Polymeric dispersants are disclosed that include a urethane backbone at least one pendantly attached imide group, wherein the carbonyl of the imide are chemically bonded to a single or fused aromatic ring. The aromatic ring can be substituted with various electron withdrawing or releasing groups. The dispersant also includes solvent-solubilizing chains of polyether, polyester, polyacrylate, and or polyolefin Desirably, the imide groups are derived from an imide that has two isocyanate reactive groups such that the imide is attached to the urethane backbone at two separate locations.