§ 278. Filing under prior law. At the end of twelve months following the effective date of this article, the secretary of state shall cancel all certificates issued under sections three hundred sixty and three hundred sixty-one of Article 24 of the general business law, unless a new statement shall have been filed under this article; provided, however, that such certificates issued under such prior law shall remain in full force and effect and shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this article during said twelve months' period or until the said statement has been filed.