For SBA lenders
Short answer
A lender perfects a security interest in intellectual property (IP) by filing a UCC-1 financing statement with the state and also by filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or U.S. Copyright Office.
While a UCC-1 filing generally perfects security interests in most personal property, for certain types of intellectual property (e.g., patents, trademarks, copyrights), additional federal filings with the appropriate government agencies (USPTO or USCO) are necessary to ensure proper perfection and priority against third parties.
A borrower obtaining a 7(a) loan owns a valuable patent. The lender files a UCC-1 financing statement with the state's Secretary of State. Additionally, to ensure full perfection, the lender also files an assignment of the security interest with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Insider move
Improper perfection of intellectual property collateral can lead to a loss of priority or an unsecured position for a valuable asset. Lenders must coordinate with legal counsel to ensure all necessary state and federal filings are completed.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
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