A Cardiff-headquartered law firm has been handed a £432,000 grant by the Welsh government.

According to the government, the cash will help CJCH Solicitors establish a ‘global anti-piracy HQ’ in Cardiff. The new organisation promises to create ‘71 new high skilled jobs’.

The grant was approved under the government’s business finance scheme. The scheme comes under the watch of the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, Ken Skates.

In a statement, Skates said: ‘IP piracy, which can range from copyright theft or infringement to counterfeit goods, is a growing global issue that can cause untold damage to businesses, to their protected and valued brands and to the economy.

‘I am delighted the Welsh government is supporting this investment – we already have the UK Intellectual Property Office headquartered in Newport and this new development can only enhance Wales’ standing as a leading authority in IP as well as a centre of innovation in the business of law and cybersecurity.’

CJCH was formed in 2013 with the merger of  Vale of Glamorgan firm Colin Jones Solicitors and Cardiff firm Clarke & Hartland.

According to the government, the new business, called CJCH Ltd, will be a separate entity from the main legal practice, ‘with its own distinct identity and website’.

Stephen Clarke, senior partner at CJCH, said: ‘The CJCH team are proud to be associated with such a necessary development, and excited to be partnering with the Welsh government.’