Viral 'Chill Guy' Meme Creator Seeks to Secure Copyright Amid Fierce Battle

Creator Phillip Banks is seeking to secure rights to the meme, which he introduced on Instagram in October 2023, to prevent its unauthorized use in marketing and cryptocurrency projects.

A viral meme known as "Chill Guy," featuring an anthropomorphic dog calmly sitting in casual attire, has become the center of a heated copyright dispute. Phillip Banks, the creator of the meme, is seeking to secure the rights to his creation, which was first shared on Instagram in October 2023. Banks aims to prevent the meme's unauthorized use in marketing and cryptocurrency projects.

Describing the character as "a chill guy that lowkey doesn’t give a [expletive]," Banks initially gained widespread recognition for his relatable creation. The meme quickly spread across social media, with TikTok captions reading, "When you’re just a chill guy enjoying your day." Barstool Sports hailed the meme as "a mirror held up to all of us who embody that calm, unbothered vibe."

However, the meme's association with a cryptocurrency token named CHILLGUY, which boasts a market value of $405 million according to CoinMarketCap, has prompted Banks to take action. "I do not, and will never, endorse or condone any crypto-related projects involving my work," he stated on Instagram, announcing his plans to issue takedowns against any unauthorized usage.

The meme has also been featured in advertisements for Sprite Europe, March Madness, and NFL on CBS, leading Banks to demand greater control over the character's commercialization. "I will never give permission to use my art for anything crypto-related," he emphasized in his statement.