Latin for a case (lis) awaiting determination, or pending law suit.

It may be used as an notice or warning that title to an asset, eg land, is subject to an unresolved dispute.

The expression is also shorthand for the rule (in conflicts of laws cases) that the first party in time to issue proceedings at court secures the jurisdiction of the court in a particular country.

Not to be confused with “pendente lite” which means during the litigation of the case.