Phillie Phanatic Creators: New Design 'An Affront to Our Intellectual Property'

Philadelphia PhilliesRich Schultz/Getty Images

The co-creators of the Phillie Phanatic are unhappy with the Philadelphia Phillies' attempts to tweak the mascot in an effort to continue using it after the copyright expires June 15.

According to Fox 29 in Philadelphia, co-creator Wayde Harrison took issue with the Phillies' tactics, saying, "The Phillies' lack of good faith in negotiating for an extension of the copyright assignment for the Phillie Phanatic is disappointing. But the unveiling of the so-called 'new' Phanatic on Sunday is an affront to our intellectual property rights and to Phillies fans everywhere."

Co-creator Bonnie Erickson added, "The Phanatic has performed successfully for…