The Philadelphia Phillies are suing design firm Harrison/Erickson Incorporated for ownership of the rights to the Phillie Phanatic mascot.
According to TMZ Sports, Harrison/Erickson is threatening to terminate its agreement with the Phillies and prevent the team from using the Phanatic beyond June 15, 2020, if the two sides do not renegotiate. Harrison/Erickson also said it will make the Phanatic a "free agent."
In the lawsuit filed by the Phillies, the organization said it worked with Harrison/Erickson to create the Phanatic in 1978. The Phillies said they renegotiated with the firm in 1984 and paid $215,000 for permanent rights to the Phanatic.