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Ken
    We have the All in One Commercial alarm contract.  I was discussing online with someone and they suggested that we make sure to have it that the equipment is owned by us until fully paid.  " Be sure to file the appropriate UUC filings so that you own the equipment until it is fully paid".   Does the All in One contract cover that?
Thank you
David Matyas
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RESPONSE
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    Though I suppose the law could be different in different states, generally, once you install equipment ownership is going to pass to the subscriber even if the contract says you retain title until paid.  Of course this doesn't apply to a Lease, in which case you continue to own the equipment after it's installed.  But if the contract is for sale and installation of equipment you're going to have trouble trying to remove it because it wasn't paid for, whether you file a UCC or not.  You can however retain ownership of material delivered to the job site, though you could have trouble getting that back as well since you will need a court order to enter upon the premises once you've been uninvited; kicked off job.
    But the All in One does have a UCC provision.  Why?  Not so you can "retain ownership or title" to the equipment, but so you have a Security Interest in the equipment.  Filing the UCC "perfects" that security interest, a lien on the collateral equipment.  The lien will permit you to recover the collateral if you're not paid, though court proceedings or self help may different state to state.
    Whoever suggested that you retain ownership and also file a UCC was confusing two concepts; they got it close, but no cigar.
    The All in One forms have everything you need.  I hope for new ideas to make the forms better.  We'll include the newest and greatest ideas in the updates.
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FOLLOW UP ON LICENSED HIRING UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS FROM FEBRUARY 3 2016 ARTICLE
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Ken
    So it seems to have been resolved that an ACO can subcontract the installation of a Fire Alarm System to a C-10 licensed contractor.  But doesn't the testing organization for Annual, Semi-Annual, and Quarterly Testing of the Fire Alarm and Fire Alarm Devices also need to have a C-10?
    And What about maintenance and repairs?
John Bennett
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RESPONSE
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    I think what's clear is that in order to contract for a service, you need to have the proper license.  In order to actually do the work, you need to have the proper license.  States have different license laws,  Some are focused on technical skill; others not so much and more concerned with raising revenue.  Under some circumstances you can hire others to perform work that requires a license, but I think it's safe to say that those others will need to be your employees or otherwise connected by registration to your license.  An independent unlicensed contractor should not be doing the work.
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