‘Chill Guy’ Creator Takes Legal Action Against Unauthorized Memecoin Use

Artist Phillip Banks, creator of the viral 'Chill Guy' meme, announces copyright enforcement targeting crypto tokens and merchandise using his art without consent.

Phillip Banks, the creator of the popular 'Chill Guy' meme, has copyrighted the character and plans to issue takedown notices against for-profit uses, primarily targeting unauthorized merchandise and cryptocurrency tokens.
The Solana-based CHILLGUY memecoin, launched less than a week ago, saw a meteoric rise, peaking at a $500 million market cap before dropping nearly 50% following Banks' announcement.
Banks clarified he is not opposed to non-commercial use or brand accounts using the meme for trends, as long as credit is given, but expressed frustration over the crypto community's exploitation of his work.
Despite Banks' disapproval, CHILLGUY has gained over 100,000 holders and inspired derivative tokens and NFTs, with some exchanges continuing to list the token for trading.
Banks has faced harassment, including being doxxed, and has since made his social media accounts private, rejecting offers of token donations from CHILLGUY supporters.