Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner with us
MCAA Logo
Log in Sign up Join Hi, there Account
2026 Midyear Registration is OPEN
Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner
Log in Sign up Join Account

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

Words: Kelly Cleveringa/Public/News/20120623134500-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="Mortar Net USA, Ltd., has filed a complaint in which Hohmann & Barnard, Inc. is the defendant." />
Mortar Net USA, Ltd., has filed a complaint in which Hohmann & Barnard, Inc. 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 Hohmann & Barnard, Inc. of Hauppauge, New York is the defendant.

The matter relates to H&B’s recent introduction of a mortar collection device using the dovetail (or keystone) shape and the distinctive green color established by Mortar Net USA as its recognized trademarks through over 20 years of sales and promotion. Additionally, U.S. Registered Trademark Numbers 3,571,383 and 3,571,384 have been issued to Mortar Net USA.
Mortar Net USA also has notified H&B of the termination of the distributor relationship that has existed between the two companies effective July 1, 2012.

Tom Sourlis, the founder of Mortar Net USA, said, “We have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with H&B, one of the leading distributors of masonry products. At this time of change in our distribution structure we want to assure all distributors affected by this change that Mortar Net USA is prepared to support their requirements for all of our products, including MORTAR NET®, the industry’s most reliable mortar collection device. We invite them to contact us and to begin enjoying the benefits of our top performing products and superb support services.”

Gary R. Johnson, President of Mortar Net USA added, “Mortar Net USA has used the distinctive dovetail (keystone) shape and green color as trademarks for the MORTAR NET® product since the beginning of the company. They have been featured in advertising and corporate branding and the distinctive dovetail mark has been carried over into other products, like TOTAL FLASH®. We have committed millions of dollars to associate the company and its products with this shape and color, with revenue of over $100 million realized from products having this shape and color. They are valuable assets of the company and we intend to vigorously protect our trademarks, while also protecting the market from products that certainly would be confusingly similar in appearance to the genuine MORTAR NET® product.”
 0
Masonry as the Standard: Delivering Strength, Durability, and Permanence at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs
July 2026

The replacement of First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs serves as a clear example of masonry’s ability to deliver long-term durability, structural integrity, and architectural permanence in worship facility construction. Following the tragic events

Anton Shadrock
Case Study
Read More
Designing Masonry Openings Without Compromising Aesthetics
July 2026

One of masonry's greatest strengths is its ability to create visually striking architecture. From arches and deep reveals to decorative brick detailing, masonry provides texture, depth, and character that continue to inspire architects today. As buildin

Erica Oliveraz
MAP Partner
Read More
Restoring the Breath of the Building: The Life-Saving Science Behind Historic Masonry Repairs
July 2026

When I first set out to become a historic preservation and restoration mason, I imagined that most of my trade would involve repairing the effects of old age. Instead, 99 percent of my work is attempting to stabilize and reverse damage caused by recent an

Technical Talks
Read More
Laying the Foundation for the Future: Workforce Development at the Arizona Masonry Council
July 2026

For generations, masonry has been built on a simple but powerful principle: knowledge passed from one set of hands to the next. In Arizona, the Arizona Masonry Council (AMC) is working to ensure that tradition continues by investing in one of the industr

Dawn Rogers
Industry News
Read More