Apollonia Kotero, the actress and model best known for her role in the film Purple Rain, is taking legal action against the estate of Prince over her right to use the name he gave her. In a declaration filed on October 13, 2023, in a federal court lawsuit, Kotero asserts that Prince would have opposed the estate’s efforts to control her identity and trademark.
During a meeting just two months before his death, Prince reportedly expressed to Kotero that she should continue to use the name “Apollonia” for her musical and artistic ventures. This meeting took place on February 28, 2016, after one of his concerts in Oakland, California. Kotero states that Prince was “adamant” about her retaining the Apollonia name, emphasizing the importance of it for her financial security and creative freedom.
Kotero, who originally filed her lawsuit in August 2023, claims that Prince never trademarked the name during his lifetime. Therefore, she argues that the estate’s actions, particularly its attempt to cancel her trademark registrations, are unjustified. In her declaration, she states, “The truth is none of this litigation would have occurred if Prince were still alive. He would be appalled by the unbecoming conduct of [Paisley Park Enterprises] and the efforts to usurp his wishes.”
The dispute stems from the estate’s actions last June, when it took control of the Apollonia trademark, prompting Kotero to seek a judicial declaration affirming her rights. She fears the estate’s actions could cause her to lose her identity and disrupt her business operations. Kotero’s legal team argues that the estate seeks to capitalize on her name for ventures related to the Purple Rain musical, which is currently being staged in Minneapolis and may have plans for a Broadway run.
In a statement released via the official Prince Instagram account, the estate asserted its right to protect and preserve Prince’s legacy, indicating that it had made efforts to resolve the matter privately. The estate contends that it has never threatened Kotero or sought to impede her use of the name in her business activities. Their motion to dismiss her lawsuit claims that issues regarding ownership should be resolved by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rather than in court.
Kotero’s amended complaint also highlights a promotional image from the Purple Rain musical featuring the name “APOLLONIA,” which she argues violates her right of publicity. She asserts that the estate does not have the authority to permit others to use her likeness or name without her consent.
The estate’s legal representatives maintain that the use of the Apollonia name in advertising materials does not support a legal claim and have expressed confidence in their position. A hearing on the estate’s motion to dismiss is expected to take place on February 13, 2024.
Kotero’s relationship with Prince extended beyond the film, as she co-wrote the Bangles’ hit “Manic Monday” and provided vocals for his song “Take Me With You.” After achieving fame with Purple Rain, she continued her career in music and television, including a role in the series Falcon Crest.
As the legal battle unfolds, the legacy of Prince and the rights of those he inspired remain at the forefront, with Kotero determined to protect her identity and connection to the iconic singer.
