Information on the 2022 JETRO Foreign Application Subsidy (up to 3 million yen)

My name is Sugiura and I am a patent attorney. We want to protect our technology and brand overseas. However, filing a foreign application is expensive. JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)'s foreign application subsidies are a strong ally for such small and medium-sized businesses.

This subsidy is a system that subsidizes a portion of the cost of applying for intellectual property rights overseas, and a maximum of 3 million yen (subsidy rate 1/2) will be provided. Why not take this opportunity to try your hand at filing foreign and international applications?

What is JETRO Foreign Application Grant

JETRO Foreign Application Subsidy (official name: Foreign Application Support Project for Small and Medium Enterprises, etc.) is a system in which the government subsidizes a portion of the costs incurred by small and medium-sized enterprises when acquiring intellectual property rights overseas. It is administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan Patent Office, with JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and implementing agencies in each prefecture serving as the contact points.

When expanding products and services to overseas markets, it is essential to obtain local patents, trademarks, and designs. However, the reality is that foreign applications are several times more expensive than domestic applications, including translation costs, local agent fees, and fees to each country's patent office. This subsidy aims to reduce such cost burdens and support the overseas intellectual property strategies of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Applications for this grant are held from May to July each year. In addition, not only JETRO Headquarters but also each prefecture has a similar subsidy system (the details are the same, just the implementation desk is different), so you can also consult the counter in your area.

Grant scope - what is covered

This grant covers a wide range of costs for foreign applications (patents, designs, trademarks) and international applications (PCT applications, Hague applications, Madpro applications).

Type of application

Direct application:This is a method of applying directly to the patent office of each country. This applies to patent applications, trademark applications, and design applications in the United States, China, South Korea, Taiwan, etc.

International applications:PCT applications (international applications based on the Patent Cooperation Treaty), Madrid Protocol applications (international applications for trademarks), and Hague Agreement applications (international applications for industrial designs) are also eligible.

Breakdown of applicable expenses

The specific expenses eligible for the grant are as follows.

• Application fees to foreign patent offices, etc.
• Cost of local agent (patent attorney/attorney)
• Translation cost
• Domestic agent (patent attorney) fees
• Transition fees for PCT international applications to each designated country
• Examination request fee
• Priority claim fee
• Correction fee
• Application maintenance pension
• PPH (Patent Prosecution Highway) Fees

Subsidy amount comparison table by intellectual property type

The upper limit of the grant amount varies depending on the type of intellectual property and application method. Please refer to the table below.

Eligible companies/application qualifications

In order to take advantage of this grant, you must meet the following requirements:

Audience requirements

• Small and Medium Enterprises (Small and Medium Enterprises as defined in the Small and Medium Enterprise Basic Act)
• Group consisting of small and medium-sized enterprises (more than two-thirds of the members are small and medium-sized enterprises)
• Association, etc. applying for regional collective trademark

Definition of small and medium-sized enterprises (capital and number of employees by industry)

Recruitment schedule for 2022

In FY2022, a total of two grants were solicited through JETRO. In most years, recruitment is held only once, but this year it was held twice as shown below.

Application method and required documents

There are two ways to apply: online application using jGrants (grant application system) and application by mail.

When using jGrants (electronic application)

In order to use jGrants, you must first obtain an account called gBizID (G Business ID). Documents such as a seal certificate are required to issue a gBizID, and it takes approximately two weeks to complete registration.

Reference link:

• jGrants (Grant application system)
• Get gBizID (G Business ID)

List of required documents

The documents required for application are as follows (some documents may not be necessary depending on the company's situation).

How to plan your application schedule and tips for success

In order to increase the grant acceptance rate, systematic preparation is essential. Below, I will give you some practical advice based on my experience as a patent attorney.

Ideal preparation schedule (e.g. for May recruitment)

5 points to increase acceptance rate

List of implementation counters in Kansai region

You can apply not only at JETRO headquarters but also at the counter in each prefecture. The content is the same as JETRO's subsidy, only the contact point is different. We recommend that you contact your local counter, as they are often able to provide you with friendly assistance.

In the past, our firm has visited the Osaka Industrial Bureau with clients and had all applications for patents, designs, and trademarks approved and obtained grants. The person in charge at the Osaka Industrial Bureau was very kind.

Main application destination countries/regions

The application may be filed in any country of the applicant's choice. The main application destinations that are popular with Japanese companies are as follows.

Past user companies and success stories

Intellectual property firm EVORIX has helped clients in the following industries apply for grants.

• Apparel company (trademark Madpro application)
• Beauty product manufacturer (foreign application for trademark/design)
• Manufacturer of resin molded products and daily necessities (foreign applications for patents and designs)

Also, according to the foreign application subsidy case study published by the Japan Patent Office, Airweave Co., Ltd. (Aichi Prefecture), Hamada Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Kagoshima Prefecture), Honbo Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Kagoshima Prefecture), Oigen Casting Co., Ltd. (Iwate Prefecture), and Melody Inn Many companies are utilizing this system, including International Corporation (Kagawa Prefecture), Asahi Mekki Co., Ltd. (Tottori Prefecture), Ishino Seisakusho Co., Ltd. (Ishikawa Prefecture), Riken Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Hokkaido), and Green Bell Co., Ltd. (Osaka Prefecture).

For details, please refer to the case collection of the Japan Patent Office:
Japan Patent Office Foreign Application Subsidy Case Collection (PDF)

Practical advice from a patent attorney

Based on my experience helping people apply for grants, I would like to share with you some common stumbling blocks and how to deal with them.

Things to note when creating a quote

Estimates must include a detailed breakdown of costs. A rough description such as "a set of foreign application fees" will not pass the examination. Specifically, please clearly indicate the amount for each item below.

• Stamp fees to each patent office (application fee, examination request fee, etc.)
• Local agent fees (listed separately by country)
• Translation cost (specify language and amount)
• Domestic agent fee

Quality of prior art search report

The prior art search report is an important document that shows that the intellectual property you are applying for is likely to be registered in a foreign country. It is difficult to prepare it on your own, so we recommend that you ask an expert (patent attorney) to do it for you.

At our office, the patent attorney in charge will conduct a prior art search for each country in which you wish to apply and compile a report. Based on the results of our investigation, we will also propose a review of your application strategy and adjustments to your claims.

PCT application and grant timing strategy

PCT applications must enter the national phase in each country within 30 months from the priority date. By timing this domestic migration to coincide with the grant application period, you can utilize the grant in the most cost-effective manner. Translation fees and local agent fees incurred when moving between countries tend to be expensive, so be sure to plan your schedule accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Consultation/Inquiry

Our office provides application representation for foreign application grants, and we have a wealth of experience and track record. We provide consistent support from the creation of prior art search reports to the preparation and submission of application documents.

If you have any questions about grants for foreign applications, please feel free to contact us. The first consultation is free.

JETRO grant details page:
https://www.jetro.go.jp/services/ip_service_overseas_appli.html

AUTHOR

Takefumi SUGIURA （杉浦 健文）

EVORIX Intellectual Property Law Firm　Managing Patent Attorney

Supports clients across IT, manufacturing, startups, fashion, and medical industries, covering patent, trademark, design, and copyright filings through trials and infringement litigation. Specialized in IP strategy for AI, IoT, Web3, and FinTech. Member of the Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA), Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA), and Japan Trademark Association (JTA).

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