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Protecting Scotch Whisky worldwide

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As a registered "Geographical Indication" (GI) in many overseas markets including the EU, Scotch Whisky is protected from misuse, imitation, evocation and any other practice liable to mislead consumers.

PROTECTING SCOTCH WHISKY WORLDWIDE

Our worldwide protection of Scotch Whisky takes different forms and includes: 

  • Registration as a GI in many countries around the world; 
  • Registration as a Certification Trademark or Collective Trademark in several countries; 
  • Specific definitions and protection in the domestic legislation of countries including, for example, the US, where it is defined under Federal Law as “a distinctive product of Scotland manufactured in Scotland in compliance with the laws of the United Kingdom”; and 
  • Protection under general laws of passing off and unfair competition around the world. 

This means that consumers can continue to enjoy Scotch Whisky knowing that it is a well-protected, high quality spirit.  

Use our interactive map below to explore how Scotch Whisky is protected around the world.

Protecting Scotch Whisky worldwide news & commentary

09 May 2025

SWA statement on personal cask investment

01 April 2025

Scotch Whisky Association celebrates increased legal protection for Scotland’s national spirit around the world

19 February 2025

SWA comments on DEFRA English Whisky GI Consultation

The Scotch Whisky Association comments on the DEFRA English Whisky Geographical Indication Consultation

06 September 2024

Scotch Whisky Association appoints new legal counsel

Sophie Airth will join its award-winning legal team of five lawyers and two paralegals.

22 April 2024

SWA legal team toasts success in South Korea

In the first such case to use Scotch Whisky’s South Korean certification trade mark, which was granted in 2019, the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has successfully stopped the sale of fake Scotch Whisky which misleads consumers and damages legitimate trade.

26 February 2024

SWA secures GI protection for Scotch Whisky in the Philippines

Scotch Whisky has become the first UK product to be granted Geographical Indication (GI) status in the Philippines.

21 August 2023

Scotch Whisky Secures Trademark Protection in Hong Kong

Scotch Whisky now has trademark protection in Hong Kong for the first time.

22 May 2023

SWA Legal Team Toasts WTR Awards Success as Best Not-for-Profit Organisation

The Scotch Whisky Association's Legal Affairs team has won its third World Trademark Review award in five years.

28 March 2023

Joint statement: SWA and Lyre's

Joint statement from the Scotch Whisky Association and Lyre's.

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