The REAL and first Sponge Bob Square Pants created by Troy Walker. The sponge was created around 1991/1992, and also sold with a novelty doll.
Soon, Steven Hillenburg adopted 'Sponge Bob Square Pants', said to be bought from a marine biologist.
Afterwards, Troy Walker sued Viacom (owner of Nickelodeon and other media shows) for copyright infringement.

Some proof.
http://bobspongee.com/

Anatidaephobia is defined as a pervasive, irrational fear that one is being watched by a duck. The anatidaephobic individual fears that no matter where they are or what they are doing, a duck watches.

Anatidaephobia is derived from the Greek word "anatidae", meaning ducks, geese or swans and "phobos" meaning fear.