CLEVELAND – May 11, 2026 – KJK is proud to announce the successful resolution of a federal trademark enforcement action on behalf of its client, Sloan Valve Company – the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial plumbing systems. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, targeted a network of unauthorized resellers engaged in the promotion, sale, and distribution of Sloan-branded products without authorization. The matter was resolved through a settlement agreement in which the resellers agreed to cease all sales of Sloan products.
“Sloan has been a leader in the commercial restroom industry for over a century, and a big part of that legacy is the trust customers and authorized partners place in its brand,” said Jon Groza, Partner, KJK. “When unauthorized sellers exploit that trust, it harms everyone in the chain—from the end user who may not receive a genuine product to the authorized dealer who competes on a tilted playing field. We were proud to work with Sloan’s team to bring this matter to a resolution that safeguards those relationships and reinforces the integrity of their distribution network.”
Sloan Valve Company retained KJK’s eCommerce team to pursue legal action in the case styled Sloan Valve Company v. ZRM Industries, Consolidated Global Dynamics, Donald Crawford, and a series of unknown Jane Does. The complaint alleged that the defendants had been engaging in the unauthorized use of Sloan’s intellectual property in connection with the advertisement and sale of Sloan-branded products, and asserted claims for trademark infringement, trademark dilution, unfair competition under both federal and Illinois state law, false advertising, civil conspiracy, and deceptive trade practices.
In March 2026, the parties reached a settlement agreement under which the defendants agreed to stop selling or offering for sale, directly or indirectly, any Sloan products. The defendants also agreed to cease using Sloan’s trademarks and other intellectual property. The resolution ensures these unauthorized operators are permanently removed from the Sloan supply chain, delivering meaningful protection to Sloan’s customers, authorized distributors, and brand.
This enforcement action is part of Sloan’s ongoing effort to monitor and protect its distribution channels and intellectual property across the marketplace. The matter was handled by KJK’s eCommerce practice, which regularly advises manufacturers and brand owners on unauthorized reseller enforcement, marketplace compliance, and the full spectrum of strategies needed to protect authorized distribution networks.
“Sloan is committed to protecting the integrity of our brand and ensuring that customers receive genuine Sloan products through authorized channels,” said Nate Isaacson, General Counsel at Sloan. “This resolution reinforces our ongoing efforts to safeguard our intellectual property while supporting the trusted distribution network our customers and partners rely on.”
About KJK
With offices in Cleveland and Columbus, KJK serves companies of all sizes and sectors, including Fortune 500 corporations, nonprofits, mid-market companies, small businesses, start-ups, and other entrepreneurs. We are a full-service law firm built for business – and beyond. Our robust practice areas serve clients locally and nationally, with the combined experience of our skilled team of 50+ attorneys. For more information, visit kjk.com.
About Sloan Valve Company
Sloan is the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial plumbing systems and has been in operation since 1906. Headquartered in Franklin Park, Illinois, USA, the company is at the forefront of the green building movement and provides sustainable, hygienic smart water and restroom solutions by manufacturing water-efficient products such as flushometers, faucets, sink systems, soap dispensers, vitreous china fixtures, and bottle fillers to promote wellness in commercial, industrial, and institutional markets worldwide. To learn more, visit Sloan’s website.