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Apollonia vs. Prince’s Estate: What California Residents Need to Know About Name Rights, Trademark Disputes, and Protecting Your Identity After Death

Apollonia vs. Prince's Estate: What California Residents Need to Know About Name Rights, Trademark Disputes, and Protecting Your Identity After Death

If you’re a California resident concerned about how your name, brand, or creative identity will be protected after you pass away—or if you’re navigating a dispute over intellectual property left behind by a loved one—the legal battle between Apollonia Kotero and Prince’s estate offers critical lessons about estate planning, trademark ownership, and the importance of clear documentation.

What Happened? The Apollonia-Prince Estate Trademark Dispute

Apollonia Kotero, the actress and singer who starred alongside Prince in the 1984 film Purple Rain, is suing Prince’s estate over control of her stage name—”Apollonia.” According to a new court filing, Kotero claims that Prince explicitly told her just two months before his death in 2016 that she should continue using the name for performances, merchandising, and other business ventures.

Kotero states that during a face-to-face meeting on February 28, 2016, following Prince’s Piano and a Microphone concert in Oakland, California, Prince was “adamant” that she and Susan Moonsie (another member of the group Apollonia 6) continue using their stage names to “earn a living, stay creative, and be financially secure.”

The problem? Prince never trademarked the name “Apollonia” while he was alive. After his death, his estate’s company, Paisley Park Enterprises (PPE), took control of the trademark and attempted to cancel Kotero’s existing registrations with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Kotero argues that if Prince were alive, “he would be appalled” by the estate’s actions, and she fears losing her identity, business, and ability to use the name without facing legal consequences.

Why This Matters for California Families and Estate Planning

This case highlights a common but often overlooked issue in estate planning: what happens to your intellectual property, stage names, business brands, and creative assets when you die?

For California residents—especially those with creative careers, business ventures, or personal brands—failing to address these issues in your estate plan can lead to:

  • Family conflict: Without clear documentation, heirs and business partners may dispute who has the right to use a name, brand, or trademark.
  • Lost income: If your estate claims ownership of a name you gave to someone else, that person may lose their ability to earn a living under that identity.
  • Legal battles: Trademark disputes can drag on for years, costing both sides significant legal fees and emotional strain.
  • Damaged relationships: As Kotero’s case shows, estate administrators may take actions that contradict the deceased’s wishes—simply because those wishes weren’t legally documented.

    • How Could Prince Have Prevented This Dispute?

    Prince died without a will in 2016, leading to a complicated probate process and ongoing legal battles over his assets.If he had worked with an experienced estate planning attorney, he could have:

  • Created a detailed estate plan that addressed intellectual property rights, including who would own and control trademarks associated with his creative works.
  • Documented his verbal agreements with Apollonia and others, ensuring that their rights to use stage names and brands were legally protected.
  • Established a trust to manage his assets and provide clear instructions to avoid disputes among heirs and business associates.
  • Named a trusted executor or trustee who understood his wishes and would honor them after his death.

    • What Questions Should You Ask Your Estate Planning Attorney?

    If you own a business, have a professional or stage name, or manage creative intellectual property, consider asking your estate planning attorney:

  • Who will own the rights to my name, brand, or trademark after I die?
  • How can I ensure that business partners, collaborators, or family members can continue using names or brands I’ve given them?
  • What happens to my copyrights, patents, or trademarks if I don’t include them in my estate plan?
  • Should I create a separate intellectual property trust to manage these assets?
  • How can I prevent my estate from taking legal action that contradicts my wishes?

    • Real-World Scenarios: When Name and Brand Rights Become Estate Issues

    This issue isn’t just for celebrities. California residents face similar challenges when:

  • A business owner dies without specifying who can continue operating under the company name.
  • A parent gives a child permission to use a family name for a business, but the estate later disputes ownership.
  • An artist or author dies without documenting agreements about pen names, stage names, or creative brands.
  • A blended family disputes who has the right to use a deceased loved one’s name for charitable or commercial purposes.

    • The Current Status of the Apollonia Case

    As of the latest court filings, Prince’s estate maintains that it has no intention of blocking Kotero from using her name and has never threatened to sue her.The estate argues that the trademark ownership question should be resolved by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, not the courts.

    However, Kotero believes the estate is attempting to secure control of the “Apollonia” name for commercial ventures, including a Purple Rain musical production that featured another actress using her name and likeness.

    A court hearing on the estate’s motion to dismiss is scheduled for February 13, 2026.

    Source: Rolling Stone

    Protect Your Legacy with California Probate and Trust, PC

    If you’re a California resident concerned about protecting your name, business, or creative assets—or if you’re facing a dispute over a loved one’s estate—California Probate and Trust, PC offers the transparent, compassionate guidance you need.

    Our experienced estate planning attorneys help families:

  • Create comprehensive estate plans that address intellectual property, business interests, and personal brands
  • Document agreements to prevent disputes among heirs and business partners
  • Navigate complex probate and trust administration issues
  • Resolve trademark and name rights conflicts with clarity and professionalism

    • Schedule your FREE estate planning consultation today by calling (866) 674-1130 or visiting cpt.law.

    Legal Disclaimer

    This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is based on publicly available court filings and news reports and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a qualified attorney. Estate planning and intellectual property law are complex areas that require individualized legal guidance. California Probate and Trust, PC does not represent any party in the Apollonia Kotero v. Prince Estate matter. For specific legal advice regarding your estate planning needs, trademark disputes, or probate matters, please contact our office to schedule a consultation. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.