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Apollonia Kotero Sues Prince's Estate Over Stage Name Rights

8/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Apollonia Kotero's lawsuit claims Prince's estate is unlawfully trying to take her stage name used for 40 years.
The estate denies objections to her name and has offered performance opportunities at Paisley Park.
They assert her lawsuit ignores the cancellation of her trademark registration by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The estate aims to protect Prince's legacy, noting the name "Apollonia" was created for the film Purple Rain.
This lawsuit reflects ongoing tensions over trademark rights involving Prince's estate and former collaborators.

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Story summary

Apollonia Kotero's lawsuit claims Prince's estate is unlawfully trying to take her stage name used for 40 years.
The estate denies objections to her name and has offered performance opportunities at Paisley Park.
They assert her lawsuit ignores the cancellation of her trademark registration by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
The estate aims to protect Prince's legacy, noting the name "Apollonia" was created for the film Purple Rain.
This lawsuit reflects ongoing tensions over trademark rights involving Prince's estate and former collaborators.