Tbf, it only makes good business sense to try and patent everything you can. Either to hold it as a unique selling point over competitors or to license to others.

I think the real problem here is the concepts of patents in general.

Makes sense to me that they could theoretically work all the way down to near 0 kelvin, just depends on their efficiency. Just so long as there is heat to be had…

Also, not sure energy star really means much.