The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), a representative body for the Scotch whisky industry, has successfully attained certification trademark status for Scotch whisky in the Hong Kong market. This achievement bolsters legal safeguards for this renowned category.
The registration of the “Scotch whisky” certification trademark signifies that the label can solely be employed for whisky that adheres to Scotland’s production and labeling criteria. These criteria mandate that Scotch whisky must be crafted from water, cereals, and yeast, and it must undergo maturation within Scotland for a minimum of three years in oak casks.
Prior to the establishment of this trademark in Hong Kong, the legal protection of Scotch whisky depended on the principles of passing off, which typically entailed intricate and costly legal proceedings, according to statements from the SWA.
Highlighting the significance of this development, Lindesay Low, the deputy legal director of the SWA, noted, “Hong Kong is an increasingly important market for Scotch whisky, with exports to the region worth more than £31 million [US$39.6 million] in 2022. Improving protection of Scotch whisky in developing markets is a priority for the SWA legal team, as consumers in these markets explore and expand their knowledge of Scotland’s national drink.”
