Unauthorized Use of the NADCA® Trademarks

The following are frequently asked questions regarding NADCA, the Association's trademark, IP rights, and what it means for members.

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) is the leading international trade association for HVAC system cleaning professionals. NADCA is recognized in more than 38 countries, with over 1,650 member companies and nearly 3,000 certified individuals. NADCA is known for its rigorous safety, environmental, and service standards, and its leadership in education, certification, and advocacy to promote ethical practices and the highest quality of service across the HVAC industry. Learn more about the value of membership at https://nadca.com/nadca-membership/value-nadca-membership.
 

1. What happened?
NADCA became aware of unauthorized and improper use of the NADCA name, trademark, and logo by an entity identifying itself and operating as “NADCA/NADCA Systems” in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and possibly elsewhere. NADCA has reason to believe that “NADCA Systems,” or its affiliates, employees, or partners from Magic Touch A/C Systems Fitting L.L.C. or Magic Touch Building Cleaning, may be contacting individuals or businesses with claims of NADCA membership or certification, or promoting HVAC products and services using NADCA marks under false and misleading pretenses.

NADCA remains committed to operating with respect for legitimate IP rights, while reserving all rights and remedies available to NADCA as the trademark owner.
 

2. Is “NADCA Systems” (or Magic Touch A/C Systems Fitting L.L.C. or Magic Touch Building Cleaning ) affiliated with NADCA?
No. They are not affiliated with, licensed by, or authorized by NADCA to use the NADCA name or any of its trademarks or logos, or to represent themselves as certified under NADCA programs.
 

3. Does NADCA endorse or sell products/equipment?
No. NADCA does not endorse products or services, and does not certify or sell equipment.
 

4. Why is this a problem?
Unauthorized use of the NADCA trademark and logo misleads the public and may result in unsafe or substandard equipment and services relating to HVAC system maintenance and cleaning, which may pose risks to public health, building integrity, and regulatory compliance.
 

5. How can I verify legitimate NADCA membership or certification?
Use the official NADCA Member Directory at www.nadca.com/find-a-professional. You may also contact NADCA at info@nadca.com for confirmation.
 

6. What should I do if a customer asks about someone claiming to be NADCA, ASCS, or CVI certified?
Direct them to the official directory and advise that any claims not verified there should be treated with caution. You may also suggest they email info@nadca.com for confirmation.
 

7. What should I do if I receive communications from, or see materials referencing, “NADCA Systems” (or similar) using NADCA marks?
Preserve the evidence and promptly report it to NADCA at cmcwilliams@nadca.com.  
 

8. What should I do if I receive a cease-and-desist letter?
Do not ignore it and do not respond on your own. Forward the letter immediately to NADCA at cmcwilliams@nadca.com.
 

9. What customer-facing language can I use?
You may share the following, as applicable:

“Please note that NADCA does not endorse products or services, nor does it sell equipment. Any claim of NADCA membership or certification should be verified via NADCA’s official directory at www.nadca.com/find-a-professional or contact NADCA directly at info@nadca.com."
 

10. Is NADCA taking action?
Yes. NADCA is actively pursuing all available legal remedies to stop the infringement, protect its intellectual property rights, and uphold health and safety standards.
 

11. Where does this issue appear to be occurring?
The activity has been identified in the UAE and may also be present elsewhere. Members should remain vigilant in all markets.
 

12. Can I share NADCA’s advisory publicly?
Yes. The advisory is intended for distribution to customers, partners, and public authorities. Link to or reference the advisory on www.nadca.com and keep the language consistent with NADCA’s official statement.
 

13. How should I document and report suspected misuse?
You can take the following actions:

  • Save emails (including headers), screenshots, URLs, marketing materials, invoices, business cards, and any images of unauthorized use of NADCA marks.
  • Who contacted you, when, how (email/phone/in-person), and exactly what claims were made.
  • Email materials to cmcwilliams@nadca.com with the subject line “Report: Unauthorized NADCA Use” and include your contact information.
  • Do not threaten or concede rights: Avoid sending your own legal demands. NADCA will coordinate enforcement.
     

14. What can members do to help protect customers and the public?
 We recommend that you refer customers to the official directory for verification (www.nadca.com/find-a-professional).

 

15. What should I tell a regulator or public authority that contacts me?
Provide the regulator with NADCA’s public advisory and direct them to info@nadca.com or cmcwilliams@nadca.com for official inquiries. Do not speculate beyond the advisory.

 

16. Can members request a formal confirmation letter for their customers?
Members can refer customers to the directory listing as the authoritative source. Where necessary, contact info@nadca.com for assistance.
 

17. What if I suspect a member is misusing NADCA marks?
Report the concern to NADCA's Executive Director, Caitlin McWilliams: cmcwilliams@nadca.com.
 

18. Does this situation change how I should describe my own credentials?
No! Continue using accurate, current titles and certifications (e.g., NADCA Member, ASCS, CVI) and avoid any implication of NADCA endorsement of products.

If you have any other questions beyond this guideline, please contact NADCA's Executive Director, Caitlin McWilliams, at cmcwilliams@nadca.com.