A1-6 Yes, the JPO actually has two programs to either reduce or exempt fees for eligible applicants. One program is for national applications, and it either reduces or exempts the "annual patent fee", "examination request fee", and "utility model fee" (registration and registrability report). The other program is for international applications, and it either reduces or exempts the "search fee", "transmittal fee" and "preliminary examination fee". To be eligible for these programs, applicants must be individuals, companies, SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises), and SMEs engaged in R&D, and must meet certain requirements stipulated under Japanese law such as the Patent Act and the Industrial Technology Enhancement Act.