The creative genius, Paul Frank Sunich, known for making the monkey-face popular among youth culture and older generations, as well as Julius and Friends’ apparel, wallets, belts, cartoons, and even furniture, is in a major dispute with his former business partners, CEO John Oswald and President Ryan Heuser.

According to Paul Frank Sunich’s attorney, Sunich is suing based on copyright violations and a lost share in profits after being fired in November “without reason.” Sunich’s lawyers are pursuing a shut-down of the 10-year-old Costa Mesa company in response to such violations, according to the OC Register. More to come as the story unfolds. (Props for this lead go out to www.sacklunch.com.)