FY2026 SME Overseas Expansion Support Subsidy (Overseas IP Application Support)

①Overview: The SME Overseas Expansion Support Subsidy (Overseas IP Application Support) is a Japan METI program that partially funds SMEs' overseas filings of patent, utility model, design, or trademark applications. The intermediary (Fukui Industry Support Center as a prefectural SME support center) receives funds from METI's regional bureaus and distributes them as indirect subsidies. This page concerns the Fukui prefectural intermediary's overseas application support. ②Eligible applicants: SMEs that satisfy: (1) have a pending Japan IP filing (incl. PCT, Hague-designation-includes-Japan international design, Madrid Protocol international trademark); (2) plan to file at a foreign IP office (with Paris-priority claim, or other conditions for trademarks); (3) same applicant name as the Japan-base filing; (4) cooperation with the Japan-domestic patent attorney for paperwork; (5) cooperate with 5-year post-completion status surveys; (6) request examination when required and respond to office actions. Restricted to Fukui-prefecture SMEs (since the intermediary is a prefectural SME support center). EXCLUDED: ≥1/2 shares held by same large enterprise; ≥2/3 shares held by multiple large enterprises; ≥1/2 directors are large-enterprise officers/employees; ≥JPY 500M capitalized parent (direct/indirect 100% ownership); average taxable income > JPY 1.5B; organized-crime affiliated. ③Eligible expenses & benefit content: Costs necessary for foreign IP office filings as listed in the implementation guidelines' annex. NOT eligible: fees that become Japan JPO revenue. For joint applications with other entities, eligible amount is the applicant's share. Consumption-tax purchase tax credit must be deducted in the application. ④Rate, ceiling, schedule, application pointers: Rate 1/2. Caps: (1) JPY 3,000,000 per company per fiscal year; (2) per application per fiscal year — patent JPY 1,500,000; utility/design/trademark (excluding anti-piracy trademark) JPY 600,000; anti-piracy trademark JPY 300,000. Submit Form 1-1 or 1-2 to the intermediary (electronic filing supported). Selection criteria: foreign-right grant possibility not clearly negated by prior-art search, business plan if right is granted (or anti-piracy intent), funding capability. Keep books separate; retain for 5 years post-completion.