This is larger than simply patents. The US despite its rhetoric about free trade, democracy, freedom, etc. will, and always has, ensured that its own interests (often in the form of corporations) is given an unfair advantage over other nations.

If you doubt this, here is a recent example in an accessible format about the US loosing a WTC dispute with Brazil, then proceeding to ignore the verdict and continue its unfair trade practices. NPR Planet Money Podcast is here http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2013/05/03/180912847/episode-...