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SWA moves to protect Scotch whisky’s origin
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has become the first UK group to join Geneva-based geographical indications network, Origin.
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has joined a network for the protection of products with geographical indication (GI) status
According to the SWA, its new membership with the Organisation for International Geographical Indications Network (Origin) will enable it to promote Scotch whisky’s geographical indication (GI) as a product made in Scotland across the globe.
“Geographical indications such as Scotch whisky have become very important in world trade,” said David Frost, CEO of the SWA. “Protecting GIs is not just about intellectual property, it is also about protecting cultural heritage and employment, particularly in rural areas.
“Origin is very important in facilitating and co-ordinating the interests of GIs around the world. We are delighted to expand our international connections by working with the organisation.”
Origin is a not-for-profit organisation which works internationally to improve protection for geographical indications (GIs).
In May this year, SWA representatives signed a co-operation agreement between the Scotch whisky and Tequila industries in order to promote the mutual protection of their GI statuses and encourage fair trading.
The organisation also revealed in its recent annual report that it had objected to 100 whisky trademarks across the world in 2013 which it claimed wrongfully suggested products were made in Scotland.