Zhdun, a gray blob-like creature, which resembles something between an elephant and a walrus became a sensation on the Russian Internet in January 2017.
The nondescript creature has appeared in a variety of memes, from opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s court hearing, to the official logo of Russian Post as a symbol of patient and endless waiting.
Van Breevoort told The Moscow Times that the deal with CD Land would expire after several years and that the rights were limited to Russia.
“It’s only a 5-year contract and the sculpture is still mine,” she told The Moscow Times. “They can only exploit Zhdun [in Russia].
CD Land has already made a business deal with a Russian cartoon company that plans to make a series and a video blog featuring Zhdun.
Football organizations have also shown an interest in using the character as an alternative symbol for the 2018 World Cup, CD Land’s president Yuri Tseitlin told Meduza.