I have never done this before so bear with me.
I am a Graphic Designer who started a business 3 years ago with a woman. We created and designed the whole 'program' together. Since the inception of this business, I have been titled as "Co-Founder". Because I was the Co-Founder and had no money to put into the business I did all design work (including and not limited to: photography, logos, pamphlets, business cards, posters and basically everything we needed for this business I was doing) for pretty much nothing. I had been paid in the first year or so, but a very minimal amount.
Long story short, it's gotten nasty and she is now trying to say I am not the co-founder and that all design work is hers (design work was done under the impression that I was co-founder). However, I have never signed over any IP to her, and she has not paid me in 2 years for design work. I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me? Who really owns this work, and if it became legal - am I the owner of said design?
Is there any links that I can send her to educate her on this subject?
EDIT: No contract, and I live in Canada. Ive been trying to make up some conditions and protect myself within the business, and want to say that If she doesn't meet my requirements that I will take my stuff and leave, but I need to make sure I'm actually able to do so. This is worst case scenario ... I have never wanted this to happen, and never thought it would. Thats why no contract was made up.