What happens to third parties' interest in the subject of a pending legal action in Ohio?

In Ohio, when there is a pending legal action regarding a subject, third parties generally cannot acquire interest against the plaintiff's title. This principle is rooted in the legal concept of "lis pendens," which serves to protect the rights of parties involved in ongoing litigation. When a lawsuit is filed, the legal proceedings and claims associated with the action create a notice to the public that the matter is in dispute.

The implication of this notice is that any potential third party attempting to claim an interest in the subject of the litigation is aware that the title is contested. As a result, any interests they seek to establish or enforce would be subordinate to the outcome of the ongoing action. Thus, they cannot successfully claim a title that contradicts the rights asserted by the plaintiff. The courts prioritize the interests of the parties engaged in the active dispute over that of any new claims made by outside entities.