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..
Can You Patent Something That Already Exists? Patents are issued for useful innovations. While an innovation can entail an entirely new device or design, you can also obtain a patent for improving an existing design or finding a new use for an existing device, item or chemical compound.