Apollonia 6 vs. Prince Estate: The Battle for a Name

In a legal saga that underscores the complexities of artistic legacy and intellectual property, Apollonia Kotero, the iconic lead singer of Apollonia 6 and co-star of Prince's seminal film "Purple Rain," finds herself in a direct conflict with the Prince Estate. At the heart of the dispute is the ownership of the name "Apollonia," a moniker inextricably linked to Prince's creative universe and Kotero's public persona.

The Prince Estate, known for its diligent efforts to protect the late artist's vast catalog and associated intellectual property, has taken action against Kotero.

This move comes as Kotero, who played the pivotal role of Prince's love interest in "Purple Rain," sought to trademark the name "Apollonia" for various entertainment and merchandising purposes. The Estate's opposition filing argues that the name is a creation of Prince and therefore belongs to his artistic estate, not exclusively to Kotero.

Kotero, whose real name is Patricia Kotero, adopted the stage name "Apollonia" at Prince's behest when he cast her for "Purple Rain" and formed the girl group Apollonia 6.

For decades, she has been known globally by this name, performing and appearing publicly under it. Her legal team asserts that the name has become synonymous with her identity and career, and that she has established common law rights to its use through years of public association and performance.

This dispute raises fundamental questions about the nature of artistic collaboration, branding, and the rights of performers in relation to the intellectual property generated within a collaborative project.

While it is undeniable that Prince conceptualized the character and the group, Kotero's sustained career under the name "Apollonia" presents a compelling counter-argument regarding its personal and professional ownership.

The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent for artists who adopt stage names or character names given to them by collaborators, especially when those names become integral to their post-collaboration careers.

For fans, it's a poignant reminder of the enduring legal battles that often follow the passing of a legendary artist, as their estates strive to manage and protect their invaluable legacies.