Prince’s estate is firing back at Apollonia, calling her lawsuit “frivolous” and “unwarranted.”
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As you know, Apollonia (real name Patricia Apollonia Kotero) starred as Prince’s love interest in the 1984 cult-classic Purple Rain. And ever since then? She’s gone by “Apollonia” professionally. Music, acting, modeling… the name stuck.
Now, she’s taking Prince’s estate, Paisley Park Enterprises, to court in Los Angeles, accusing them of trying to “steal” her name. Her 14-page complaint says the estate crossed the line in June when it filed a trademark application for “Apollonia,” with plans to slap it on clothing and entertainment services. She also claims they’ve been working behind the scenes to cancel her own trademark registrations — despite her using the name for over 40 years.
Her argument? Prince never once told her not to use it. In fact, she says he encouraged her career under that name. (Remember, she co-wrote Manic Monday with him and sang on Take Me With U as Apollonia.)
The estate’s response came fast, posted to Prince’s official socials:
“Regrettably, Ms. Patty Kotero a/k/a ‘Apollonia’ filed a frivolous lawsuit.”
They point out the name originally belonged to her Purple Rain character, gifted by Prince himself, and stress they’ve never told her to stop using it. In fact, they say they’ve offered her gigs at Paisley Park under the moniker.
So what’s the estate’s issue? They claim this whole thing is the latest flare-up in a years-long trademark battle, with rulings from the Trademark Trial & Appeal Board “imminent.” They also note Kotero’s own APOLLONIA trademark was cancelled by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.
Their statement ends with a shot: “We look forward to the rulings… and a dismissal of Ms. Kotero’s federal action. As is our duty, we will continue to protect and preserve Prince’s assets and legacy.”
Kotero’s suit, meanwhile, insists she’s the only Apollonia, full stop. She argues any contract from 1983 that might’ve waived her rights is long expired and never enforced.
Oh, and she makes sure to remind everyone: she and Prince were lifelong friends.
Prince passed away in 2016 at age 57 from a fentanyl overdose.
