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Smith told CT that those conversations between Morales and Collins prompted MOSH's lawsuit against Morales. Smith claims that those conversations could have "opened up a potential lawsuit" from Collins against the younger group over use of the Imperials name. "He [Armond Morales] had called into question our very existence legally," said Smith.

Collins did not return phone calls from CT.

Because Collins owns the national trademark, the younger group wants Armond to give them the trademark rights he owns under common law, as common-law rights are gained from usage of a trademark and do not require registration. When MOSH applied for the name in Tennessee in September 2006, they were awarded the trademark in Tennessee under common law. If Armond Morales's common-law rights were not transferred to MOSH, the younger group would not be able to continue attempting to obtain a national trademark.

Adding to the confusion is the fact that there is a fourth group with some claim to the Imperials name. In addition to the Classic Imperials (Armond Morales and friends), the younger Imperials (Jason Morales and MOSH), and Little Anthony & the Imperials, there's another group billing itself as the Imperials. That group is composed of former members of the original Imperials — including Terry Blackwood — that once backed up Elvis Presley in his Las Vegas shows in 1969–72. That group continues to perform occasional shows, doing Elvis tributes and sometimes backing up Elvis impersonators.

Joe Moscheo, a current member of this group, told CT he believes the younger members think that Armond "duped" them into something that didn't have any worth when he signed the trade agreement in 2005.

"I think Armond was caught in the moment [in 2005]," Moscheo said. "He was retiring and wanted to do something for his son. Armond made a bad deal. He was giving away something he didn't rightfully own himself. Now they're trying to press him for it. Even if they win, it's a lose-lose situation for both sides."

While the legal battle continues, both parties keep moving ahead with their music. Armond and the Classic Imperials — who for now call themselves "the Artists Formerly Known as the Imperials" — are independently releasing a cd titled Standing Strong.

Meanwhile, the younger version of the Imperials has an extensive touring schedule and plans to record a Christmas album independently this year.

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The younger Imperials respond to this article, saying "We feel it is time to let the truth be known," with an "Open Letter" on their website.

Armond Morales responds with "A Letter to My Son" at his own website.

The younger Imperials' site includes history, bio, and upcoming concerts.

The Classic Imperials recently created a new site and call themselves "the Artists Formerly Known as the Imperials."

The Classic Imperials have posted a new song on YouTube, and the comments section includes some remarks about the lawsuit and the ongoing battle between the two sides.

The Imperials and Armond Morales interviewed with Southern Gospel News after Armond began singing with the Classic Imperials.

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