Gaining recognition of Scotch Whisky as a trademark strengthens the legal protection for the drink in the US, which is already protected under the US Federal Code, and will make enforcement against counterfeit products being sold or passed off as Scotch Whisky easier.
Scotch Whisky exports earned the UK £143 ($174) every second in 2021, totaling more than £4.5bn ($5.5bn).
The US became the industry’s first billion pound market in 2019: although has faced challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and 18 months of tariffs (which were suspended in June last year).
In 2021 exports enjoyed a recovery and increased by 8% to £790m ($970m), with four bottles of Scotch Whisky exported to the US every second.
The Scotch Whisky Association says the registration marks the industry’s determination to build back in the US. It says such legal protection is ‘vital’ to the industry’s export success, and now counts more than 100 countries where the drink has specific legal protection.
SWA Chief Executive Mark Kent said: "The registration of the 'Scotch Whisky' certification trademark in the US is a milestone for Scotland's national drink in our largest global market.
"This registration offers Scotch Whisky a greater degree of legal protection and will allow us to take action against those who seek to cash-in on the heritage, craft and quality of genuine Scotch.”
