Prince’s estate sued over ‘Purple Rain’ love interest’s name

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The woman who portrayed Prince’s love interest in Purple Rain four decades ago is going to court over the use of her name.

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Patricia Apollonia Kotero filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Los Angeles that claims the late rock star’s estate had no right to use her middle name after it filed for ownership of the “Apollonia” trademark in June.

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The 14-page complaint, obtained by Rolling Stone, alleges Paisley Park Enterprises is “attempting to steal” her name.

“All of the goodwill associated with the name and trademark ‘Apollonia’ for the past four decades is attributable to plaintiff,” the lawsuit said. “There is only one Apollonia, and Apollonia is the source of the goods and services provided under this name.”

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Kotero, 66, said the estate has filed to cancel her trademark registrations and applications while submitting an “intent-to-use” application for future clothing and entertainment options.

She contends that Prince never required her to stop using Apollonia in her personal or professional life.

“In fact, Prince himself consented to and encouraged Apollonia in her professional endeavours as ‘Apollonia,’” the lawsuit alleged. “If ever the fundamental principles of fairness — waiver, acquiescence, and laches — apply, they apply here.”

The singer and songwriter claims she has been using Apollonia since the movie’s release in 1984 and is seeking a court order to establish that she is the rightful owner of her middle name and its trademarks.

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The suit said Kotero went on tour to promote Purple Rain and her song from the movie, Sex Shooter, adding she also helped write Manic Monday by the Bangles with Prince — credited to his pseudonym Christopher.

Kotero said her vocals were used on Take Me With You for the Purple Rain soundtrack. She released a self-titled solo album Apollonia in 1988 as well.

The complaint said the estate claimed she signed away the rights to her name in 1983 for her movie role, but argued that ownership was “never enforced” and had expired.

“Our client fully expects to prevail in protecting her name,” Kotero’s lawyer, Daniel M. Cislo, said in an email to Rolling Stone.

Prince died in April 2016 from a fentanyl overdose at his Paisley Park recording studio home in Chanhassen, Minn., at the age of 57. Without a will or children, Prince’s six surviving siblings inherited his estate.

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