Tatelbaum v. Commerce Investment Co.

This case offers an almost classic example of the perils which are frequently the result of innovative draftsmanship. Maryland’s General Assembly adopted the Uniform Commercial Code (the U.C.C.) in 1963, to become effective on 1 February 1964. It is now found in Maryland Code (1957, 1964 Repl. Vol.) Art. 95B. Although the Commission to Study and Report on the Uniform Commercial Code had filed a report recommending that The American Law Institute draft be adopted without change, the Legislature chose to make some 20 amendments, including a complete restructuring of § 9-401(1) of the U.C.C.

The…