SWA takes on Armenian MP over packaging
The Scotch Whisky Association has begun legal proceedings against an Armenian MP following allegations two of his businesses are marketing “whisky” in packaging that resembles well-known brands.
Mac Alex is one brand produced by A&G LtdMP Samvel Aleksanyan has already faced counterfeiting charges over his supermarket vodka brands, reports HETQ, an Armenian branch of the Association of Investigative Journalists.
Now the SWA has taken two businesses owned by the Aleksanyan family to court in Yerevan, the Armenian capital, over claims the companies engaged in “deceptive business practices”.
In proceedings starting on 11 May, the SWA has demanded that potentially misleading “whisky” produced by Aleksanyan firms A&G Ltd and Aleks Grig Ltd be removed from store shelves, and the companies pay compensation, says HETQ.
“We can confirm we have raised legal proceedings but as they are ongoing, we have no further comment at this stage,” an SWA spokesperson told The Spirits Business.
Earlier this year the SWA won a number of legal battles in India, gaining permanent injunctions against three Indian spirits firms that falsely referenced “Scotch” on product labels.
