We are pleased to announce our success in a civil lawsuit against a Turkish manufacturer and distributor, who unlawfully manufactured and sold similar products to TLV's Free Float® steam trap. The Republic of Turkey's Supreme Court has upheld the decision, confirming TLV’s claims.

Background of the lawsuit

Since 1996, TLV has sold J3X series steam traps using the Free Float® trademark around the world, including Turkey. In April 2017, we discovered that Ayvaz has begun manufacturing and selling similar versions of our steam traps under the product names SK-40, SFK-40, and SFKD-40, and we filed a lawsuit before the Civil Court of Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights of the Republic of Turkey seeking an injunction against their manufacture and sale. In the first instance court decision in October 2019, our legal claim against Ayvaz for its unfair competition was approved. Subsequently, after an appeals court ruling, the final judgment was confirmed by the Supreme Court in 2024.

1. Defendant

A manufacturer and distributor of similar products (Ayvaz, Republic of Turkey)

2. Defendant's product

Steam traps manufactured and sold by the defendant: SK-40, SFK-40, SFKD-40

3. TLV product

TLV's J3X series Free Float® steam trap

4. Details of claim

Injunction against manufacture and sale of the subject product by the defendant, etc.

5. Court

First instance: Civil Court of Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights of the Republic of Turkey  
Second Instance: Regional Court of Appeal of the Republic of Turkey  
Third Instance: Supreme Court of the Republic of Turkey

6. Date of Judgment

First instance: October 2, 2019  
Second instance: July 12, 2021  
Third instance: August 29, 2024  
 

7. Summary of Judgment

The court concluded that AYVAZ constituted unfair competition because its products were visually very similar to TLV's Free Float® series.

TLV's Free Float® Steam Trap   Model J3X	Ayvaz   SFKD-40

We respect the court's ruling and remain committed to promoting a fair competitive environment. We will continue to deliver high-quality products and services to our customers.