FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
2026 Midyear Meeting Registration is OPEN ↗

Litigation filed by Mortar Net USA, Ltd. to protect trademarks

Words: Candice Carroll/Public/News/20120428160000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="Mortar Net USA, Ltd., has filed a complaint in which Keene Building Products Co. is the defendant." />
Mortar Net USA, Ltd., has filed a complaint in which Keene Building Products Co. is the defendant.
Mortar Net USA, Ltd., has filed a complaint in the United States District Court, Northern District of Indiana, Hammond Division in which Keene Building Products Co. of Mayfield Heights, Ohio is the defendant.

The matter relates to Keene’s recent announcement to introduce and promote a mortar collection device using the “industry —recognized” dovetail (or keystone) shape that Mortar Net has established through nearly 20 years of sales and promotion, in addition to protecting it under U.S. Registered Trademark Numbers 3,571,383 and 3,571,384.

Gary R. Johnson, President of Mortar Net said, “Tom Sourlis, the founder of our company, created the category of shaped mortar collection devices for cavity wall construction and from its start Mortar Net has used the same distinctive shape in its advertising, corporate branding and products.” Johnson continued, “We have committed millions of dollars to associate the company and its products with this shape and have generated over $100 million of revenue from products associated with this shape. It is a valuable asset of the company and we intend to vigorously protect its value.”
 0
When Schedules Tighten, Experience Shows
May 2026

In construction, schedules rarely open up; they tighten. Weather delays, trade coordination, and last-minute scope changes all add pressure, even on jobs that were planned down to the minute. When that happens, experienced masons don’t start cutting corne

Jeff Tew
MAP Partner
Read More
Five Truths About Final Brick Cleandown
May 2026

Not all truths are self-evident. Sometimes they’re easy to forget or clouded with misunderstanding. The good news is these truths of final cleandown are not hard to implement on your next project to ensure successfully cleaned and beautiful new brick.

Jake Boyer
MAP Partner
Read More
Shelf Angles and Their Impact on Wall Performance
May 2026

Shelf angles have long been a standard component in masonry construction. Installed at the slab edge, they provide support for brick veneer and are often treated as a routine detail. However, as building performance requirements evolve, particularly aroun

Erica Oliveraz
MAP Partner
Read More
Registration Now Open for the 2026 MCAA Midyear Meeting in San Antonio, Texas
May 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the highly anticipated 2026 MCAA Midyear Meeting, set to take place in San Antonio, Texas. This exciting event is scheduled from September 13th-1

Industry News
Read More