Oldest Pending TTAB Case Continues in Suspension

The oldest pending TTAB case, United Black Fund v. National Black United Fund, Inc., Cancellation No. 92013503, is about to reach its 25th year of suspension. The proceeding was commenced on September 9, 1982, and has been suspended since May 10, 1984. We have plenty of time to pick out an anniversary gift.


The reason for the suspension is the pendency of a civil action in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. According to a paper filed by the parties in 2002, the lawsuit was administratively closed by the court (at some earlier time) "to give the parties the opportunity to resolve their differences."

The most recent TTAB paper filed by the parties (January 19, 2010) states:

the civil action in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland has not been dismissed."

Well, that is true. I suppose that's enough for the TTAB to put this case back on the shelf for another year.

Text Copyright John L. Welch 2009-10.