 It's Tuesday, December 11th, 2012. I'm America's David Pierce, 8th in mathematics, 11th in science, and 2nd in being awesome. This is 90 seconds on the Verge. The European Union has voted to create a unified patent system in 2014. It's a big step forward in a debate that's been going on for decades. The new system would allow a single patent to cover 25 EU member states and makes patent protection easier across much of Europe. The new patent system still has to be ratified by at least 13 states, and that list has to include the UK, France, and Germany. If all goes according to plan, it will take effect in January of 2014. Word has it Apple and Microsoft are locked in a battle over iOS's 70-30 revenue split. That's according to All Things D. The two major companies are reportedly sparring over a 30% cut of future Office Mobile subscriptions. Microsoft wants Apple to negotiate a different share, and Apple is sticking to its rules. According to earlier reports, Microsoft, Office Mobile for iOS is due out first thing in 2013. But with this ongoing discussion, that might not be the case. Finally, we've seen quite a few high-profile science fiction trailers in the last few days. Here's a sampling of what's coming from After Earth, Man of Steel, and Oblivion. Between those three movies, we've got Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Will Smith, and Superman. Plus, Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim trailer is scheduled to hit tomorrow. Nothing human remains. Your best bet is probably just to move into a movie theater for the next few months. And that's it for today's top stories. Tune in tomorrow, or better yet, come to our holiday party in New York City. Your first drink's on me. Actually, all your drinks are on me.