Scotch whisky has been given further legal protection in the US in a bid to stop counterfeiters.
The Scotch Whisky Association has successfully registered “Scotch Whisky” as a certification trademark.
The US is the industry’s largest global market and was worth almost £800million last year.
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.”
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