Creator enforces copyright on viral ‘Chill Guy’ meme profits.
Mixed reactions emerge over intellectual property in meme culture.
Phillip Banks, the artist behind the viral “Just a Chill Guy” meme, has announced plans to enforce copyright protection on his creation. The meme, featuring a humanoid dog exuding nonchalance with a casual smirk and hands in its pockets, became an internet sensation, offering relatable advice about simplicity and stress avoidance.
Initially posted on X (formerly Twitter) in November 2024, the character quickly gained traction across platforms like TikTok, inspiring countless templates and videos. Its popularity soared further when a memecoin bearing the meme’s name entered the crypto market, surging by 538% within just two days. As of now, the coin has a market cap of $322.99 million, though it peaked at around $580 million.
just putting it out there, chill guy has been copyrighted. like, legally. I'll be issuing takedowns on for-profit related things over the next few days
— philb (@PhillipBankss) November 21, 2024
Meanwhile, Banks took to X on Thursday to address the rapid monetization of his artwork in the crypto space. “Chill guy has been copyrighted. Like, legally,” Banks posted via his account, adding that he plans to issue takedown notices for profit-driven uses of the meme. He clarified that while he is not opposed to brands using his artwork in trends—acknowledging brands like UFC and Halo that have engaged with the meme—he strongly opposes its association with crypto projects.
Mixed Reactions
The move to enforce copyright has stirred mixed reactions online. While some applaud Banks for safeguarding his intellectual property, others question the implications of copyright enforcement in meme culture, which thrives on open sharing and reinterpretation.
Moreover, notable figures, including El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele and entrepreneur Elon Musk, have recently engaged with the “Chill Guy” meme, further elevating its visibility. However, Banks’ announcement has impacted the memecoin’s market performance, with prices dipping despite remaining 35% higher over the past 24 hours.
As the debate around intellectual property and meme culture unfolds, Banks’ stance highlights a growing tension between creators’ rights and the viral, often uncontrollable, nature of internet trends.
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