuant to section 9621, within 20 days after notification was sent to that person.
(2) In other cases:
(i) within 20 days after the last notification was sent pursuant to section 9621; or
(ii) if a notification was not sent, before the debtor consents to the acceptance under subsection (c).
(e) Mandatory disposition of consumer goods.-- A secured party that has taken possession of collateral shall dispose of the collateral pursuant to section 9610 (relating to disposition of collateral after default) within the time specified in subsection (f) if:
(1) 60% of the cash price has been paid in the case of a purchase-money security interest in consumer goods; or
(2) 60% of the principal amount of the obligation secured has been paid in the case of a nonpurchase-money security interest in consumer goods.
(f) Compliance with mandatory disposition requirement.-- To comply with subsection (e), the secured party shall dispose of the collateral:
(1) within 90 days after taking possession; or
(2) within any longer period to which the debtor and all secondary obligors have agreed in an agreement to that effect entered into and signed after default.
(g) No partial satisfaction in consumer transaction.-- In a consumer transaction, a secured party may not accept collateral in partial satisfaction of the obligation it secures.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Persons to which proposal to be sent.-- A secured party that desires to accept collateral in full or partial satisfaction of the obligation it secures shall send its proposal to all of the following:
(1) Any person from which the secured party has received, before the debtor consented to the acceptance, a signed notification of a claim of an interest in the collateral.
(2) Any other secured party or lienholder that, ten days before the debtor consented to the acceptance, held a security interest in or other lien on the collateral perfected by the filing of a financing statement which:
(i) identified the collateral;
(ii) was indexed under the debtor's name as of that date; and
(iii) was filed in the office or offices in which to file a financing statement against the debtor covering the collateral as of that date.
(3) Any other secured party that, ten days before the debtor consented to the acceptance, held a security interest in the collateral perfected by compliance with a statute, regulation or treaty described in section 9311(a) (relating to security interest subject to other law).
(b) Proposal to be sent to secondary obligor in partial satisfaction.-- A secured party that desires to accept collateral in partial satisfaction of the obligation it secures shall send its proposal to any secondary obligor in addition to the persons described in subsection (a).
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Effect of acceptance.-- A secured party's acceptance of collateral in full or partial satisfaction of the obligation it secures:
(1) discharges the obligation to the extent consented to by the debtor;
(2) transfers to the secured party all of a debtor's rights in the collateral;
(3) discharges the security interest or agricultural lien which is the subject of the debtor's consent and any subordinate security interest or other subordinate lien; and
(4) terminates any other subordinate interest.
(b) Discharge of subordinate interest notwithstanding noncompliance.-- A subordinate interest is discharged or terminated under subsection (a) even if the secured party fails to comply with this division.
(a) Persons that may redeem.-- A debtor, any secondary obligor or any other secured party or lienholder may redeem collateral.
(b) Requirements for redemption.-- To redeem collateral, a person shall tender:
(1) fulfillment of all obligations secured by the collateral; and
(2) the reasonable expenses and attorney fees described in section 9615(a)(1) (relating to application of proceeds).
(c) When redemption may occur.-- A redemption may occur at any time before a secured party:
(1) has collected collateral under section 9607 (relating to collection and enforcement by secured party);
(2) has disposed of collateral or entered into a contract for its disposition under section 9610 (relating to disposition of collateral after default); or
(3) has accepted collateral in full or partial satisfaction of the obligation it secures under section 9622 (relating to effect of acceptance of collateral).
(a) Waiver of disposition notification.-- A debtor or secondary obligor may waive the right to notification of disposition of collateral under section 9611 (relating to notification before disposition of collateral) only by an agreement to that effect entered into and signed after default.
(b) Waiver of mandatory disposition.-- A debtor may waive the right to require disposition of collateral under section 9620(e) (relating to mandatory disposition of consumer goods) only by an agreement to that effect entered into and signed after default.
(c) Waiver of redemption right.-- Except in a consumer-goods transaction, a debtor or secondary obligor may waive the right to redeem collateral under section 9623 (relating to right to redeem collateral) only by an agreement to that effect entered into and signed after default.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
(a) Judicial orders concerning noncompliance.-- If it is established that a secured party is not proceeding in accordance with this division, a court may order or restrain collection, enforcement or disposition of collateral on appropriate terms and conditions.
(b) Damages for noncompliance.-- Subject to subsections (c), (d) and (f), a person is liable for damages in the amount of any loss caused by a failure to comply with this division. Loss caused by a failure to comply may include loss resulting from the debtor's inability to obtain or increased costs of alternative financing.
(c) Persons entitled to recover damages; statutory damages in consumer-goods transaction.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 9628 (relating to nonliability and limitation on liability of secured party; liability of secondary obligor):
(1) a person that, at the time of the failure, was a debtor, was an obligor or held a security interest in or other lien on the collateral may recover damages under subsection (b) for its loss; and
(2) if the collateral is consumer goods, a person that was a debtor or a secondary obligor at the time a secured party failed to comply with this chapter may recover for that failure in any event an amount not less than the credit service charge plus 10% of the principal amount of the obligation or the time price differential plus 10% of the cash price.
(d) Recovery when deficiency eliminated or reduced.-- A debtor whose deficiency is eliminated under section 9626 (relating to action in which deficiency or surplus is in issue) may recover damages for the loss of any surplus. However, a debtor or secondary obligor whose deficiency is eliminated or reduced under section 9626 may not otherwise recover under subsection (b) for noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter relating to collection, enforcement, disposition or acceptance.
(e) Statutory damages: noncompliance with specified provisions.-- In addition to any damages recoverable under subsection (b), the debtor, consumer obligor or person named as a debtor in a filed record, as applicable, may recover $500 from a person that:
(1) fails to comply with section 9208 (relating to additional duties of secured party having control of collateral);
(2) fails to comply with section 9209 (relating to duties of secured party if account debtor has been notified of assignment);
(3) files a record which the person is not entitled to file under section 9509(a) (relating to person entitled to file record);
(4) fails to cause the secured party of record to file or send a termination statement as required by section 9513(a) or (c) (relating to termination statement);
(5) fails to comply with section 9616(b)(1) (relating to explanation of calculation of surplus or deficiency), and the failure is part of a pattern or consistent with a practice of noncompliance; or
(6) fails to comply with section 9616(b)(2).
(f) Statutory damages: noncompliance with section 9210.-- A debtor or consumer obligor may recover damages under subsection (b) and, in addition, $500 in each case from a person that, without reasonable cause, fails to comply with a request under section 9210. A recipient of a request under section 9210 which never claimed an interest in the collateral or obligations which are the subject of a request under that section has a reasonable excuse for failure to comply with the request within the meaning of this subsection.
(g) Limitation of security interest: noncompliance with section 9210.-- If a secured party fails to comply with a request regarding a list of collateral or a statement of account under section 9210, the secured party may claim a security interest only as shown in the list or statement included in the request as against a person that is reasonably misled by the failure.
(a) Applicable rules if amount of deficiency or surplus in issue.-- In an action arising from a transaction, other than a consumer transaction, in which the amount of a deficiency or surplus is in issue, the following rules apply:
(1) A secured party need not prove compliance with the provisions of this chapter relating to collection, enforcement, disposition or acceptance unless the debtor or a secondary obligor places the secured party's compliance in issue.
(2) If the secured party's compliance is placed in issue, the secured party has the burden of establishing that the collection, enforcement, disposition or acceptance was conducted in accordance with this chapter.
(3) Except as otherwise provided in section 9628 (relating to nonliability and limitation on liability of secured party; liability of secondary obligor), if a secured party fails to prove that the collection, enforcement, disposition or acceptance was conducted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter relating to collection, enforcement, disposition or acceptance, the liability of a debtor or a secondary obligor for a deficiency is limited to an amount by which the sum of the secured obligation, expenses and attorney fees exceeds the greater of:
(i) the proceeds of the collection, enforcement, disposition or acceptance; or
(ii) the amount of proceeds which would have been realized had the noncomplying secured party proceeded in accordance with the provisions of this chapter relating to collection, enforcement, disposition or acceptance.
(4) For purposes of paragraph (3)(ii), the amount of proceeds which would have been realized is equal to the sum of the secured obligation, expenses and attorney fees unless the secured party proves that the amount is less than that sum.
(5) If a deficiency or surplus is calculated under section 9615(f) (relating to calculation of surplus or deficiency in disposition to person related to secured party), the debtor or obligor has the burden of establishing that the amount of proceeds of the disposition is significantly below the range of prices which a complying disposition to a person other than the secured party, a person related to the secured party or a secondary obligor would have brought.
(b) Nonconsumer transactions; no inference.-- The limitation of the rules in subsection (a) to transactions other than consumer transactions is intended to leave to the court the determination of the proper rules in consumer transactions. The court may not infer from that limitation the nature of the proper rule in consumer transactions and may continue to apply established approaches.
(a) Greater amount obtainable under other circumstances; no preclusion of commercial reasonableness.-- The fact that a greater amount could have been obtained by a collection, enforcement, disposition or acceptance at a different time or in a different method from that selected by the secured party is not of itself sufficient to preclude the secured party from establishing that the collection, enforcement, disposition or acceptance was made in a commercially reasonable manner.
(b) Dispositions which are commercially reasonable.-- A disposition of collateral is made in a commercially reasonable manner if the disposition is made:
(1) in the usual manner on any recognized market;
(2) at the price current in any recognized market at the time of the disposition; or
(3) otherwise in conformity with reasonable commercial practices among dealers in the type of property which was the subject of the disposition.
(c) Approval by court or on behalf of creditors.-- A collection, enforcement, disposition or acceptance is commercially reasonable if it has been approved:
(1) in a judicial proceeding;
(2) by a bona fide creditors' committee;
(3) by a representative of creditors; or
(4) by an assignee for the benefit of creditors.
(d) Approval under subsection (c) not necessary; absence of approval has no effect.-- Approval under subsection (c) need not be obtained, and lack of approval does not mean that the collection, enforcement, disposition or acceptance is not commercially reasonable.
(a) Limitation of liability of secured party for noncompliance with division.-- Subject to subsection (f), unless a secured party knows that a person is a debtor or obligor, knows the identity of the person and knows how to communicate with the person:
(1) the secured party is not liable to the person or to a secured party or lienholder that has filed a financing statement against the person for failure to comply with this division; and
(2) the secured party's failure to comply with this division does not affect the liability of the person for a deficiency.
(b) Limitation of liability based on status as secured party.-- Subject to subsection (f), a secured party is not liable because of its status as secured party to any of the following:
(1) A person that is a debtor or obligor unless the secured party knows:
(i) that the person is a debtor or obligor;
(ii) the identity of the person; and
(iii) how to communicate with the person.
(2) A secured party or lienholder that has filed a financing statement against a person unless the secured party knows:
(i) that the person is a debtor; and
(ii) the identity of the person.
(c) Limitation of liability if reasonable belief that transaction not a consumer-goods transaction or consumer transaction.-- A secured party is not liable to any person, and a person's liability for a deficiency is not affected, because of any act or omission arising out of the secured party's reasonable belief that a transaction is not a consumer-goods transaction or a consumer transaction or that goods are not consumer goods if the secured party's belief is based on its reasonable reliance on:
(1) a debtor's representation concerning the purpose for which collateral was to be used, acquired or held; or
(2) an obligor's representation concerning the purpose for which a secured obligation was incurred.
(d) Limitation of liability for statutory damages.-- A secured party is not liable to any person under section 9625(c)(2) (relating to remedies for secured party's failure to comply with division) for its failure to comply with section 9616 (relating to explanation of calculation of surplus or deficiency).
(e) Limitation of multiple liability for statutory damages.-- A secured party is not liable under section 9625(c)(2) more than once with respect to any one secured obligation.
(f) Exception: limitation of liability under subsections (a) and (b) does not apply.-- Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to limit the liability of a secured party to a person if, at the time the secured party obtains control of collateral that is a controllable account, controllable electronic record or controllable payment intangible or at the time the security interest attaches to the collateral, whichever is later:
(1) the person is a debtor or obligor; and
(2) the secured party knows that the information in subsection (b)(1) relating to the person is not provided by the collateral, a record attached to or logically associated with the collateral or the system in which the collateral is recorded.
(July 1, 2024, P.L.450, No.41, eff. 60 days)
The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section:
"Former Division 9." The provisions of this title, other than Division 5 (relating to letters of credit), as in effect before the effective date of Revised Division 9.
"Revised Division 9." The provisions of this title, other than sections 5101 (relating to short title of division) through 5117 (relating to subrogation of issuer, applicant and nominated person), as amended by the Uniform Commercial Code Modernization Act of 2001 and as they may be further amended.
Revised Division 9 takes effect on July 1, 2001.
(a) Pre-effective-date transactions or liens.-- Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, Revised Division 9 applies to a transaction or lien within its scope even if the transaction or lien was entered into or created before the effective date of Revised Division 9.
(b) Continuing validity.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) and sections 9703 (relating to security interest perfected before effective date) through 9709 (relating to priority) of Revised Division 9:
(1) transactions and liens which were not governed by Former Division 9, were validly entered into or created before the effective date of Revised Division 9 and would be subject to Revised Division 9 if they had been entered into or created after the effective date of Revised Division 9 and the rights, duties and interests flowing from those transactions and liens remain valid after the effective date of Revised Division 9; and
(2) transactions and liens may be terminated, completed, consummated and enforced as required or permitted by Revised Division 9 or by the law which otherwise would apply if Revised Division 9 had not taken effect.
(c) Pre-effective-date proceedings.-- Revised Division 9 does not affect an action, case or proceeding commenced before the effective date of Revised Division 9.
(a) Continuing priority over lien creditor: perfection requirements satisfied.-- A security interest which is enforceable immediately before the effective date of Revised Division 9 and would have priority over the rights of a person that becomes a lien creditor at that time is a perfected security interest under Revised Division 9 if, when Revised Division 9 takes effect, the applicable requirements for enforceability and perfection under Revised Division 9 are satisfied without further action.
(b) Continuing priority over lien creditor: perfection requirements not satisfied.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 9705 of Revised Division 9 (relating to effectiveness of action taken before effective date), if, immediately before Revised Division 9 takes effect, a security interest is enforceable and would have priority over the rights of a person that becomes a lien creditor at that time, but the applicable requirements for enforceability or perfection under Revised Division 9 are not satisfied when Revised Division 9 takes effect, the security interest:
(1) is a perfected security interest for one year after Revised Division 9 takes effect;
(2) remains enforceable thereafter only if the security interest becomes enforceable under section 9203 of Revised Division 9 (relating to attachment and enforceability of security interest; proceeds; supporting obligations; formal requisites) before the year expires; and
(3) remains perfected thereafter only if the applicable requirements for perfection under Revised Division 9 are satisfied before the year expires.
A security interest which is enforceable immediately before Revised Division 9 takes effect but which would be subordinate to the rights of a person that becomes a lien creditor at that time:
(1) Remains an enforceable security interest for one year after Revised Division 9 takes effect.
(2) Remains enforceable thereafter if the security interest becomes enforceable under section 9203 of Revised Division 9 (relating to attachment and enforceability of security interest; proceeds; supporting obligations; formal requisites) when Revised Division 9 takes effect or within one year thereafter.
(3) Becomes perfected:
(i) without further action when Revised Division 9 takes effect if the applicable requirements for perfection under Revised Division 9 are satisfied before or at that time; or
(ii) when the applicable requirements for perfection are satisfied if the requirements are satisfied after that time.
(a) Pre-effective-date action; one-year perfection period unless reperfected.-- If action, other than the filing of a financing statement, is taken before Revised Division 9 takes effect and the action would have resulted in priority of a security interest over the rights of a person that becomes a lien creditor had the security interest become enforceable before Revised Division 9 takes effect, the action is effective to perfect a security interest which attaches under Revised Division 9 within one year after Revised Division 9 takes effect. An attached security interest becomes unperfected one year after Revised Division 9 takes effect unless the security interest becomes a perfected security interest under Revised Division 9 before the expiration of that period.
(b) Pre-effective-date filing.-- The filing of a financing statement before July 1, 2001, is effective to perfect a security interest to the extent the filing would satisfy the applicable requirements for perfection under Revised Division 9, and the effectiveness of such a financing statement shall not be affected by subsection (c).
(c) Pre-effective-date filing in jurisdiction formerly governing perfection.-- Revised Division 9 does not render ineffective an effective financing statement which, before Revised Division 9 takes effect, is filed and satisfies the applicable requirements for perfection under the law of the jurisdiction governing perfection as provided in section 9103 of Former Division 9 (relating to perfection of security interests in multiple state transactions). However, except as otherwise provided in subsections (d) and (e) and section 9706 of Revised Division 9 (relating to when initial financing statement suffices to continue effectiveness of financing statement), the financing statement ceases to be effective at the earlier of:
(1) the time the financing statement would have ceased to be effective under the law of the jurisdiction in which it is filed; or
(2) June 30, 2006.
(d) Continuation statement.--
(1) Except as set forth in paragraph (2), the filing of a continuation statement after Revised Division 9 takes effect does not continue the effectiveness of the financing statement filed before Revised Division 9 takes effect.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), upon the timely filing of a continuation statement after Revised Division 9 takes effect and in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction governing perfection as provided in Chapter 93 of Revised Division 9 (relating to perfection and priority), the effectiveness of a financing statement filed in the same office in that jurisdiction before Revised Division 9 takes effect continues for the period provided by the law of that jurisdiction. Filing of a continuation statement shall be timely under this paragraph if the filing occurs before the financing statement ceases to be effective but not before the earlier of:
(i) December 30, 2005; or
(ii) six months before the financing statement ceases to be effective.
(e) Application of subsection (c)(2) to transmitting utility financing statement.-- Subsection (c)(2) applies to a financing statement which, before Revised Division 9 takes effect, is filed against a transmitting utility and satisfies the applicable requirements for perfection under the law of the jurisdiction governing perfection as provided in section 9103 of Former Division 9 only to the extent that Chapter 93 of Revised Division 9 provides that the law of a jurisdiction other than the jurisdiction in which the financing statement is filed governs perfection of a security interest in collateral covered by the financing statement.
(f) Application of Chapter 95.-- A financing statement which includes a financing statement filed before Revised Division 9 takes effect and a continuation statement filed after Revised Division 9 takes effect is effective only to the extent that it satisfies the requirements of Chapter 95 of Revised Division 9 (relating to filing) for an initial financing statement.
(June 30, 2006, P.L.290, No.64, eff. imd.)
(a) Initial financing statement in lieu of continuation statement.-- The filing of an initial financing statement in the office specified in section 9501 of Revised Division 9 (relating to filing office) continues the effectiveness of a financing statement filed before Revised Division 9 takes effect if:
(1) the filing of an initial financing statement in that office would be effective to perfect a security interest under Revised Division 9;
(2) the pre-effective-date financing statement was filed in an office in another state or another office in this Commonwealth;
(3) the initial financing statement satisfies subsection (c); and
(4) with respect to a pre-effective-date financing statement which, but for section 9705(c)(2) (relating to effectiveness of action taken before effective date), would cease to be effective after June 30, 2006, the initial financing statement is filed:
(i) after December 29, 2005; and
(ii) before July 1, 2006.
(b) Period of continued effectiveness.-- The filing of an initial financing statement under subsection (a) continues the effectiveness of the pre-effective-date financing statement:
(1) if the initial financing statement is filed before Revised Division 9 takes effect, for the period provided in section 9403 of Former Division 9 (relating to what constitutes filing; duration of filing; effect of lapsed filing; duties of filing officer) with respect to a financing statement; and
(2) if the initial financing statement is filed after Revised Division 9 takes effect, for the period provided in section 9515 of Revised Division 9 (relating to duration and effectiveness of financing statement; effect of lapsed financing statement) with respect to an initial financing statement.
(c) Requirements for initial financing statement under subsection (a).-- To be effective for purposes of subsection (a), an initial financing statement must:
(1) satisfy the requirements of Chapter 95 of Revised Division 9 (relating to filing) for an initial financing statement;
(2) identify the pre-effective-date financing statement by indicating the office in which the financing statement was filed and providing the dates of filing and file numbers, if any, of the financing statement and of the most recent continuation statement filed with respect to the financing statement; and
(3) indicate that the pre-effective-date financing statement remains effective.
(June 30, 2006, P.L.290, No.64, eff. imd.)
(a) Pre-effective-date financing statement.-- In this section, "pre-effective-date financing statement" means a financing statement filed before Revised Division 9 takes effect.
(b) Applicable law.-- After Revised Division 9 takes effect, a person may add or delete collateral covered by, continue or terminate the effectiveness of, or otherwise amend the information provided in, a pre-effective-date financing statement only in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction governing perfection as provided in Chapter 93 of Revised Division 9 (relating to perfection and priority). However, the effectiveness of a pre-effective-date financing statement also may be terminated in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction in which the financing statement is filed.
(c) Method of amending: general rule.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), if the law of this Commonwealth governs perfection of a security interest, the information in a pre-effective-date financing statement may be amended after Revised Division 9 takes effect only if:
(1) the pre-effective-date financing statement and an amendment are filed in the office specified in section 9501 of Revised Division 9 (relating to filing office);
(2) an amendment is filed in the office specified in section 9501 of Revised Division 9 concurrently with, or after the filing in that office of, an initial financing statement that satisfies section 9706(c) of Revised Division 9 (relating to when initial financing statement suffices to continue effectiveness of financing statement); or
(3) an initial financing statement that provides the information as amended and satisfies section 9706(c) of Revised Division 9 is filed in the office specified in section 9501 of Revised Division 9.
(d) Method of amending: continuation.-- If the law of this Commonwealth governs perfection of a security interest, the effectiveness of a pre-effective-date financing statement may be continued only under section 9705(d) and (f) of Revised Division 9 (relating to effectiveness of action taken before effective date) or section 9706 of Revised Division 9.
(e) Methods of amending: additional termination rule.-- Whether or not the law of this Commonwealth governs perfection of a security interest, the effectiveness of a pre-effective-date financing statement filed in this Commonwealth may be terminated after Revised Division 9 takes effect by filing a termination statement in the office in which the pre-effective-date financing statement is filed unless one or both of the following conditions apply:
(1) An initial financing statement that satisfies section 9706(c) of Revised Division 9 has been filed in the office specified by the law of the jurisdiction governing perfection as provided in Chapter 93 of Revised Division 9 as the office in which to file a financing statement.
(2) The pre-effective-date financing statement is filed in the office of a prothonotary of a county of this Commonwealth.
A person may file an initial financing statement or a continuation statement under this chapter if all of the following paragraphs apply:
(1) The secured party of record authorizes the filing.
(2) The filing is necessary under this chapter:
(i) to continue the effectiveness of a financing statement filed before Revised Division 9 takes effect; or
(ii) to perfect or continue the perfection of a security interest.
(a) Law governing priority.-- Revised Division 9 determines the priority of conflicting claims to collateral. However, if the relative priorities of the claims were established before Revised Division 9 takes effect, Former Division 9 determines priority.
(b) Priority if security interest becomes enforceable under section 9203 of Revised Division 9.-- For purposes of section 9322(a) of Revised Division 9 (relating to general priority rules), the priority of a security interest which becomes enforceable under section 9203 of Revised Division 9 (relating to attachment and enforceability of security interest; proceeds; supporting obligations; formal requisites) dates from the time Revised Division 9 takes effect if the security interest is perfected under Revised Division 9 by the filing of a financing statement before Revised Division 9 takes effect which financing statement would not have been effective to perfect the security interest under Former Division 9. This subsection does not apply to conflicting security interests each of which is perfected by the filing of such a financing statement.
(a) Definitions.-- As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Former Division 9 records." The following records:
(1) Financing statements and other records that have been filed in a prothonotary's office pursuant to Former Division 9 before July 1, 2001, and that are, or upon processing and indexing will be, reflected in the index maintained as of June 30, 2001, by the prothonotary's office for financing statements and other records filed in the prothonotary's office before July 1, 2001.
(2) The index as of June 30, 2001.
The term does not include records presented to a prothonotary's office for filing after June 30, 2001, whether or not the records relate to financing statements filed in the prothonotary's office before July 1, 2001.
"Prothonotary's office." The office of a prothonotary of a county of this Commonwealth.
(b) No records to be accepted after June 30, 2001.-- A prothonotary's office must not accept for filing a record presented after June 30, 2001, whether or not the record relates to a financing statement filed in the prothonotary's office before July 1, 2001.
(c) Maintenance of Former Division 9 records.-- Until July 1, 2008, each prothonotary's office must maintain all Former Division 9 records in accordance with Former Division 9. A Former Division 9 record that is not reflected on the index maintained at June 30, 2001, by the prothonotary's office must be processed and indexed and reflected on the index as of June 30, 2001, as soon as practicable but in any event no later than July 30, 2001.
(d) Response to information requests.-- Until June 30, 2008, each prothonotary's office shall respond to requests for information with respect to Former Division 9 records relating to a debtor and issue certificates in accordance with Former Division 9. The fees charged for responding to requests for information relating to a debtor and issuing certificates with respect to Former Division 9 records must be the fees in effect under Former Division 9 on June 30, 2001, unless a different fee is established by regulation issued by the Department of State pursuant to section 9525 of Revised Division 9 (relating to fees).
(e) Removal and destruction of Former Division 9 records.-- After June 30, 2008, each prothonotary's office may remove and destroy, in accordance with any then applicable record retention law of this Commonwealth, all Former Division 9 records, including the related index.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"2013 Revision." The amendments which:
(1) affect this division; and
(2) are made by the act of June 27, 2013 (P.L.154, No.30), entitled "An act amending Titles 13 (Commercial Code), 30 (Fish) and 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, revising secured transaction provisions relating to definitions, to control of electronic chattel paper, to location of debtor, to perfection of security interests in property subject to certain statutes, regulations and treaties, to continued perfection of security interest following change in governing law, to interests which take priority over or take free of security interest or agricultural lien, to priority of security interests created by new debtor, to discharge of account debtor, notification of assignment, identification and proof of assignment, restrictions on assignment of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles and promissory notes ineffective, to restrictions on assignment of promissory notes, health-care-insurance receivables and certain general intangibles ineffective, to contents of financing statement, record of mortgage as financing statement, time of filing financing statement, to name of debtor and secured party, to effect of certain events on effectiveness of financing statement, to duration and effectiveness of financing statement, effect of lapsed financing statement, to what constitutes filing, effectiveness of filing, to claim concerning inaccurate or wrongfully filed record and to collection and enforcement by secured party; providing for transition provisions for 2013 amendments; imposing duties upon the Department of State and the Department of Transportation; and making editorial changes."
The 2013 Revision takes effect July 1, 2013.
(a) Pre-effective-date transactions or liens.-- Except as otherwise provided in this division, the 2013 Revision applies to a transaction or lien within its scope, even if the transaction or lien was entered into or created before the 2013 Revision takes effect.
(b) Pre-effective-date proceedings.-- The 2013 Revision does not affect an action, case or proceeding commenced before the 2013 Revision takes effect.
(a) Continuing perfection; perfection requirements satisfied.-- A security interest that is a perfected security interest immediately before the 2013 Revision takes effect is a perfected security interest under this division as amended by the 2013 Revision if, when the 2013 Revision takes effect, the applicable requirements for attachment and perfection under this division as amended by the 2013 Revision are satisfied without further action.
(b) Continuing perfection; perfection requirements not satisfied.-- Except as otherwise provided in section 9805 (relating to effectiveness of action taken before effective date), if, immediately before the 2013 Revision takes effect, a security interest is a perfected security interest, but the applicable requirements for perfection under this division as amended by the 2013 Revision are not satisfied when the 2013 Revision takes effect, the security interest remains perfected thereafter only if the applicable requirements for perfection under this division as amended by the 2013 Revision are satisfied within one year after the 2013 Revision takes effect.
A security interest that is an unperfected security interest immediately before the 2013 Revision takes effect becomes a perfected security interest:
(1) without further action when the 2013 Revision takes effect if the applicable requirements for perfection under this division as amended by the 2013 Revision are satisfied before or at that time; or
(2) when the applicable requirements for perfection are satisfied if the requirements are satisfied after that time.
(a) Pre-effective-date filing effective.-- The filing of a financing statement before the 2013 Revision takes effect is effective to perfect a security interest to the extent the filing would satisfy the applicable requirements for perfection under this division as amended by the 2013 Revision.
(b) When pre-effective-date filing becomes ineffective.-- The 2013 Revision does not render ineffective an effective financing statement that, before the 2013 Revision takes effect, is filed and satisfies the applicable requirements for perfection under the law of the jurisdiction governing perfection as provided in this division as it existed before amendment by the 2013 Revision. However, except as otherwise provided in subsections (c) and (d) and section 9806 (relating to when initial financing statement suffices to continue effectiveness of financing statement), the financing statement ceases to be effective:
(1) if the financing statement is filed in this Commonwealth, at the time the financing statement would have ceased to be effective had the 2013 Revision not taken effect; or
(2) if the financing statement is filed in another jurisdiction, at the earlier of:
(i) the time the financing statement would have ceased to be effective under the law of that jurisdiction; or
(ii) June 30, 2018.
(c) Continuation statement.-- The filing of a continuation statement after the 2013 Revision takes effect does not continue the effectiveness of a financing statement filed before the 2013 Revision takes effect. However, upon the timely filing of a continuation statement after the 2013 Revision takes effect and in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction governing perfection as provided in this division as amended by the 2013 Revision, the effectiveness of a financing statement filed in the same office in that jurisdiction before the 2013 Revision takes effect continues for the period provided by the law of that jurisdiction.
(d) Application of subsection (b)(2)(ii) to transmitting utility financing statement.-- Subsection (b)(2)(ii) applies to a financing statement that, before the 2013 Revision takes effect, is filed against a transmitting utility and satisfies the applicable requirements for perfection under the law of the jurisdiction governing perfection as provided in this division as it existed before amendment by the 2013 Revision, only to the extent that this division as amended by the 2013 Revision provides that the law of a jurisdiction other than the jurisdiction in which the financing statement is filed governs perfection of a security interest in collateral covered by the financing statement.
(e) Application of Chapter 95.-- A financing statement that includes a financing statement filed before the 2013 Revision takes effect and a continuation statement filed after the 2013 Revision takes effect is effective only to the extent that it satisfies the requirements of Chapter 95 (relating to filing) as amended by the 2013 Revision for an initial financing statement. A financing statement that indicates that the debtor is a decedent's estate indicates that the collateral is being administered by a personal representative within the meaning of section 9503(a)(2) (relating to name of debtor and secured party) as amended by the 2013 Revision. A financing statement that indicates that the debtor is a trust or is a trustee acting with respect to property held in trust indicates that the collateral is held in a trust within the meaning of section 9503(a)(3) as amended by the 2013 Revision.
(a) Initial financing statement in lieu of continuation statement.-- The filing of an initial financing statement in the office specified in section 9501 (relating to filing office) continues the effectiveness of a financing statement filed before the 2013 Revision takes effect if:
(1) the filing of an initial financing statement in that office would be effective to perfect a security interest under this division as amended by the 2013 Revision;
(2) the pre-effective-date financing statement was filed in an office in another state; and
(3) the initial financing statement satisfies subsection (c).
(b) Period of continued effectiveness.-- The filing of an initial financing statement under subsection (a) continues the effectiveness of the pre-effective-date financing statement:
(1) if the initial financing statement is filed before the 2013 Revision takes effect, for the period provided in section 9515(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (g) (relating to duration and effectiveness of financing statement; effect of lapsed financing statement) with respect to an initial financing statement; and
(2) if the initial financing statement is filed after the 2013 Revision takes effect, for the period provided in section 9515(f) as amended by the 2013 Revision with respect to an initial financing statement.
(c) Requirements for initial financing statement under subsection (a).-- To be effective for purposes of subsection (a), an initial financing statement must:
(1) satisfy the requirements of Chapter 95 (relating to filing) as amended by the 2013 Revision for an initial financing statement;
(2) identify the pre-effective-date financing statement by indicating the office in which the financing statement was filed and providing the dates of filing and file numbers, if any, of the financing statement and of the most recent continuation statement filed with respect to the financing statement; and
(3) indicate that the pre-effective-date financing statement remains effective.
(a) Definitions.-- Refer to subsection (f).
(b) Applicable law.-- After the 2013 Revision takes effect, a person may add or delete collateral covered by, continue or terminate the effectiveness of, or otherwise amend the information provided in, a pre-effective-date financing statement only in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction governing perfection as provided in this division as amended by the 2013 Revision. However, the effectiveness of a pre-effective-date financing statement also may be terminated in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction in which the financing statement is filed.
(c) Method of amending: general rule.-- Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d), if the law of this Commonwealth governs perfection of a security interest, the information in a pre-effective-date financing statement may be amended after the 2013 Revision takes effect only if:
(1) the pre-effective-date financing statement and an amendment are filed in the office specified in section 9501 (relating to filing office);
(2) an amendment is filed in the office specified in section 9501 concurrently with, or after the filing in that office of, an initial financing statement that satisfies section 9806(c) (relating to when initial financing statement suffices to continue effectiveness of financing statement); or
(3) an initial financing statement that provides the information as amended and satisfies section 9806(c) is filed in the office specified in section 9501.
(d) Method of amending: continuation.-- If the law of this Commonwealth governs perfection of a security interest, the effectiveness of a pre-effective-date financing statement may be continued only under section 9805(c) and (e) (relating to effectiveness of action taken before effective date) or 9806.
(e) Method of amending: additional termination rule.-- Whether or not the law of this Commonwealth governs perfection of a security interest, the effectiveness of a pre-effective-date financing statement filed in this Commonwealth may be terminated after the 2013 Revision takes effect by filing a termination statement in the office in which the pre-effective-date financing statement is filed, unless an initial financing statement that satisfies section 9806(c) has been filed in the office specified by the law of the jurisdiction governing perfection as provided in this division as amended by the 2013 Revision as the office in which to file a financing statement.
(f) Definition.-- As used in this section, the term "pre-effective-date financing statement" means a financing statement filed before the 2013 Revision takes effect.
A person may file an initial financing statement or a continuation statement under this part if:
(1) the secured party of record authorizes the filing; and
(2) the filing is necessary under this part:
(i) to continue the effectiveness of a financing statement filed before the 2013 Revision takes effect; or
(ii) to perfect or continue the perfection of a security interest.
The 2013 Revision determines the priority of conflicting claims to collateral. However, if the relative priorities of the claims were established before the 2013 Revision takes effect, this division as it existed before amendment determines priority.
This division may be cited as the Uniform Commercial Code - Controllable Electronic Records.
(a) Definitions.-- In this division:
"Controllable electronic record" means a record stored in an electronic medium that can be subjected to control under section 12105 (relating to control of controllable electronic record). The term does not include a controllable account, a controllable payment intangible, a deposit account, an electronic copy of a record evidencing chattel paper, an electronic document of title, investment property, a transferable record or an electronic record that is currently authorized or adopted by a domestic or foreign government and is not a medium of exchange that was recorded and transferable in a system that existed and operated for the medium of exchange before the medium of exchange was authorized or adopted by a government.
"Qualifying purchaser" means a purchaser of a controllable electronic record or an interest in a controllable electronic record that obtains control of the controllable electronic record for value, in good faith, and without notice of a claim of a property right in the controllable electronic record.
"Transferable record" has the meaning provided for that term in:
(1) Section 201(a)(1) of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (Public Law 106-229, 15 U.S.C. § 7021(a)(1)); or
(2) Section 312(f) of the act of December 16, 1999 (P.L.971, No.69), known as the Electronic Transactions Act.
"Value" has the meaning provided in section 3303(a) (relating to value and consideration), as if references in that subsection to an "instrument" were references to a controllable account, controllable electronic record or controllable payment intangible.
(b) Definitions in Division 9.-- The definitions in Division 9 (relating to secured transactions) of "account debtor," "chattel paper," "controllable account," "controllable payment intangible," "deposit account" and "investment property" apply to this division.
(c) Definitions and principles in Division 1.-- Division 1 (relating to general provisions) contains general definitions and principles of construction and interpretation applicable throughout this division.
(a) Division 9 governs in case of conflict.-- If there is conflict between this division and Division 9 (relating to secured transactions), Division 9 governs.
(b) Applicable consumer law and other laws.-- A transaction subject to this division is subject to any applicable rule of law that establishes a different rule for consumers and the act of December 17, 1968 (P.L.1224, No.387), known as the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.
(a) Applicability of section to controllable account and controllable payment intangible.-- This section applies to the acquisition and purchase of rights in a controllable account or controllable payment intangible, including the rights and benefits under subsections (c), (d), (e), (g) and (h) of a purchaser and qualifying purchaser, in the same manner this section applies to a controllable electronic record.
(b) Control of controllable account and controllable payment intangible.-- To determine whether a purchaser of a controllable account or a controllable payment intangible is a qualifying purchaser, the purchaser obtains control of the account or payment intangible if the purchaser obtains control of the controllable electronic record that evidences the account or payment intangible.
(c) Applicability of other law to acquisition of rights.-- Except as provided in this section, law other than this division determines whether a person acquires a right in a controllable electronic record and the right the person acquires.
(d) Shelter principle and purchase of limited interest.-- A purchaser of a controllable electronic record acquires all rights in the controllable electronic record that the transferor had or had power to transfer, except that a purchaser of a limited interest in a controllable electronic record acquires rights only to the extent of the interest purchased.
(e) Rights of qualifying purchaser.-- A qualifying purchaser acquires its rights in the controllable electronic record free of a claim of a property right in the controllable electronic record.
(f) Limitation of rights of qualifying purchaser in other property.-- Except as provided in subsections (a) and (e) for a controllable account and a controllable payment intangible or law other than this division, a qualifying purchaser takes a right to payment, right to performance or other interest in property evidenced by the controllable electronic record subject to a claim of a property right in the right to payment, right to performance or other interest in property.
(g) No-action protection for qualifying purchaser.-- An action may not be asserted against a qualifying purchaser based on both a purchase by the qualifying purchaser of a controllable electronic record and a claim of a property right in another controllable electronic record, whether the action is framed in conversion, replevin, constructive trust, equitable lien or other theory.
(h) Filing not notice.-- Filing of a financing statement under Division 9 (relating to secured transactions) is not notice of a claim of a property right in a controllable electronic record.
(a) General rule.-- A person has control of a controllable electronic record if the electronic record, a record attached to or logically associated with the electronic record or a system in which the electronic record is recorded:
(1) gives the person:
(i) power to avail itself of substantially all the benefit from the electronic record; and
(ii) exclusive power, subject to subsection (b), to:
(A) prevent others from availing themselves of substantially all the benefit from the electronic record; and
(B) transfer control of the electronic record to another person or cause another person to obtain control of another controllable electronic record as a result of the transfer of the electronic record; and
(2) enables the person readily to identify itself in any way, including by name, identifying number, cryptographic key, office or account number, as having the powers specified in paragraph (1).
(b) Meaning of exclusive.-- Subject to subsection (c), a power is exclusive under subsection (a)(1)(ii)(A) and (B) even if:
(1) the controllable electronic record, a record attached to or logically associated with the electronic record or a system in which the electronic record is recorded limits the use of the electronic record or has a protocol programmed to cause a change, including a transfer or loss of control or a modification of benefits afforded by the electronic record; or
(2) the power is shared with another person.
(c) When power not shared with another person.-- A power of a person is not shared with another person under subsection (b)(2) and the person's power is not exclusive if:
(1) the person can exercise the power only if the power also is exercised by the other person; and
(2) the other person:
(i) can exercise the power without exercise of the power by the person; or
(ii) is the transferor to the person of an interest in the controllable electronic record or a controllable account or controllable payment intangible evidenced by the controllable electronic record.
(d) Presumption of exclusivity of certain powers.-- If a person has the powers specified in subsection (a)(1)(ii)(A) and (B), the powers are presumed to be exclusive.
(e) Control through another person.-- A person has control of a controllable electronic record if another person, other than the transferor to the person of an interest in the controllable electronic record or a controllable account or controllable payment intangible evidenced by the controllable electronic record:
(1) has control of the electronic record and acknowledges that it has control on behalf of the person; or
(2) obtains control of the electronic record after having acknowledged that it will obtain control of the electronic record on behalf of the person.
(f) No requirement to acknowledge.-- A person that has control under this section is not required to acknowledge that it has control on behalf of another person.
(g) No duties or confirmation.-- If a person acknowledges that it has or will obtain control on behalf of another person, unless the person otherwise agrees or law other than this division or Division 9 (relating to secured transactions) otherwise provides, the person does not owe any duty to the other person and is not required to confirm the acknowledgment to any other person.
(a) Discharge of account debtor.-- An account debtor on a controllable account or controllable payment intangible may discharge its obligation by paying:
(1) the person having control of the controllable electronic record that evidences the controllable account or controllable payment intangible; or
(2) except as provided in subsection (b), a person that formerly had control of the controllable electronic record.
(b) Content and effect of notification.-- Subject to subsection (d), the account debtor may not discharge its obligation by paying a person that formerly had control of the controllable electronic record if the account debtor receives a notification that:
(1) is signed by a person that formerly had control or the person to which control was transferred;
(2) reasonably identifies the controllable account or controllable payment intangible;
(3) notifies the account debtor that control of the controllable electronic record that evidences the controllable account or controllable payment intangible was transferred;
(4) identifies the transferee, in any reasonable way, including by name, identifying number, cryptographic key, office or account number; and
(5) provides a commercially reasonable method by which the account debtor is to pay the transferee.
(c) Discharge following effective notification.-- After receipt of a notification that complies with subsection (b), the account debtor may discharge its obligation by paying in accordance with the notification and may not discharge the obligation by paying a person that formerly had control.
(d) When notification ineffective.-- Subject to subsection (h), notification is ineffective under subsection (b):
(1) unless, before the notification is sent, the account debtor and the person that, at that time, had control of the controllable electronic record that evidences the controllable account or controllable payment intangible agree in a signed record to a commercially reasonable method by which a person may furnish reasonable proof that control has been transferred;
(2) to the extent an agreement between the account debtor and seller of a payment intangible limits the account debtor's duty to pay a person other than the seller and the limitation is effective under law other than this division; or
(3) at the option of the account debtor, if the notification notifies the account debtor to:
(i) divide a payment;
(ii) make less than the full amount of an installment or other periodic payment; or
(iii) pay any part of a payment by more than one method or to more than one person.
(e) Proof of transfer of control.-- Subject to subsection (h), if requested by the account debtor, the person giving the notification under subsection (b) seasonably shall furnish reasonable proof, using the method in the agreement referred to in subsection (d)(1), that control of the controllable electronic record has been transferred. Unless the person complies with the request, the account debtor may discharge its obligation by paying a person that formerly had control, even if the account debtor has received a notification under subsection (b).
(f) What constitutes reasonable proof.-- A person furnishes reasonable proof under subsection (e) that control has been transferred if the person demonstrates, using the method in the agreement referred to in subsection (d)(1), that the transferee has the power to:
(1) avail itself of substantially all the benefit from the controllable electronic record;
(2) prevent others from availing themselves of substantially all the benefit from the controllable electronic record; and
(3) transfer the powers specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) to another person.
(g) Rights not waivable.-- Subject to subsection (h), an account debtor may not waive or vary its rights under subsections (d)(1) and (e) or its option under subsection (d)(3).
(h) Rule for individual under other law.-- This section is subject to law other than this division which establishes a different rule for an account debtor who is an individual and who incurred the obligation primarily for personal, family or household purposes.
(a) General rule.-- Except as provided in subsection (b), the local law of a controllable electronic record's jurisdiction governs a matter covered by this division.
(b) Exception.-- For a controllable electronic record that evidences a controllable account or controllable payment intangible, the local law of the controllable electronic record's jurisdiction governs a matter covered by section 12106 (relating to discharge of account debtor on controllable account or controllable payment intangible) unless an effective agreement determines that the local law of another jurisdiction governs.
(c) Controllable electronic record's jurisdiction.-- The following rules determine a controllable electronic record's jurisdiction under this section:
(1) If the controllable electronic record, or a record attached to or logically associated with the controllable electronic record and readily available for review, expressly provides that a particular jurisdiction is the controllable electronic record's jurisdiction for purposes of this division or title, that jurisdiction is the controllable electronic record's jurisdiction.
(2) If paragraph (1) does not apply and the rules of the system in which the controllable electronic record is recorded are readily available for review and expressly provide that a particular jurisdiction is the controllable electronic record's jurisdiction for purposes of this division or title, that jurisdiction is the controllable electronic record's jurisdiction.
(3) If paragraphs (1) and (2) do not apply and the controllable electronic record, or a record attached to or logically associated with the controllable electronic record and readily available for review, expressly provides that the controllable electronic record is governed by the law of a particular jurisdiction, that jurisdiction is the controllable electronic record's jurisdiction.
(4) If paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) do not apply and the rules of the system in which the controllable electronic record is recorded are readily available for review and expressly provide that the controllable electronic record or the system is governed by the law of a particular jurisdiction, that jurisdiction is the controllable electronic record's jurisdiction.
(5) If paragraphs (1), (2), (3) and (4) do not apply, the controllable electronic record's jurisdiction is the District of Columbia.
(d) Applicability of Article 12.-- If subsection (c)(5) applies and Article 12 of Uniform Commercial Code Amendments (2022) is not in effect in the District of Columbia without material modification, the governing law for a matter covered by this division is the law of the District of Columbia as though Article 12 were in effect in the District of Columbia without material modification.
(e) Relation of matter or transaction to controllable electronic record's jurisdiction not necessary.-- To the extent subsections (a) and (b) provide that the local law of the controllable electronic record's jurisdiction governs a matter covered by this division, that law governs even if the matter or a transaction to which the matter relates does not bear any relation to the controllable electronic record's jurisdiction.
(f) Rights of purchasers determined at time of purchase.-- The rights acquired under section 12104 (relating to rights in controllable account, controllable electronic record and controllable payment intangible) by a purchaser or qualifying purchaser are governed by the law applicable under this section at the time of purchase.
This chapter may be cited as the Transitional Provisions for 2022 Amendments.
(a) Definitions.-- In this chapter:
"Adjustment date" means July 1, 2025, or the date that is one year after the effective date of this section, whichever is later.
"Division 12 property" means a controllable account, controllable electronic record or controllable payment intangible.
(b) Definitions in other divisions.-- The following definitions in other divisions of this title apply to this chapter.
"Controllable account." Section 9102 (relating to definitions and index of definitions).
"Controllable electronic record." Section 12102 (relating to definitions).
"Controllable payment intangible." Section 9102.
"Financing statement." Section 9102.
(c) Definitions and principles in Division 1.-- Division 1 (relating to general provisions) contains general definitions and principles of construction and interpretation applicable throughout this chapter.
Except as provided in Subchapter C (relating to transitional provisions for Divisions 9 and 12), a transaction validly entered into before the effective date of this section and the rights, duties and interests flowing from the transaction remain valid thereafter and may be terminated, completed, consummated or enforced as required or permitted by law other than this title or, if applicable, this title, as though this section had not taken effect.
(a) Pre-effective-date transaction, lien or interest.-- Except as provided in this subchapter, the amendments to Division 9 (relating to secured transactions) that take effect on the effective date of this section and Division 12 (relating to controllable electronic records) apply to a transaction, lien or other interest in property, even if the transaction, lien or interest was entered into, created or acquired before the effective date of this section.
(b) Continuing validity.-- Except as provided in subsection (c) and sections 91132 (relating to security interest perfected before effective date), 91133 (relating to security interest unperfected before effective date), 91134 (relating to effectiveness of actions taken before effective date), 91135 (relating to priority) and 91136 (relating to priority of claims when priority rules of Division 9 do not apply):
(1) a transaction, lien or interest in property that was validly entered into, created or transferred before the effective date of this section and was not governed by this title, but would be subject to the amendments to Division 9 that take effect on the effective date of this section or Division 12 if it had been entered into, created or transferred on or after the effective date of this section, including the rights, duties and interests flowing from the transaction, lien or interest, remains valid on and after the effective date of this section; and
(2) the transaction, lien or interest may be terminated, completed, consummated and enforced as required or permitted by the act adding this chapter or by the law that would apply if the act adding this chapter had not taken effect.
(c) Pre-effective-date proceeding.-- The act adding this chapter does not affect an action, case or proceeding commenced before the effective date of this section.
(a) Continuing perfection; perfection requirements satisfied.-- A security interest that is enforceable and perfected immediately before the effective date of this section is a perfected security interest under the act adding this chapter if, on the effective date of this section, the requirements for enforceability and perfection under the act adding this chapter are satisfied without further action.
(b) Continuing perfection; enforceability or perfection requirements not satisfied.-- If a security interest is enforceable and perfected immediately before the effective date of this section, but the requirements for enforceability or perfection under the act adding this chapter are not satisfied on the effective date of this section, the security interest:
(1) is a perfected security interest until the earlier of the time perfection would have ceased under the law in effect immediately before the effective date of this section or the adjustment date;
(2) remains enforceable thereafter only if the security interest satisfies the requirements for enforceability under section 9203 (relating to attachment and enforceability of security interest; proceeds; supporting obligations; formal requisites), as amended by the act adding this chapter, before the adjustment date; and
(3) remains perfected thereafter only if the requirements for perfection under the act adding this chapter are satisfied before the time specified in paragraph (1).
A security interest that is enforceable immediately before the effective date of this section but is unperfected at that time:
(1) remains an enforceable security interest until the adjustment date;
(2) remains enforceable thereafter if the security interest becomes enforceable under section 9203 (relating to attachment and enforceability of security interest; proceeds; supporting obligations; formal requisites), as amended by the act adding this chapter, on the effective date of this section or before the adjustment date; and
(3) becomes perfected:
(i) without further action, on the effective date of this section if the requirements for perfection under the act adding this chapter are satisfied before or at that time; or
(ii) when the requirements for perfection are satisfied if the requirements are satisfied after that time.
(a) Pre-effective-date action; attachment and perfection before adjustment date.-- If action, other than the filing of a financing statement, is taken before the effective date of this section and the action would have resulted in perfection of the security interest had the security interest become enforceable before the effective date of this section, the action is effective to perfect a security interest that attaches under the act adding this chapter before the adjustment date. An attached security interest becomes unperfected on the adjustment date unless the security interest becomes a perfected security interest under the act adding this chapter before the adjustment date.
(b) Pre-effective-date filing.-- The filing of a financing statement before the effective date of this section is effective to perfect a security interest on the effective date of this section to the extent the filing would satisfy the requirements for perfection under the act adding this chapter.
(c) Pre-effective-date enforceability action.-- The taking of an action before the effective date of this section is sufficient for the enforceability of a security interest on the effective date of this section if the action would satisfy the requirements for enforceability under the act adding this chapter.
(a) Determination of priority.-- Subject to subsections (b) and (c), the act adding this chapter determines the priority of conflicting claims to collateral.
(b) Established priorities.-- Subject to subsection (c), if the priorities of claims to collateral were established before the effective date of this section, Division 9 (relating to secured transactions) as in effect before the effective date of this section determines priority.
(c) Determination of certain priorities on adjustment date.-- On the adjustment date, to the extent the priorities determined by Division 9 as amended by the act adding this chapter modify the priorities established before the effective date of this section, the priorities of claims to Division 12 (relating to controllable electronic records) property established before the effective date of this section cease to apply.
(a) Determination of priority.-- Subject to subsections (b) and (c), Division 12 (relating to controllable electronic records) determines the priority of conflicting claims to Division 12 property when the priority rules of Division 9 (relating to secured transactions) as amended by the act adding this chapter do not apply.
(b) Established priorities.-- Subject to subsection (c), when the priority rules of Division 9 as amended by the act adding this chapter do not apply and the priorities of claims to Division 12 property were established before the effective date of this section, law other than Division 12 determines priority.
(c) Determination of certain priorities on adjustment date.-- When the priority rules of Division 9 as amended by the act adding this chapter do not apply, to the extent the priorities determined by the act adding this chapter modify the priorities established before the effective date of this section, the priorities of claims to Division 12 property established before the effective date of this section cease to apply on the adjustment date.
APPENDIX TO TITLE 13
COMMERCIAL CODE
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Supplementary Provisions of Amendatory Statutes
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1979, NOVEMBER 1, P.L.255, NO.86
§ 7. Legislative intent.
In enacting this act, it is the intent of the General Assembly to transfer the former provisions of the act of April 6, 1953 (P.L.3, No.1), known as the "Uniform Commercial Code," reenacted, amended and revised October 2, 1959 (P.L.1023, No.426), to Title 13 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (relating to commercial code) without effecting a change in substantive law and the act shall be interpreted and construed to effectuate this intent.
§ 9. Effective date.
This act shall take effect at 12:01 a.m. on the first day of either January or July, whichever month first occurs not less than 30 days from the date of final enactment of this act.
1982, NOVEMBER 26, P.L.696, NO.201
§ 2. Transition provisions in general.
Transactions validly entered into before the effective date of this act, and which were subject to the provisions of Title 13 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (relating to commercial code) and which would be subject thereto under this act, if they had been entered into after the effective date of this act and the rights, duties and interests flowing from such transactions remain valid after the effective date of this act and may be terminated, completed, consummated or enforced as required or permitted after the effective date of this act. Security interests arising out of such transactions which are perfected when this act becomes effective shall remain perfected until they lapse as provided herein and may be continued, except as stated in section 4.
Explanatory Note. Act 201 amended or added sections 1105, 1201, 2107, 2702, 3501, 4208, 5116, 7209, 9102, 9103, 9104, 9105, 9106, 9114, 9203, 9204, 9205, 9301, 9302, 9304, 9305, 9306, 9307, 9308, 9312, 9313, 9318, 9401, 9402, 9403, 9404, 9405, 9406, 9408, 9409, 9501, 9502, 9504 and 9505.
§ 3. Transition provision on change of requirement on filing.
A security interest for the perfection of which filing or the taking of possession was required prior to this act and which attached prior to the effective date of this act but was not perfected shall be deemed perfected on the effective date of this act if this act permits perfection without filing or authorizes filing in the office where a prior ineffective filing was made.
§ 4. Transition provision on changes of place of filing.
(a) Financing statements filed prior to this act.-- A financing statement or continuation statement filed prior to the effective date of this act which shall not have lapsed prior to that date shall remain effective for the period provided prior thereto, but not less than five years after the filing.
(b) Collateral acquired subsequent to this act.-- With respect to any collateral acquired by the debtor subsequent to the effective date of this act, any effective financing statement or continuation statement described in this section shall apply only if the filing or filings are in the office that would be appropriate to perfect the security interests in the new collateral after the effective date of this act.
(c) Continuation.-- The effectiveness of any financing statement or continuation statement filed prior to the effective date of this act may be continued by a continuation statement as permitted in this act, except that if filing is in an office where there was no previous financing statement required, a new financing statement conforming to section 5 shall be filed in that office.
(d) Mortgage as fixture filing.-- If the record of a mortgage of real estate would have been effective as a fixture filing of goods described therein if this act had been in effect on the date of recording the mortgage, the mortgage shall be deemed effective as a fixture filing as to such goods under 13 Pa.C.S. § 9402(f) (relating to mortgage as financing statement) as revised by this act.
§ 5. Required refilings.
(a) General rule.-- If a security interest is perfected or has priority when this act takes effect as to all persons or as to certain persons without any filing or recording, and if the filing of a financing statement would be required for the perfection or priority of the security interest against those persons after the effective date, the perfection and priority rights of the security interest continue until three years after the effective date of this act. The perfection will then lapse unless a financing statement is filed as provided in subsection (d) or unless the security interest is perfected otherwise than by filing.
(b) Perfection under other law.-- If a security interest is perfected when this act takes effect under a law other than the Uniform Commercial Code prior thereto which requires no further filing, refiling or recording to continue its perfection, perfection continues until and will lapse three years after the effective date of this act, unless a financing statement is filed as provided in subsection (d) or unless the security interest is perfected otherwise by filing, or unless under 13 Pa.C.S. § 9302(c) (relating to when filing provisions of division inapplicable) the other law continues to govern filing.
(c) Perfection under repealed acts.-- If a security interest is perfected by a filing, refiling or recording under a law repealed by this act which required further filing, refiling or recording to continue its perfection, perfection continues and will lapse on the date provided by the law so repealed for such further filing, refiling or recording unless a financing statement is filed as provided in subsection (d) or unless the security interest is perfected otherwise than by filing.
(d) Filing before perfection lapses.-- A financing statement may be filed within six months before the perfection of a security interest would otherwise lapse, if perfection had been obtained by a filing under a statute other than the Uniform Commercial Code prior to the effective date of this act, or a filing in an office which would be improper thereunder after the effective date of this act. Any such financing statement may be signed by either the debtor or the secured party. It shall identify the security agreement, statement or notice (however denominated in any statute or other law repealed or modified by this act), state the office where and the date when the last filing, refiling or recording, if any, was made with respect thereto, and the filing number, if any, or book and page, if any, of recording and further state that the security agreement, statement or notice, however denominated, in another filing office under the Uniform Commercial Code or under any statute or other law repealed or modified by this act is still effective. 13 Pa.C.S. § 9401 (relating to place of filing; erroneous filing; removal of collateral) and 13 Pa.C.S. § 9403 (relating to what constitutes filing; duration of filing; effect of lapsed filing; duties of filing officer) as amended by this act, determine the proper place to file such a financing statement. Except as specified in this subsection, the provisions of 13 Pa.C.S. § 9403(c) as amended by this act for continuation statements apply to such a financing statement.
§ 6. Transition provisions as to priorities.
Except as otherwise provided in the transition provisions of this act, the provisions of Title 13 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (relating to commercial code) in effect prior to the effective date of this act shall apply to any questions of priority if the positions of the parties were fixed prior to the effective date of this act. In other cases, questions of priority shall be determined as provided by this act.
§ 7. Effective date.
This act shall take effect at 12:01 a.m. on the 180th day following the date of final enactment of this act.
1992, JULY 9, P.L.507, NO.97
§ 1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Uniform Commercial Code Modernization Act.
Explanatory Note. Act 97 amended, added or repealed sections 1101, 1105, 1201, 1207, 2101, 2103, 2403 and 2511, Division 2A, Division 3, sections 4101, 4102, 4103, 4104, 4105, 4106, 4107, 4108, 4109, 4110, 4111, 4201, 4202, 4203, 4204, 4205, 4206, 4207, 4208, 4209, 4210, 4211, 4212, 4213, 4214, 4215, 4216, 4301, 4302, 4303, 4401, 4402, 4403, 4405, 4406, 4407, 4501, 4502, 4503 and 4504, Division 4A, 5101, 5103, 5111 and 5114, Division 6, sections 7101, 8101, 8102, 8103, 8104, 8105, 8106, 8107, 8108, 8201, 8202, 8203, 8204, 8205, 8206, 8207 and 8208, the heading of Chapter 83 and sections 8301, 8302, 8303, 8304, 8305, 8306, 8307, 8308, 8309, 8310, 8311, 8312, 8313, 8314, 8315, 8316, 8317, 8318, 8319, 8320, 8321, 8401, 8402, 8403, 8404, 8405, 8406, 8407, 8408, 9101, 9103, 9105, 9111, 9113, 9203, 9206, 9302, 9304, 9305, 9309 and 9312 of Title 13.
§ 30. Rights and obligations under former bulk transfer provisions.
Rights and obligations that arose under 13 Pa.C.S. Div. 6 (relating to bulk transfers) and 13 Pa.C.S. § 9111 (relating to applicability of bulk transfer laws) before their repeal remain valid and may be enforced as though those provisions had not been repealed.
§ 32. Effective date.
This act shall take effect in one year.
1996, MAY 22, P.L.248, NO.44
§ 1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Uniform Commercial Code Modernization Act of 1996.
Explanatory Note. Act 44 amended, added or repealed sections 1105, 1206, 1209, 2201, 3312, 4104 and 5114, Division 8 and sections 9103, 9105, 9106, 9115, 9116, 9203, 9301, 9302, 9303, 9304, 9305, 9306, 9309 and 9312 of Title 13.
§ 12. References to Uniform Commercial Code.
The references to Articles 3 and 8 of the act of April 6, 1953 (P.L.3, No.1), known as the Uniform Commercial Code, in section 102(c)(2) of the act of July 12, 1972 (P.L.781, No.185), known as the Local Government Unit Debt Act, shall be deemed to be references to Divisions 3 and 8 of Title 13, respectively.
§ 14. Effect of effective date of act.
(a) Existing actions or proceedings.-- This act does not affect an action or proceeding commenced before this act takes effect.
(b) Perfection of security interest.-- If a security interest in a security is perfected at the date this act takes effect and the action by which the security interest was perfected would suffice to perfect a security interest under this act, no further action is required to continue perfection. If a security interest in a security is perfected at the date this act takes effect but the action by which the security interest was perfected would not suffice to perfect a security interest under this act, the security interest remains perfected for a period of four months after the effective date of this act and continues perfected thereafter if appropriate action to perfect under this act is taken within that period. If a security interest is perfected at the date this act takes effect and the security interest can be perfected by filing under this act, a financing statement signed by the secured party instead of the debtor may be filed within that period to continue perfection or thereafter to perfect.
(c) Applicability to qualified financial contracts.-- The addition of 13 Pa.C.S. §§ 1206(c) and 2201(d) and the last sentence of 13 Pa.C.S. § 1206(b) shall apply to qualified financial contracts entered into before, on or after the effective date of this act, and to written contracts described in §§ 1206(c)(2)(ii) and 2201(d)(2) entered into before, on or after the effective date of this act.
2001, JUNE 8, P.L.123, NO.18
§ 1. Short title.
This amendatory act shall be known and may be cited as the Uniform Commercial Code Modernization Act of 2001.
Explanatory Note. Act 18 amended sections 1105, 1201, 1206, 2103, 2104, 2210, 2326, 2502, 2512, 2716, 2A103, 2A303, 2A307, 2A309, 3103, 4105, 4210, 4A103 and 4A105, repealed and added Division 5, amended sections 7503, 8102, 8103, 8106, 8110, 8301, 8302 and 8510 and repealed and added Division 9 of Title 13.
§ 28. Applicability of transitional provisions.
The following transitional provisions apply only to the addition of 13 Pa.C.S. §§ 5101 through 5117:
(1) A transaction arising out of or associated with a letter of credit that was issued before the effective date of this act and the rights, obligations and interests flowing from that transaction are governed by any statute or other law amended or repealed by this act as if repeal or amendment had not occurred and may be terminated, completed, consummated or enforced under that statute or other law.
(2) This act applies to a letter of credit that is issued on or after the effective date of this act. This act does not apply to a transaction, event, obligation or duty arising out of or associated with a letter of credit that was issued before the effective date of this act.
2001, JUNE 22, P.L.418, NO.34
§ 3.1. Temporary fee schedule.
The Department of State is authorized to prescribe a fee schedule to implement 13 Pa.C.S. § 9525. The following apply to the fee schedule:
(1) The fee schedule shall be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
(2) The fee schedule is not a regulation and is not subject to:
(i) section 612 of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929;
(ii) the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.769, No.240), referred to as the Commonwealth Documents Law;
(iii) section 204(b) of the act of October 15, 1980 (P.L.950, No.164), known as the Commonwealth Attorneys Act; or
(iv) the act of June 25, 1982 (P.L.633, No.181), known as the Regulatory Review Act.
(3) The fee schedule shall expire on the earlier of:
(i) September 30, 2001; or
(ii) the effective date of regulations promulgated under 13 Pa.C.S. § 9525(d).
Explanatory Note. Act 34 amended Title 15.
2008, APRIL 16, P.L.57, NO.13
§ 22. Applicability.
This act shall apply as follows:
(1) This act applies to a document of title that is issued or a bailment that arises on or after the effective date of this section.
(2) This act does not apply to a document of title that is issued or a bailment that arises before the effective date of this section even if the document of title or bailment would be subject to this act if the document of title had been issued or bailment had arisen after the effective date of this section.
(3) This act does not apply to a right of action that has accrued before the effective date of this section.
Explanatory Note. Act 13 amended, added or deleted Division 1, sections 2103, 2104, 2202, 2208, 2310, 2323, 2401, 2503, 2505, 2506, 2509, 2605, 2705, 2A103, 2A207, 2A501, 2A514, 2A518, 2A519, 2A526, 2A527, 2A528, 3103, 4104, 4210, 4A105, 4A106, 4A204 and 5103, Division 7 and sections 8102, 8103, 9102, 9203, 9207, 9208, 9301, 9304, 9309, 9310, 9312, 9313, 9314, 9317, 9338 and 9601.
§ 23. Relationship to other laws.
A document of title issued or a bailment that arises before the effective date of this section and the rights, obligations and interests flowing from that document or bailment are governed by any statute or other rule amended or repealed by this act as if the amendment or repeal had not occurred and may be terminated, completed, consummated or enforced under that statute or other rule.
2024, JULY 1, P.L.450, NO.41
§ 1. Findings and declarations.
The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:
(1) It is necessary to expand Title 13 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to accommodate emerging technologies which affect commercial transactions.
(2) Expansion under paragraph (1) necessitates conforming amendments.
(3) Expansion under paragraph (1) requires coordinated transition into the complex statutory regulation of commercial law by the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions.
Explanatory Note. Act 41 amended or added sections 1201, 1204, 1301, 1306, 2102, 2106, 2201, 2202, 2203, 2205, 2209, 2A102, 2A103, 2A107, 2A201, 2A202, 2A203, 2A205, 2A208, 2A214, 3104, 3105, 3401, 3604, 4A103, 4A201, 4A202, 4A203, 4A207, 4A208, 4A210, 4A211, 4A305, 5104, 5116, 7102, 7106, 8102, 8103, 8106, 8110, 8303, 9102, 9104, 9105, 9107.1, 9203, 9204, 9207, 9208, 9209, 9210, 9301, 9304, 9305, 9306.1, 9306.2, 9310, 9312, 9313, 9314, 9314.1, 9316, 9317, 9322, 9323, 9324, 9326.1, 9330, 9331, 9332, 9334, 9341, 9404, 9406, 9408, 9509, 9513, 9601, 9605, 9608, 9611, 9613, 9614, 9615, 9616, 9619, 9620, 9621, 9624, 9628, Divisions 12 and 91 of Title 13 and section 5601.4 of Title 20.
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