Apollonia Claims Prince Estate Trying to Steal Her Name
via Chief Scheider / Youtube
Former Prince collaborator Apollonia, whose full name is Patricia Apollonia Kotero, has launched a lawsuit accusing the late musician’s estate of attempting to “steal” the name she has used professionally for nearly four decades.
The Trademark Battle
According to a 14-page complaint filed in a Los Angeles federal court, obtained by Rolling Stone, Prince’s estate filed to trademark the name “Apollonia” in June. The estate’s move seeks exclusive commercial rights to the name, which would effectively prevent Kotero from continuing to use it in her career.
Apollonia argues that the trademark attempt could lead to “public confusion,” noting she has been using the name since her iconic role in the 1984 film Purple Rain. The complaint states that Prince never contested her use of the name—personally or professionally—and in fact, supported her professional endeavors under that moniker.
“If ever the fundamental principles of fairness—waiver, acquiescence, and laches—apply, they apply here,” the lawsuit declares.
Apollonia’s Claim to the Name
The lawsuit contends that all goodwill connected to the name “Apollonia” over the past 40 years belongs exclusively to Kotero. “There is only one Apollonia, and Apollonia is the source of the goods and services provided under this name,” it asserts.
While the estate claims a 1983 contract related to Purple Rain included a waiver of rights to the name, Apollonia counters that this waiver was never enforced and any such rights have long since expired.
Legacy and Ongoing Connection to Prince
Supporting her case, Apollonia points to her lifelong friendship with Prince, her continued touring under the name, her 1988 solo album titled Apollonia, and her credited acting role as Apollonia in the 1980s TV series Falcon Crest.
As the legal battle unfolds, this dispute highlights the complexities of intellectual property rights tied to iconic music legacies—and the challenges artists face in protecting their own identities within that history.
