Welsh Whisky Joins UK GI Scheme

The first successful application under the UK Geographical Indication (GI) scheme has recently been granted to Welsh Whisky. Protection for this product has been brought about by the surge in its popularity and the expansion of the industry in recent years.

This news brings attention to the new procedures for gaining geographical protection for UK-based goods since the UK's departure from the EU and reminds us to be aware of how to gain such protection going forward in both the UK and the EU.

GI protection since BREXIT

In 2021, following its departure from the EU, the UK government introduced the UK GI scheme to continue a protection scheme for goods that are linked to a particular location. The scheme predominantly aims to protect food and beverages, as these goods can be commonly made in, or in a way that suggests a link to, a specific place.