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?
Table of Contents
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.
Subsidy points:Up to 3 million yen (subsidy rate 1/2) will be provided. In other words, half of the expenses incurred for foreign applications (up to 3 million yen) can be covered by the grant. For example, if your application costs 6 million yen, you will receive a grant of 3 million yen.
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.
This grant covers a wide range of costs for foreign applications (patents, designs, trademarks) and international applications (PCT applications, Hague applications, Madpro applications).
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.
The specific expenses eligible for the grant are as follows.
Wise use:If you file a PCT application in advance and then use this subsidy when you enter the national phase in each country, the subsidy will cover national phase fees, translation fees, examination request fees, etc. Significant cost savings can be achieved by aligning the timing of PCT application and national transition with the grant application period.
The upper limit of the grant amount varies depending on the type of intellectual property and application method. Please refer to the table below.
| Type of intellectual property | How to apply | Grant maximum amount (1 item) | Subsidy rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patent | Direct application (Paris route) | 1.5 million yen | Within 1/2 |
| Patent | PCT International Application | 1.5 million yen | Within 1/2 |
| Utility model | Direct application | 600,000 yen | Within 1/2 |
| Design | Direct application | 600,000 yen | Within 1/2 |
| Design | Hague International Application | 600,000 yen | Within 1/2 |
| Trademark | Direct application | 600,000 yen | Within 1/2 |
| Trademark | MadPro International Application | 600,000 yen | Within 1/2 |
| Total limit | Up to 3 million yen per year per company (total of multiple projects) | ||
In order to take advantage of this grant, you must meet the following requirements:
| Industry | Capital | Number of employees |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing/Other | 300 million yen or less | 300 people or less |
| Wholesale | 100 million yen or less | Less than 100 people |
| Retail | 50 million yen or less | 50 people or less |
| Service industry | 50 million yen or less | Less than 100 people |
For sole proprietorships:Even sole proprietorships are eligible to apply if the number of employees meets the above criteria. In the case of start-up companies, even those that have just been established can apply. However, since it is necessary to submit two terms of financial statements, if it is the first term of establishment, you will need to consult with us about how to deal with it.
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.
| Recruitment round | Application period |
|---|---|
| Part 1 | May 9, 2022 (Monday) - May 31, 2022 (Tuesday) |
| Part 2 | Friday, July 1, 2022 - Friday, July 29, 2022 |
There are two ways to apply: online application using jGrants (grant application system) and application by mail.
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:
The documents required for application are as follows (some documents may not be necessary depending on the company's situation).
| No. | Document name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application form | Specified format available |
| 2 | Cooperation agreement | - |
| 3 | Certified copy of the register | For corporations |
| 4 | Company business overview | Documents that explain the business details |
| 5 | Officer list | - |
| 6 | Financial statement for 2 periods | Requires the last two terms |
| 7 | Application documents, etc. | Set of documents to be filed |
| 8 | Quote | Details of stamp fees, agent fees, local fees, etc. |
| 9 | Financial planning | - |
| 10 | Prior art search report/prior registration search report | One of the most important documents |
| 11 | Joint application equity percentage document | For joint applications only |
| 12 | "Extended frame" circumstances explanation | Only for those who request extension slot |
| 13 | Wage increase plan related documents | Applicable only |
Our support:
Among the documents, the most difficult one is "No. 10 Prior Art Search Report/Prior Registration Search Report." At our firm, our patent attorneys will conduct prior art searches for each country in which you wish to apply, and will support you through the preparation of a report. We also provide support for preparing all application documents, so please feel free to contact us.
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.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| January-February | Consideration of foreign application strategy, selection of country of filing destination, start consultation with patent attorney |
| February-March | Start gBizID acquisition procedure, request prior art search |
| March-April | Obtain quotation, draft application documents, complete prior art search report |
| April | Final check of application documents, final confirmation of required documents |
| Early May | Submit your application immediately after recruitment begins |
1. Carefully create a prior art search report
This is one of the documents that judges place the most importance on. Let us show you the possibility of the intellectual property you are applying for being registered using objective data.
2. Describe your overseas business plan in detail
It is important to clearly state why you are applying to that country and your specific business expansion plan.
3. Estimate should be clearly stated in detail
Please provide a detailed breakdown of each item, including stamp duty, agent fee, and local fee. Rough estimates will receive negative marks upon review.
4. Eliminate document flaws
Incomplete documentation is a major cause of rejection. We strongly recommend that you have your application checked by a patent attorney before submission.
5. Avoid close deadlines
Ideally, submit at the beginning of the recruitment period. Near the deadline, the counter will be crowded, and you won't have time to correct any errors.
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.
| Region | Implementing agency | Location | Phone number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyoto City | Kyoto Institute of Advanced Technology | 134 Chudoji Minami-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi | 075-366-5270 |
| Kyoto Prefecture | Kyoto Sangyo 21 | Inside Kyoto Prefectural Industrial Support Center, 134 Nakadoji Minami-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi | 075-315-9425 |
| Osaka Prefecture | Osaka Industrial Bureau | Creation Core Higashiosaka North Building 1st Floor, 1-4-17 Aramotokita, Higashiosaka City | 06-6748-1052 |
| Hyogo Prefecture | New Industry Creation Research Organization | 4th floor, Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building, 6-1 Minatojima Nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe | 078-306-6808 |
| Nara Prefecture | Nara Prefecture Regional Industry Promotion Center | 3rd floor, Nara Prefectural Industrial Promotion Center, 129-1 Kashiwagicho, Nara City | 0742-36-8312 |
| Wakayama Prefecture | Wakayama Industrial Promotion Foundation | Forte Wajima 6th floor, 2-1 Honmachi, Wakayama City | 073-432-5122 |
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.
| Region | Main application destinations |
|---|---|
| Asia | China, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India |
| USA | United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil |
| Europe | Europe (EPO), Germany, France, United Kingdom |
| Ocean | Australia, New Zealand |
| Africa/Middle East | South Africa, UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc. |
Intellectual property firm EVORIX has helped clients in the following industries apply for grants.
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)
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.
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.
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 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.
Yes, sole proprietorships can apply as long as they meet the requirements for small and medium-sized enterprises as stipulated in the Small and Medium Enterprise Basic Act.
As a general rule, expenses paid before the grant decision is made are not eligible. However, it may be possible to apply for costs that will be incurred in the future, such as costs for transitioning PCT applications to other countries. Please check with the counter for details.
Yes, even if you are not selected, you can apply again at the next recruitment. We recommend that you improve your documents based on the reasons for rejection and retry your application.
No, you can apply for multiple destinations in one application form. However, you will need to prepare estimates and plans for each application destination.
Subsidy is paid in arrears (settlement payment). After actually filing a foreign application and paying the fee, you will submit a performance report and the fee will be settled. Please note that you will first need to cover the application costs yourself.
Yes, domestic patent attorney fees and local agent fees are also eligible for funding. Translation costs are also included.
The contents and amount of the subsidy are the same. If there is a counter in your area, it is often easier to consult face-to-face and receive more detailed support. However, as recruitment periods may differ, we recommend that you check both information.
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).