Chiefs Stars Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce Face Trademark Lawsuit
A sneaker brand or a dining establishment? The lines are blurring.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, prominent figures of the Kansas City Chiefs, find themselves entangled in a legal dispute as a sneaker company has filed a lawsuit against them and their restaurant associates for alleged trademark infringement.
The lawsuit claims that the duo's steakhouse, 1587 Prime, infringes upon the name of the sneaker company, 1587 Sneakers, as reported on February 20. The complaint suggests that the restaurant's name could confuse consumers regarding its affiliation with the sneaker brand.
Opened last year, 1587 Prime draws inspiration from Mahomes' jersey number, 15, and Kelce's number, 87. Their business partner, Noble 33, joined them in this venture.
According to reports, 1587 Sneakers launched its products in April 2023, prior to the restaurant's opening. However, the sneaker company did not file for the "1587" trademark until October 2025, and that application remains under review by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
In contrast, Mahomes and Kelce submitted their trademark application in December 2023.
Interestingly, while the sneaker company's trademark application pertains to clothing, the restaurant's trademark is categorized under bars and restaurants.
"It’s a challenging case for the sneaker company," remarked trademark attorney Josh Gerben, who does not represent either party. "Trademarks can coexist across different sectors... The question is whether a restaurant and a shoe company are too similar. Will consumers mistakenly believe they are connected?"
The sneaker company also alleges infringement related to apparel since the restaurant sells clothing alongside its food offerings. They claim numerous customers have contacted 1587 Sneakers under the impression that it is linked to 1587 Prime.
"From the beginning, we have expressed a genuine belief in the possibility of mutual respect and understanding," stated Adam King, co-founder of 1587 Sneakers. "That belief remains unchanged as we seek an amicable resolution."
In 2024, 1587 Sneakers appeared on "Shark Tank," where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to investors but did not secure any funding during their appearance.
As Mahomes and Kelce navigate this legal challenge, they are also focusing on their offseason recovery following a disappointing season for the Chiefs, who ended with a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Mahomes is concentrating on rehabilitation from an ACL injury sustained on December 14, while Kelce is addressing swirling retirement rumors. "After every season ends, I take time to just be human," Kelce shared on his "New Heights" podcast with brother Jason Kelce. "I enjoy football and the physical toll it takes; there's something about feeling that wear and tear that makes you feel alive."
