Artist Phillip Banks, the creator of the viral “Just a Chill Guy” meme, has announced he will enforce copyright protection on his character. The meme, which first gained popularity in 2023, features a humanoid dog embodying nonchalance and emotional detachment. The viral meme had recently emerged as a memecoin in the crypto space and surged 538% in just two days.
After the viral meme turned into an overnight success in the crypto world, the creator of Chill Guy, Philip Banks, took to X on Thursday to announce that he has copyrighted the artwork and will be soon issuing takedown notices for profit related content.
With a casual smirk and hands in his pockets, the “chill guy” meme character provides relatable advice about avoiding stress and embracing simplicity. Banks had first posted his artwork on X last year in November, after which the template became viral. The character quickly became a sensation on platforms like X and TikTok, inspiring countless templates and videos. Of late, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele also posted a picture of the Chill Guy on his official X account.
The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting his rights as the creator and others questioning copyright enforcement on meme culture. Nonetheless, Banks is determined to protect the intellectual property behind his widely recognized character.
Also Read: Rise of Chill Guy: From Meme To Multi-Million Dollar Crypto Sensation
