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..
On the other hand, market exclusivity is granted by the FDA upon its approval of a drug. These are exclusive marketing rights, and can run from 180 days to seven years. Drugs can have patent exclusivity, market exclusivity, both, or none. It all depends on what criteria they fit.