Prince Estate Faces Lawsuit from 'Purple Rain' Co-Star Over Name Rights

What's Happening?

Apollonia, a singer and actress who gained fame as a co-star in Prince's 1984 film 'Purple Rain', has filed a lawsuit against the estate of the late pop icon. The lawsuit, filed on August 19, accuses Paisley Park Enterprises LLC, which manages Prince's affairs, of attempting to 'steal' her name through bad faith trademark proceedings. Apollonia, whose real name is Patty Kotero, claims that she has used the name professionally for decades with Prince's encouragement. The lawsuit argues that the estate is trying to cancel her trademarks and claim ownership of the name 'Apollonia' at the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Apollonia asserts that any agreement she might have signed during the 1980s has long expired, and Prince never objected to her use of the name.

Why It's Important?

This legal battle highlights the complexities of intellectual property rights, especially posthumous management of a celebrity's estate. The outcome could set a precedent for how estates manage the rights of associated artists and their professional identities. For Apollonia, the case is significant as it affects her livelihood and personal brand, which she has built over decades. The Prince estate's actions could impact other artists who have collaborated with major figures and use their stage names professionally. The case underscores the importance of clear contractual agreements and the potential for disputes long after an artist's death.

What's Next?

The lawsuit seeks a court declaration affirming Apollonia's ownership of her name. If successful, it could prevent the Prince estate from pursuing further trademark claims against her. The case may prompt other artists to review their agreements with estates to safeguard their professional identities. Legal representatives for the Prince estate have yet to comment, but their response could influence the proceedings. The decision could also affect how estates handle similar claims in the future, potentially leading to more stringent management of intellectual property rights.