The European Union officially launched the European single patent system.

[EU officially launches European single Patent system]-the European Union officially launched the European single patent system on June 1, local time. The single patent system refers to an one-stop service for patent registration and enforcement in Europe to reduce the cost and administrative burden of innovators, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. It allows companies and other innovators to obtain a single "unified" patent for their inventions, valid in all EU member states. The European single patent system will take effect immediately in the 17 EU member states that have ratified it, including Belgium.