Apollonia Settles Trademark Dispute with Prince's Estate

Actress and singer Patricia Kotero, known professionally as Apollonia, has reached a confidential settlement with the estate of Prince, concluding her lawsuit regarding the rights to the name "Apollonia." The settlement was announced on April 8, 2026, just days before a scheduled court hearing on the estate's motion to dismiss the case. Both parties agreed to cover their own legal fees, and the estate has withdrawn its petition to cancel Apollonia's trademark for "Apollonia 6," a name associated with the girl group she led.

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The conflict originated after Prince's death in April 2016, which left his estate to navigate complex legal issues, including trademark rights. Apollonia alleged that the estate sought to "steal" her name and claimed that Prince had encouraged her to use it during their friendship. She filed her lawsuit in August 2025, asserting that the estate's attempts to claim ownership of the name were improper, as Prince had never trademarked it before his death. The estate countered that it had no intention of preventing her from using the name and that any ownership disputes should be resolved through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

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• Patricia Kotero (Apollonia): The actress and singer who played Prince's love interest in the 1984 film "Purple Rain." She has used the name Apollonia for her music and acting career, including the hit song "Sex Shooter."

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• Prince's Estate: Managed by Paisley Park Enterprises, the estate has been involved in various legal battles since Prince's death, including disputes over his intellectual property and legacy.

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Daniel M. Cislo, Apollonia's attorney, expressed satisfaction with the settlement, stating, “Apollonia is very happy with the results, and that the parties can continue to honor the legacy of Prince and his musical genius.” The estate, while not providing detailed comments, indicated a desire to work amicably with Apollonia and had previously offered her opportunities to perform at Paisley Park.

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Apollonia's lawsuit highlighted concerns about the estate's actions, which she described as potentially harmful to her identity and livelihood. She argued that the estate's attempts to control the name were inappropriate, especially given her long-standing association with it. The estate characterized her lawsuit as "frivolous," asserting that it aimed for a peaceful coexistence.

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While the terms of the settlement remain confidential, it is unclear whether any financial compensation was involved or if further agreements regarding the use of the name "Apollonia" were established. The resolution of this dispute may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly concerning the legacies of deceased artists.

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• “We are pleased to report that the case has been settled and that our client, Apollonia, is very pleased with the outcome,” — Daniel M. Cislo, Attorney for Apollonia

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• “The truth is none of this litigation would have occurred if Prince were still alive,” — Patricia Kotero, Apollonia

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This settlement marks a significant moment in the ongoing management of Prince's legacy and the rights of those closely associated with him.

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