How is commercial paper negotiated to a holder?

Negotiation means that an instrument has been transferred (either voluntarily or involuntarily) to the holder by someone other than the issuer. If an individual acquires paper by a method other than negotiation, she is a transferee and not a holder of the paper. The paper is negotiated upon:

• transfer of possession, and

Note: The transferee may become a holder upon transfer. A holder must be entitled to enforce the instrument. This excludes individuals who forge a signature on order paper. They do not legally become a holder because the signature (a required element of negotiation of order paper) is not present. A thief or finder of bearer paper, however, may become a holder.

• indorsement (signature) by the holder.

Note: Indorsement is not generally required for bearer paper, as the holder is not necessarily named on the instrument.

The holder of the instrument has the right to force the transferor to indorse the instrument. This is very important for purposes of enforcement and liability if the instrument is not paid when validly presented by a subsequent holder. That is, the indorser may be liable for paying an instrument that is dishonored when presented.