Apollonia and Prince Estate Settle Trademark Dispute

Apollonia 'very pleased' with confidential settlement, her lawyer says.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:03pm

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An extreme close-up of shattered, glittering disco ball glass reflecting dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the vibrant energy and glamour of Prince's musical legacy.The confidential settlement between Apollonia and Prince's estate allows both sides to continue honoring the icon's musical legacy.Oakland Today

Apollonia, the actress who played Prince's love interest in the 1984 film Purple Rain, has reached a confidential settlement with Prince's estate over the use of the 'Apollonia' name. Apollonia, whose legal name is Patricia Kotero, had filed a lawsuit claiming the estate was attempting to 'steal' her name and that Prince had actively encouraged her to use the name. The estate said it was simply trying to protect Prince's legacy and assets. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but Apollonia's lawyer said she is 'very pleased with the outcome'.

Why it matters

This settlement resolves a high-profile trademark dispute between Apollonia and Prince's estate, allowing both sides to move forward and continue honoring Prince's musical legacy. The case highlighted the complexities around intellectual property rights and the use of stage names associated with famous artists.

The details

In her lawsuit, Apollonia claimed the Prince estate was attempting to cancel her trademark registrations and applications for the 'Apollonia' name, which she has used professionally since starring in Purple Rain. She argued Prince never trademarked the name himself before his death in 2016. The estate countered that it had a duty to protect Prince's assets and legacy, but said it never threatened to sue Apollonia. The confidential settlement was reached just days before a scheduled hearing on the estate's motion to dismiss Apollonia's lawsuit.

  • Apollonia filed her lawsuit in August 2025.
  • The parties filed a joint notice of dismissal on April 9, 2026.
  • A hearing on the estate's motion to dismiss was scheduled for April 11, 2026.

The players

Apollonia

Also known as Patricia Kotero, she is the actress who played Prince's love interest in the 1984 film Purple Rain and has used the stage name 'Apollonia' professionally.

Prince Estate

The entity responsible for managing and protecting Prince's intellectual property and legacy after his death in 2016.

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What they’re saying

“We are pleased to report that the case has been settled and that our client, Apollonia, is very pleased with the outcome. Apollonia is very happy that the parties can continue to honor the legacy of Prince and his musical genius. In a time of so much conflict, it is very good to see people coming together to resolve their dispute.”

— Daniel M. Cislo, Apollonia's Lawyer

What’s next

The confidential settlement terms will not be publicly disclosed, allowing both Apollonia and the Prince estate to move forward and continue celebrating the late musician's legacy.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities around intellectual property rights and the use of stage names associated with famous artists. The amicable resolution between Apollonia and the Prince estate sets a positive example of how such disputes can be settled out of court to the satisfaction of all parties involved.