WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. and ROSWELL, GA. — Global pump manufacturer ITT Fluid Technology is suing Xylem Group LLC, a manufacturer of bath and plumbing products, over ITT’s intention to use the Xylem name for its new water technology spinoff. Roswell, Ga.-based Xylem Group LLC stated that it 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.
In a press release announcing the litigation, Xylem Group pointed out that ITT is no stranger to the plumbing industry as it once owned Friedrich Grohe AG and states in 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 stated 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.
Robin Deutsch Edwards, a spokesperson for Xylem Inc., said, “Xylem Inc. is not in the bath and plumbing industry. Our products, customers, and channels of trade are very different from those of Xylem Group LLC. Because there is no reasonable likelihood of confusion between the companies, trademark law clearly allows us to use the name Xylem. Our legal action — asking the court to declare Xylem Group LLC's claims invalid — is an effort to bring this matter to closure as expeditiously as possible for the sake of both parties.”
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.” Xylem Group LLC said it 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.
Xylem Group LLC designs and manufactures vanities, faucets, fittings, and sinks for the bath in traditional, transitional, and modern styles, all bearing its brand “Xylem.” Additional information about Xylem Group LLC is available at www.XYLEM.biz.
Xylem Inc. brand names include Bell & Gossett, Flojet, Flygt, Godwin, Goulds Water Technologies, WTW and YSI, which are all registered trademarks of Xylem Inc. Additional information is available at http://www.xyleminc.com
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