DomOnSOL

Filipino digital artist Elmer Saflor, better known online as Superelmer, is suing an AI-powered meme platform that he claims sold his viral "Running Away Balloon" comic as a paid template without his permission. Saflor filed a copyright infringement lawsuit on July 1 before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleging that Memes App commercially offered his artwork to advertisers and marketers despite never obtaining a license from him. Originally drawn to express Saflor's feelings about missed opportunities, the comic later became one of the internet's most recognizable reaction memes. He registered the work with the U.S. Copyright Office in 2024. According to the complaint, the platform included the artwork in subscription plans costing between $40 and $199 (₱2,400 and ₱12,000) per month, allowing paying users to generate commercial content from the image. "I understand why some people see it as 'just a meme.' But for me, it was never just a meme—it was something I created," Saflor told radar Business. "When an artist's work is taken without permission, it's not just about one piece of art. It's about respecting the time, effort, and creativity behind it." Unable to shoulder the cost of a lengthy court battle on his own, Saflor said supporters helped launch $Balloon, a community-backed cryptocurrency token whose trading fees are intended to help fund his legal expenses. An alumnus of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Saflor said he hopes the case encourages other Filipino creators to continue making art despite the risks of online copying. "Don't be afraid to create," he said. "If it ever happens, remember that your work has value. Speak up, stand up for your rights, and know that you're not alone. I hope my fight gives other artists the courage to do the same." (✍️: John Lloyd Aleta)