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

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has today unveiled an interactive map showcasing the breadth of legal protection for Scotch Whisky around the world. Scotch Whisky is specifically protected in a number of different ways around the world, including as a Geographical Indication (“GI”), through bilateral agreements between the UK and third countries, through Certification Trademarks or Collective Trade Marks, and in the domestic legislation of some countries. These protections mean that the description “Scotch Whisky” can only legally be used on whisky wholly produced and verified in Scotland under the terms of the Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 and Product Specification for Scotch Whisky. 

Considered the “gold standard” of protection, GI status provides a robust legal framework for action against any infringement. It allows court proceedings to be initiated against counterfeiters, with the possibility of damages, seizure, and even destruction of fake products.  

The trade association successfully registered “Scotch Whisky” as a GI in Azerbaijan at the end of last year. It was the latest market to grant Scotch Whisky GI protection and joins over 85 others in providing this specific level of legal protection. 

Different types of protection for Scotch Whisky do not deliver the same level of protection or the same effectiveness, with some markets offering one type of protection or another but little enforcement. The SWA’s Legal Affairs team works closely with in-market advisors to determine the best form of protection for Scotland’s national spirit. 

Alan Park, Director of Legal Affairs at the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “Scotch Whisky’s global reputation means that there are many who want to take advantage of it by suggesting that their products are Scotch Whisky when they are not. Strengthening protection around the world and taking action to prevent the sale of fake products to protect Scotland’s national spirit is a key priority for the SWA. 

“We thank the UK government and our local lawyers in different markets for their support in securing legal protections around the world, giving consumers confidence in the authenticity and quality of Scotch Whisky sold in their local market.”  

Alan Park, Director of Legal Affairs

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

Notes to editors  

For more information, contact pressoffice@swa.org.uk 

About the Scotch Whisky Association 

The Scotch Whisky Association is the trade association representing 94 member companies across the Scotch Whisky industry.  There are 151 operating Scotch Whisky distilleries in Scotland, supporting more than 66,000 jobs through the UK supply chain, with 41,000 in Scotland. The industry generates £7.1 billion in gross added value to the UK economy annually and is the UK’s No.1 food and drink export. 

About the Scotch Whisky Association Legal Affairs team 

The Legal Affairs team is primarily responsible for the worldwide protection of Scotch Whisky, looking after the legal framework which protects Scotch Whisky and provides guidance to the trade on compliance with the law. 

 At any one time, the Legal Affairs team will be handling many cases in courts around the world, investigations into suspicious products and objections to trademark registrations. 

Find out more about how Scotch Whisky is protected worldwide and the map of Legal Protections for Scotch Whisky around the world here