For Japanese patent applications filed by universities, startups, small entities, etc., where a request for examination is filed on or after April 1, 2019, a new Japan Patent Office discount system will be applied to particular fees, such as fees for request for examination, and annuity fees for the 1st to 10th years after grant. Moreover, those wishing to utilize these discounts will not be required to provide proof of eligibility therefor.
Specifically, universities, colleges, and university/college researchers; local governments establishing a pubic research institute; cooperatives; NPOs; self-employed/low-income individuals; startups; and micro- and small entities that satisfy particular requirements can enjoy the benefit of these discounted fees. For more details, please contact us.
Concurrently with these changes, the standard fees for filing a request for patent examination will be increased for all applicants. For example, the new fee for filing a request for a Japanese phase entry of a PCT application will be 18,000 JPY (around 145 EUR, or 165 USD) higher than the current fee. This new fee will be applied to applications based on PCT applications filed on or after April 1, 2019.