Scotch Whisky secures trademark safety in Hong Kong

The Scotch Whisky Affiliation (SWA) has introduced that its software to register “Scotch Whisky” as a Certification Trademark in Hong Kong has been profitable.

Trademark recognition signifies that the outline “Scotch Whisky” can solely be used on whisky produced in Scotland in accordance with strict manufacturing and labelling necessities. Necessities embrace that Scotch solely be comprised of the uncooked supplies of water, cereals and yeast and matured in Scotland for a minimum of three years in oak casks.

Hong Kong is now one in all greater than 100 world territories which have formally recognised Scotch Whisky as a Scottish product, produced in response to conventional strategies, and deserving of particular safety. Scotch Whisky is already protected as a Geographical Indication (GI) and a trademark in Mainland China and as a GI in Macao.

That is the primary time that Scotch Whisky has been explicitly recognised in Hong Kong. Earlier than the trademark was granted, its safety would have relied on the legislation of passing off, which might contain costly and complicated courtroom proceedings.

Lindesay Low, Deputy Authorized Director on the Scotch Whisky Affiliation, mentioned: “Hong Kong is an more and more necessary marketplace for Scotch Whisky, with exports to the area value greater than £31m in 2022. Bettering safety of Scotch Whisky in growing markets is a precedence for the SWA Authorized Workforce, as shoppers in these markets discover and develop their data of Scotland’s nationwide drink. Hong Kong’s recognition of the Scotch Whisky certification trademark offers shoppers available in the market the boldness and certainty that what they’re buying is the real high quality product.”

Brian Davidson, British Consul Common to Hong Kong and Macao, mentioned: “This milestone recognises Scotch Whisky as an emblem of Scotland’s wealthy heritage and craftsmanship. We’re grateful for the continued appreciation proven by Hong Kong shoppers – they will now have much more confidence within the provenance of Scotland’s beloved nationwide spirit.”