The article discusses how intellectual property rights can either help or harm developing countries. It argues that the focus on private interests over public interests in intellectual property regimes is causing problems. The traditional role of U.S. intellectual property policy was to benefit the public, but now it mainly serves private interests. This shift may harm the U.S. by stifling innovation and withholding knowledge. The international intellectual property treaty TRIPS could limit the U.S.'s ability to shape its own laws in this area. The article suggests that this new approach to intellectual property may have negative consequences for both developing countries and the United States.