Work Document Ownership Dispute

Summary

In Iowa, work created during employment generally belongs to the employer. Without a written agreement stating otherwise, your employer may have rights to the files. Consult a local attorney for advice.

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my bosses are threatening me with criminal charges for having work documents in my possession
What type of documents are these and were you authorized to have them? In Iowa, unauthorized possession of certain work documents can potentially lead to criminal charges.
they are custom designed files that I created for the business, using my computer and my software
What is the nature of your employment contract regarding ownership of work created during your employment? In Iowa, work created during employment often belongs to the employer.
I was a manager of their business.
Do you have a written agreement with your employer about the ownership of the work you created? In Iowa, without a written agreement, work created during employment typically belongs to the employer.
no
In Iowa, work created during employment generally belongs to the employer. Without a written agreement stating otherwise, your employer may have rights to the files. Please consult a local attorney for advice.