The present invention provides amic acids and imides derived from a polymer comprising: (a) maleic anhydride, (b) a first C1-C7 alkyl vinyl ether monomer, and (c) a second C8-C30 alkyl vinyl ether monomer, wherein the polymer contains an amic acid or an imide group. The polymers containing an amic acid or an imide group of the invention may be employed in a wide variety of compositions, particularly in oral care compositions. Non-limiting generic structures of the amidic polymers are set out below: (I) wherein R1-R3, M, a, b, c, d, e, and f are defined herein.