The JPO has, as of April 1, 2018, ended the reduced official fees (i.e., reducing to 1/3 of normal fees) for requesting examination for patent applications for certain small or new businesses.

However, the JPO still allows a reduction of official fees for requesting examination for patent applications in which the corresponding international application was filed between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2018. For applications in which a request for examination is filed on or after April 1, 2018, a 1/2 reduction of the normal fees may be applied if certain requirements set in accordance with Japanese patent laws or other laws are met.

Regarding patent annuities (1st to 10th year annuities), a reduction of the official fees for certain small or new businesses (i.e., reduced to 1/3 of normal fee) will be applied for applications in which a request for examination was filed between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2018.