[David Knight]

I apologize in advance in case this specific example has already been posted/answered…

I understand copyright/ownership quite well with the exception of this: Let’s say I am a W-2 employee as a full-time lead editor. Upon hiring, the employer contract states that the “company” will provide all necessary equipment (camera, audio, computers, software, etc.)
Over time, however, advances in technology renders their equipment obsolete. So let’s say “company” doesn’t pay to upgrade video editing software, doesn’t purchase a new camera, but rather the W-2 employee is using their serial for purchased software, their personal camera equipment, etc.

No contracts of any kind were signed stating ownership of materials, nor was an updated employee contract made or signed about the use of equipment provided (or not provided) by “company.”

In this scenario, what are the rights of the W-2 employee and the footage/published works that has been created with 95% of equipment paid for by the employee?
Especially considering that one such project was a full length documentary that has been distributed…