The energy for an endergonic reaction is obtained by coupling the reaction with an exergonic reaction. A familiar example of coupling exergonic reactions to endergonic reactions to promote spontaneity comes from ATP.
That's a key distinction, because foreign countries with weak patent laws routinely inundate the market with knockoff products. The only way you're going to control your product in the market is if you have the ability to tell others to stop, Wolin says. In the United States and elsewhere, it's the patent system. That's the only way..
No U.S. patent can be obtained if the invention was patented abroad before applying in the United States by the inventor or his or her legal representatives if the foreign application was filed more than 12 months before filing in the United States. Six months are allowed in the case of designs. 35 U.S.C. 172.