Phillies file lawsuit in attempt to keep rights to Phanatic

There's a chance that the Phillie Phanatic might soon be absent from Citizens Bank Park.

The wildly popular Philadelphia Phillies mascot, which has become one of the most recognizable in sports, is the subject of a lawsuit between the baseball franchise and the Phanatic's creator, Harrison/Erickson Inc.

In a federal complaint filed in Manhattan on Friday, the Phillies accused Harrison/Erickson of reneging on a 1984 agreement that permitted the team to use the Phanatic "forever," according to Reuters.

The Phillies claim the defendants have threatened to end the Phanatic's use in June 2020 and sue the team for copyright infringement unless they're paid millions.

Philadelphia claims to have spent millions promoting the Phanatic, which includes the acquisition of several trademarks.

Harrison/Erickson was paid $215,000 in 1984 for the mascot's use, according to the club. He debuted in April 1978.