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No longer a Chill Guy, artist wants copyright
28 November 2024
Character by Philip Banks
The meme coin Chill Guy, inspired by a popular internet character, has experienced an explosive rise since its debut on November 15, 2024. Its market capitalization soared from US$10 million to US$500 million, with a 60 percent surge in just 24 hours, before settling around US$440 million.
On November 26, 2024, CoinMarketCap reported that Chill Guy outpaced other meme coins like Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB). This rapid growth is largely credited to the viral success of its mascot, a casual-dressed anthropomorphic dog, which has struck a chord with Gen Z users on platforms like TikTok.
The Chill Guy meme, which has taken the internet by storm, is now at the centre of an intellectual property controversy. Created by artist Phillip Banks, the meme features a humanoid dog with a casual, nonchalant expression, often used to convey a laid-back attitude toward life’s stresses.
It was first posted by Banks in November 2023 and quickly gained popularity for its relatable and simple message. The character, with his hands in his pockets and a smirk, gives advice on staying stress-free and embracing a laid-back, “chill” lifestyle. Over time, Chill Guy has been used in various memes, from work struggles to self-care tips.
In a post on X, Banks made it clear that he had copyrighted the artwork and would soon issue takedown notices for any unauthorized commercial use. This came after the meme’s appearance in various profit-driven projects, including its emergence as part of the cryptocurrency boom. Although Banks expressed support for brands using his image with proper credit, he has been vocal in calling out instances where the Chill Guy image was used without permission, particularly when linked to financial ventures such as the Chill Guy token.
Screenshot of Philip’s post on X.
Banks’ move to claim copyright over the character has at first sparked mixed reactions. While some support his rights as the creator, others feel that enforcing copyright goes against the free-spirited nature of meme culture. Banks later said he’s okay with brands using the image, as long as they give credit.
Banks is determined to protect his intellectual property. He has already begun taking action against the unauthorized commercialization of Chill Guy, including merchandise and cryptocurrency projects. This has led to broader discussions about how internet creators can navigate the complexities of intellectual property in an age where viral content often evolves beyond its original context.
Screenshot of Philip’s post on X.
The artist has also been the target of harassment, revealing on X that his private details had been leaked in a ‘doxxing’ attempt.
- Cathy Li
