South Africa: Scotch Whisky Association registers 'Scotch' as certification trademark in South Africa
The Scotch Whisky Association has successfully registered 'Scotch' as a certification trademark in South Africa, the Insider reported on August 6.
The move is a huge boost to malt exports as South Africa is the seventh largest whisky market by volume.
According to the association, exports to the African nation increased by more than 20 per cent in 2017 with nearly 100 bottles shipped every minute - and exports earning the UK £139 every second.
The SWA said the legal protection of Scotch was vital to the industry's continued export success - with South Africa joining more than 100 other countries where Scotch has been granted legal protection.
SWA chief executive Karen Betts said: "The registration of the ‘Scotch Whisky’ certification trademark in South Africa is a milestone for Scotland’s national drink in our largest export market in Africa, and one of the largest in the world.
“This registration offers Scotch Whisky a greater degree of legal protection and will allow us to prosecute rogue traders who seek to cash-in on the heritage, craft and quality of genuine Scotch.
“Scotch Whisky – the UK’s largest food and drink export – is growing in popularity in South Africa. The legal protection of Scotch is another step towards the continued success of this iconic spirit.”
Matt Hervey, a director at law firm Gowling WLG, said: “This may be a valuable deterrent against Scotch whisky imitations in South Africa. In the EU, Scotch whisky has 'geographical indication' protection (similar protections apply to champagne, parmesan and Melton Mowbray pork pies).
"The Scotch Whisky Association aims to achieve something akin to this in South Africa by leveraging the existing trade mark system. The Association has achieved similar protection in China. Producers of other regional products should consider doing the same.”
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