Using the image of a viral internet creature to sell esquites and snacks sounds like a perfect advertising strategy, but copyright eventually comes knocking. The well-known local business Elotes Doro, located in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, announced it will completely remove the image of Doro, the famous creature based on Goddess of Victory: Nikke, to begin a total brand change and seek a new visual identity.

The owners explained the decision was made after trying to formalize the commercial use of the creature. Although they initially considered slightly modifying the design to avoid claims, they ultimately chose not to risk future complications and opted for creating a completely original character. The administration made it clear they understand and respect the stance of Shift Up, the South Korean developer behind the video game, avoiding any direct confrontation.

The project started at the end of 2024 as a small corn snack shop with themed decorations, wrappers, and products. Over nearly two years, the elotería became well-known in the local community by participating in anime events, selling custom thermoses and pins, and gaining followers on social media through word-of-mouth among mobile game players. However, just as it marked its second anniversary in September 2026, the owners chose to pause operations to find a new physical location and redesign their concept without using third-party intellectual property.

Doro originally emerged as an unofficial illustration created by the South Korean community, combining the face of the character Dorothy with the chibi quadruped body of a popular meme. The figure went viral internationally among followers of the mobile shooter game developed by Shift Up. Over time, the developer itself adopted the creature for official promotional campaigns, collaborative events, and even began the process to register the character’s brand and design with authorities in 2025.

What do you think of this Mexican business’s decision to create its own original character?