The catch is, it wasn't a paper-clip patent. Instead, William Middlebrook patented a machine that would make wire paper clips.The paper clip is a Nordic invention with a patent history that reflects innovation in design and function. This page provides information on the types of patents and types of patent applications, and the examination process. The number of patent assignments for a county is based upon the cumulative assignees in a county for the designated time-period, i.e.