Patty “Apollonia” Kotero isn’t backing down in a four-decade fight over her identity Patty Kotero—known to the world simply as Apollonia after her breakout role in Purple Rain (1984)—has filed a lawsuit in California seeking control of the stage name she says Prince himself encouraged her to use. She’s demanding cancellation of Paisley Park’s trademark filings and an injunction to protect her lifelong brand.
Why This Lawsuit is a Cultural Time-Bomb
Apollonia argues that in the 40 years since Purple Rain, she’s been widely credited under that name—be it in television, music, or recent ventures like her podcast Apollonia Studio 6. She claims not only legal but emotional ownership of the name that shaped her identity. Meanwhile, Prince’s estate calls the suit “frivolous,” citing a past cancellation of her trademark registration and suggesting it offered support for her continued use.
Fans—and likely the camp producing the upcoming Purple Rain stage musical premiering in Minneapolis this October before moving to Broadway—are watching closely. The estate insists it never opposed her use, “repeatedly” even inviting her to perform under the name. The emotional core of this battle is a clash between legacy, identity, and control—with Apollonia’s livelihood on the line.
Legal Stakes: Trademarks, Legacy, and Livelihood
Apollonia’s silhouette facing a giant projected “APOLLONIA” trademark document
Apollonia’s legal team highlights that she filed multiple trademark applications beginning in 2016, asserting all goodwill for the name stems from her career. They accuse the estate of an aggressive campaign to cancel her trademark and disrupt her brand. Her suit asks the court to protect both her legal rights and her identity.
What Could This Mean Long-Term?
If Apollonia prevails, it sets a major precedent in the entertainment industry: that performers can legally claim and protect stage names tied to iconic roles—especially when encouraged by the original creator. It would influence how estates manage likeness rights and trademarks, and could have ripple effects across theatre adaptations, branding, and legacy management.
What Happens Next
The court will soon decide whether to cancel Paisley Park’s trademark applications and issue the injunction Apollonia seeks. That ruling will determine not just the fate of a name, but one entertainer’s decades-long claim to her own identity.
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.
