Xylem Group, LLC and ITT in litigation in Federal Court over ITT’s intended use of Xylem Group, LLC’s trademark “XYLEM”
In a recent press release, ITT announced that it would name its new water technology spinoff “XYLEM” – a trademark violation according to Xylem Group, LLC which has used the registered name in the plumbing industry since 2005
(ROSWELL, GA, OCTOBER 28, 2011) Xylem Group, LLC, manufacturer of innovative bath and plumbing products, is now involved in litigation with ITT Fluid Technology involving ITT’s intention to use the Xylem name for its intended new water technology spinoff despite Xylem Group, LLC having trademarked its Xylem name and spent six years establishing the Xylem name in the marketplace.
According to Hal Weinstein, founder and president of Xylem Group, LLC, “We are involved in this litigation as ITT has infringed our rights to our unique company and brand name in the plumbing industry. This move has already caused confusion among our customers and vendors. We object to the name as we have relationships with a similar customer base and vendor base – all in the same plumbing, hospitality and commercial sectors.” Xylem Group, LLC has owned the trademark on the name since 2005 for plumbing items including bath furniture, fittings, fixtures and valves.
ITT is no stranger to the plumbing industry as it once owned Friedrich Grohe AG and states in numerous press releases and government filings that it intends to sell water flow devices such as pumps, valves and fittings under the XYLEM name. Xylem Group, LLC confirms that the type of representatives that it contracts with also sell pumps, valves, pipes and fittings. Xylem Group, LLC asserts that there will be confusion in the trade press and supply chain since both companies will no doubt publish to the same publications, including Supply House Times, Plumbing & Mechanical, The Wholesaler and The Contractor.
ITT filed suit against Xylem Group, LLC in a federal court in New York attempting to establish its rights to the use of the name “XYLEM” and Xylem Group, LLC intends to vigorously defend this suit and counterclaim for the establishment of its prior and superior rights to the exclusion of ITT’s new spinoff, and for damages.
About Xylem Group, LLC
Xylem Group, LLC, designs and manufactures a diverse selection of products including vanities, faucets, fittings, and sinks for the bath in traditional, transitional, and modern styles, all bearing its brand “XYLEM.” The company’s creed – “Where Ideas Flow” – speaks to a philosophy that encourages the kind of creative thinking that gives birth to innovative and unique design. For more information about Xylem Group, LLC products, call 866-395-8112 or visit www.xylem.biz.
Contact: Mary Beth Duehr, DUEHR & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 1902 Wright Place, Suite 200, Carlsbad, CA 92008-6583; Phone: 760-918-5622; Fax: 760-918-5505; marybeth@duehrandassociates.com