The Scotch Whisky Association, has today announced that its
application to register "Scotch Whisky" as a Certification Trademark
in Hong Kong has been successful.
Trademark recognition means that the description
"Scotch Whisky" can only be used on whisky produced in Scotland in
accordance with strict production and labelling requirements, which include: only
being made from water, cereals and yeast, and having to be matured in Scotland
for at least three years in oak casks.
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| Scotch whisky secures trademark protection in Hong Kong |
Hong Kong is now one of more than 100 global territories which have officially recognised Scotch as a Scottish product, produced according to traditional methods, and deserving of special protection. Scotch whisky is already protected as a Geographical Indication (GI) and a trademark in Mainland China and as a GI in Macao.
Commenting on the news, Lindesay Low, Deputy Legal Director
at the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “Hong Kong is an increasingly important
market for Scotch Whisky, with exports to the region worth more than £31m 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. Hong Kong’s recognition of the Scotch
Whisky certification trademark gives consumers in the market the confidence and
certainty that what they are purchasing is the genuine quality product.”
This is the first time that Scotch whisky has been
explicitly recognised in Hong Kong. Before the trademark was granted, its
protection would have relied on the law of passing off, which would involve
expensive and complex court proceedings.
Posted by Steve Rush