Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has secured Certification Trademark for the spirit in South Korea.

The certification further enhances the legal protection for ‘Scotch Whisky’ in South Korea, which is currently dealt with through the EU-South Korean free-trade agreement.

Scotch Whisky Association Legal deputy director Lindesay Low said: “The industry takes the legal protection of Scotch whisky very seriously. Only through robust and consistent action can consumers be assured that the Scotch whisky they enjoy is the genuine article each and every time.

“By securing a Certification Trademark in South Korea, the SWA has ensured continued legal protection for Scotch whisky post-Brexit.

“By securing a Certification Trademark in South Korea, the SWA has ensured continued legal protection for Scotch whisky post-Brexit.”

“This is just the latest legal success which shows the SWA will continue to set up legal frameworks that enable us to take action to stop the sale of fake and counterfeit products that unfairly take advantage of the quality and reputation of Scotch whisky.”

In addition to Certification Trademark, SWA has obtained a range of intellectual property rights including GI protection, trademark registrations and protection in local law, which ensure that Scotch whisky is recognised and protected across the industry’s extensive export markets.

The SWA has obtained intellectual property rights in more than 100 markets across the globe to ensure that Scotland’s national drink is officially recognised as a Scottish product and produced in accordance with traditional methods.

Scotch whisky must be aged in oak casks for at least three years and bottled with a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume (ABV).

British Ambassador to South Korea Simon Smith said: “This enhanced legal protection will give consumers continued assurance that the Scotch whisky they buy is the genuine article.”