A recent social media meme is taking the cryptocurrency world by storm, but the original creator may be trying to halt its use.

The “Chill Guy” meme showcases a cartoonish dog dressed casually with a relaxed expression. This character has resonated with audiences on social media due to his chill attitude.

Recently, the meme has appeared in advertisements from well-known brands like Sprite Europe, March Madness, and NFL on CBS. It’s also gaining significant traction in the cryptocurrency space, with a token named CHILLGUY reaching a market value of over $405 million, according to CoinMarketCap, as of Thursday afternoon.

In response to the meme’s surge in popularity, Phillip Banks, believed to be the original artist, is attempting to secure copyright for the character.

While Banks’ X account is set to private, followers have shared screenshots indicating that on Thursday, he announced his intention to copyright the character and warned he would issue “takedown” notices to businesses misusing the character for profit without authorization. He also expressed his disapproval of the character being associated with cryptocurrency in an Instagram Reel.

“I do not, and will never, endorse or condone any crypto-related projects involving my work,” Banks asserted in a video caption. “I will never allow my art to be utilized for anything related to cryptocurrency. I have no interest in the crypto world at all.”

Who is ‘Chill Guy’?

The meme features a charming illustration of a brown dog sporting a grey sweater, rolled-up blue jeans, and red sneakers. With a relaxed smirk, the character has its paws tucked into its pockets. Resembling a long-faced dog character similar to Brian Griffin from the animated series “Family Guy,” “Chill Guy” has become quite recognizable.

Phillip Banks first introduced this laid-back cartoon dog on Instagram on October 4, 2023, with an accompanying caption stating, “My new character. His whole deal is that he’s a chill guy who lowkey doesn’t give a (expletive).”

Countless videos featuring or referencing “Chill Guy” have gone viral on social media, primarily shared by men. Popular TikTok clips depict captions like, “When she thinks you’re aloof and don’t care, but you’re just a chill guy enjoying the quiet,” or “When she gets mad at you for forgetting something she told you, while you’re just a chill guy soaking in the day.”

According to Barstool Sports, “Every easygoing man can relate to this meme. It’s more than just a random image or fleeting joke; it serves as a reflection of the calm and carefree essence that many of us embody.”

Editor’s note: This article was revised to correct the spelling of “anthropomorphic.”