N.Y. Uniform Commercial Code Law § 3-307: Burden of Establishing Signatures, Defenses and Due Course

Section 3--307. Burden of Establishing Signatures, Defenses and Due

Course.

(1) Unless specifically denied in the pleadings each signature on an

instrument is admitted. When the effectiveness of a signature is put in

issue

(a) the burden of establishing it is on the party claiming under

the signature; but

(b) the signature is presumed to be genuine or authorized except

where the action is to enforce the obligation of a purported

signer who has died or become incompetent before proof is

required.

(2) When signatures are admitted or established, production of the

instrument entitles a holder to recover on it unless the defendant

establishes a defense.

(3) After it is shown that a defense exists a person claiming the

rights of a holder in due course has the burden of establishing that he

or some person under whom he claims is in all respects a holder in due

course.