Full Breakdown
Larry King's Estate Files Lawsuit Against ProstaGenix for Unauthorized Use of Likeness
4/16/2026, 8:00:56 AM
Allegations Against Verified Nutrition
The estate of the late broadcasting icon Larry King has initiated legal action against Verified Nutrition, the manufacturer of ProstaGenix, alleging unauthorized use of King's likeness in advertisements following his death. The lawsuit claims that despite a prior agreement mandating the cessation of such practices, the company continued to feature King in its promotional materials, including ads and infomercials, as well as on third-party retail sites like Amazon.
Larry King, who passed away on January 23, 2021, at the age of 87, had a longstanding partnership with Verified Nutrition, which began in February 2017. Under this agreement, King received $100,000 and a six percent royalty on net sales of ProstaGenix, a supplement marketed for prostate health. The estate asserts that after King's death, the company failed to comply with California law, which stipulates that any profits derived from his likeness should benefit his estate.
Settlement and Continued Violations
In July 2025, a settlement was reached between King's estate and Verified Nutrition, which included a payment of $110,000 to the estate and a deadline of July 14, 2025, for the company to cease all use of King's name, image, or likeness. However, the estate claims that violations have persisted, with King's likeness still appearing on various ProstaGenix websites and retail platforms, where the product is described as “Larry King’s Secret Weapon.”
In response to these ongoing issues, King's heirs are now seeking a jury trial, demanding profits from ProstaGenix, $750 for each unauthorized use of King's likeness, and a permanent injunction to prevent further exploitation of his name and image.
Official Statements & Responses
As of now, Verified Nutrition has not issued a public comment regarding the lawsuit or the allegations made by King's estate. The estate's legal actions highlight the importance of adhering to agreements concerning the use of a deceased individual's likeness, particularly in commercial contexts.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the supplement industry often raise concerns about the ethical implications of using celebrity endorsements, especially posthumously. The ongoing legal battle underscores the complexities surrounding intellectual property rights and the protection of an individual's likeness after death.
What's Next
The case is set to proceed to trial, where the estate will present its claims against Verified Nutrition. The outcome may have broader implications for how likeness rights are managed in the advertising industry, particularly regarding deceased public figures.
