Hi there. This does not appear to be a situation where the law can be of much assistance. If the certificate was generated as part of your work and related to some aspect of the business, you may find that, under the terms of your employment contract, the document is considered to be the employer’s property. This would mean that the employer has a right to keep the document.

However, if the certificate was not generated at work or by you in your working capacity, or did not form part of the business, then the certificate is likely to be your property. The law says that people who “borrow” property must return it, if that is what was agreed between the parties. While this may theoretically give you a right to reclaim the certificate, practically, enforcing this right would be too difficult and/or costly. You should consider other practical solutions such as contacting your former boss’ supervisor in writing or, if possible, requesting a re-issue of a certificate from the original creator.

Suggested way forward

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