BLK Water, once featured prominently on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, has a backstory as murky as its appearance. The product, which gained popularity around 2011, was purportedly invented by Jacqueline and Louise Wilkie, who claimed to have created the bottled alkaline water after their mother’s cancer diagnosis. However, the drink’s alleged health benefits, including anti-aging properties and cancer cures, were met with skepticism.
The Wilkie sisters partnered with Real Housewives stars Chris Manzo, Albie Manzo, and Chris Laurita to form BLK Water LLC in 2010. The product made its way onto the reality show, becoming a household name as viewers bought into the narrative.
However, BLK Water found itself embroiled in controversy when another company, Creative Thinkers, alleged that the Wilkie sisters had stolen the formula for Black Water. According to Creative Thinkers, the Wilkies had initially expressed interest in collaborating and had even claimed connections to Starbucks. Instead, they allegedly absconded with the formula, partnering with the Manzo-Laurita families to market the product.
The ensuing lawsuit accused the Wilkies and the Manzo-Laurita family of trademark infringement and conspiracy. It claimed that they misrepresented the origins of Black Water, attributing its creation to the Wilkies and their mother’s health journey. BLK Water denied the allegations and sought to countersue Creative Thinkers.
Over a decade later, the lawsuit remains unresolved. Despite the legal entanglements, BLK Water continues to be available, still owned by the Manzo and Laurita families. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities behind seemingly simple products and the legal battles that can ensue in the business world.
