What I understand about trademarks is that after an application is in placed the trademark is published and other parties can oppose the granting of the NOA. I believe parties have up to 30 days and can request up to 180 days max extension time. At that time, parties can discuss amongst each other and work with the government to determine if the trademark process will continue. I don't know the details of what transpired between Showtime and MRNJ. It appears from Justia that the trademark was opposed by Showtime and MRNJ was given the NOA for the trademark after 180 days. Unless there are truly extenuating circumstances, I don't believe an opposition can go longer than 180 days. http://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/37/2.102