Prince Estate Resolves Trademark Dispute with ‘Purple Rain’ Actress Apollonia
Actress Patty Kotero, widely recognized as Apollonia, has reached a settlement regarding her trademark dispute with the estate of Prince. The resolution was confirmed by her attorney in April, following her intention to dismiss the lawsuit in a federal court in Los Angeles.
Details of the Trademark Dispute
In 2022, the Prince estate sought to acquire a federal trademark for the name “Apollonia,” which covered clothing and entertainment services. They also requested the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to cancel Kotero’s existing “Apollonia” trademark, asserting ownership based on contracts signed in 1983 and 1984. Kotero launched her lawsuit against the estate in August 2022, asserting her rights to the name.
Background on Apollonia
- Patty Kotero starred as Prince’s love interest in the iconic 1984 film “Purple Rain.”
- She was a member of the Prince-formed group Apollonia 6.
- Kotero co-wrote the famous Bangles song “Manic Monday” with Prince.
- She hosted the podcast “Apollonia Studio 6.”
Throughout her career, Kotero maintained a close friendship with Prince until his passing in 2016. Her legal team argued that the estate’s attempt to challenge her rights was beyond the legal timeframe allowed.
Current Status and Reactions
The lawsuit had its next hearing scheduled for late April, which the settlement has now rendered unnecessary. Daniel Cislo, representing Kotero, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. Meanwhile, representatives from Prince’s estate declined to comment on the case details.
This resolution marks a significant milestone in the ongoing dialogue about intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry. The case illustrates the complexities surrounding trademarks, particularly in relation to personal identities and brand recognition.
Legal Representation
| For Patty Kotero (Apollonia) | Daniel Cislo, Katherine Bond |
|---|---|
| For Prince’s Estate | Jeffrey Norberg, Amber Brumfiel, Rochelle Claerbaut |
The case, identified as Kotero v. Paisley Park Enterprises LLC, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The dispute underscores the challenges artists face regarding their intellectual properties, especially posthumously.
