Apollonia ‘Very Pleased’ After Trademark War Settlement With Prince Estate

Apollonia Kotero, the actress and singer known for her role in Prince's 1984 film "Purple Rain," has reached a settlement with the late artist's estate regarding trademark disputes over her professional name, according to her lawyer Daniel Cislo's statement to Rolling Stone on February 15, 2025. The resolution ends a legal conflict that had threatened her ability to use the name professionally in connection with her artistic work. The dispute centered on trademark rights to the name "Apollonia," which Kotero has used professionally since her breakthrough role as Prince's love interest in the iconic film and its accompanying music. Prince's estate, which manages the intellectual property and legacy of the musician who died in 2016, had contested aspects of this usage. While specific terms of the settlement remain confidential, the agreement allows both parties to move forward without protracted litigation. Cislo emphasized the collaborative spirit of the resolution, stating that his client is "very pleased" with the outcome. He noted that the settlement enables all involved to focus on preserving and honoring Prince's artistic legacy, which remains important to Kotero given her personal and professional history with the musician. The resolution avoids what could have been a contentious legal battle over naming rights and trademark issues in the entertainment industry. This settlement reflects the complex intellectual property challenges that often arise following the death of major artists, particularly those like Prince who created expansive multimedia universes involving numerous collaborators. For Kotero, maintaining the ability to use her professional name is crucial for her continuing career in entertainment and her connection to the cultural legacy of "Purple Rain," which remains a touchstone in popular music history.