Apollonia Claims Ownership of Her Name: What Is Prince's Estate Response?

Patricia Kotero, renowned as Apollonia for over four decades since her iconic role in “Purple Rain,” is taking legal action against Prince’s estate in federal court in California regarding the rights to her name. Kotero, who portrayed Prince's love interest in the groundbreaking 1984 film, has long associated her musical journey with the Apollonia brand. According to Reuters, she launched a self-titled solo album in 1988 and led the all-female R&B ensemble Apollonia 6, formed by Prince, alongside Brenda Bennett and Susan Moonsie, with contributions from Wendy & Lisa and Jill Jones. In her legal complaint, Kotero asserts her entitlement to the Apollonia name, noting that Prince did not contest her usage during his lifetime. She claims the estate's 2025 trademark application for "Apollonia" infringes on her career. The lawsuit accuses Paisley Park Enterprises of attempting to nullify her trademarks. Kotero seeks a court ruling affirming her ownership and potential financial restitution, while the estate argues based on contracts signed in the early '80s, claiming expiration on such rights. Kotero aims to affirm her identity, backed by her lawyer’s confidence in her case’s success.