Intellectual property question involving the internet

[dctexas]

I worked for a company in Miami, job description business manager, and I worked in sales. During my time here (no work or employee contract), I developed, solely on my own, internet marketing/marketing processes/procedures through intense research. I was asked to continue my research and employ these ideas to benefit the company.
Shortly after discovering my incredible success, I left the company and opened my own business. The company became a client, I no longer an employee.
The company kept my notebooks with my ideas and notes, claiming that it is their property along with my ideas. They also say that other employees are being taught my ideas and methods to replicate what I developed and did. They claim to own my ideas because it was done under the time that I was an employee of the company.
As a new business owner, I do not want them to have my notebooks/ideas because they are my intellectual property. Do I have rights to these, and/or is there a case I can file for them using my ideas?

Also as well...I was in sales. She asked me to develop a sales seminar to give to the staff based on my own ideas and own individual success in sales. I developed my own method divergent of the company's, and the success was incredible. Again, she wants me to put my ideas on paper, teach it to her employees, and then "claim" to own this development/process.

I would really appreciate advice before I actually go and consult with a lawyer.

 

[army judge]

I worked for a company in Miami, job description business manager, and I worked in sales. During my time here (no work or employee contract), I developed, solely on my own, internet marketing/marketing processes/procedures through intense research. I was asked to continue my research and employ these ideas to benefit the company.
Shortly after discovering my incredible success, I left the company and opened my own business. The company became a client, I no longer an employee.
The company kept my notebooks with my ideas and notes, claiming that it is their property along with my ideas. They also say that other employees are being taught my ideas and methods to replicate what I developed and did. They claim to own my ideas because it was done under the time that I was an employee of the company.
As a new business owner, I do not want them to have my notebooks/ideas because they are my intellectual property. Do I have rights to these, and/or is there a case I can file for them using my ideas?

Also as well...I was in sales. She asked me to develop a sales seminar to give to the staff based on my own ideas and own individual success in sales. I developed my own method divergent of the company's, and the success was incredible. Again, she wants me to put my ideas on paper, teach it to her employees, and then "claim" to own this development/process.

I would really appreciate advice before I actually go and consult with a lawyer.

Generally speaking, work developed on the employer's "dime and time" belongs to the employer.
You might even be using the materials you developed illegally.
If you push this, you could lose a client and get sued!

You can consult a local attorney for further clarification and explanation.
In fact, it is always a good idea to get two or three legal opinions.
Your initial consultation is normally free.