Miyazaki SME Patent Application Support Program

This program is operated by the Miyazaki Enterprise Promotion Organization (a public-interest foundation) under the Miyazaki Prefecture SME Patent Application Support Subsidy Grant Rules. It subsidizes part of the costs incurred by SMEs located in Miyazaki Prefecture when filing patent applications and design registration applications with the Japan Patent Office, PCT international applications, and patent applications with foreign patent offices. The goal is to encourage strategic use of intellectual property by Miyazaki SMEs, supporting one-of-a-kind monozukuri and overseas market development. Eligible applicants are SMEs as defined in Article 2, Paragraph 1, Items 1-3 of the SME Support Act, whose principal office or business establishment is in Miyazaki Prefecture. Companies whose headquarters functions are outside the prefecture are not eligible. Applicants must demonstrate intent to strategically use IP for management improvement, have concrete business plans utilizing the rights once granted, cooperate actively with post-project surveys, and have no ties to organized crime under the Miyazaki anti-bukyodan ordinance. For JPO filings, eligible costs include filing fees, domestic patent attorney fees, and other necessary expenses approved by the organization. For foreign filings, costs include foreign filing fees, domestic and local patent attorney fees, translation fees, and other approved expenses. Examination request fees, Japanese consumption tax, and refundable foreign taxes are excluded. The applicant must engage a qualified patent attorney or patent attorney corporation under Article 7 of the Patent Attorney Act. The subsidy rate is up to one-half (1/2) of eligible costs (rounded down to the nearest 1,000 yen). Up to 2 applications per company per fiscal year are supported, with ceilings of 150,000 yen each for domestic patent and design registration applications, and 250,000 yen each for PCT international applications and foreign patent applications (including PCT national-phase entries). The 2026 (Reiwa 8) call runs May 1 to September 30 (Round 1) and October 1 to December 28 (Round 2). Applications use Form No. 1 (Subsidy Application) submitted in person or by mail, and selection is made by a review committee following a presentation hearing.