Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are dealing with a lawsuit related to the name of their Kansas City restaurant, 1587 Prime.
A sneaker brand has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Chiefs teammates and their restaurant partners, claiming the use of “1587” conflicts with its own brand.
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At issue is a shared number combination used by the two businesses. The legal battle now hinges on whether the two brands can operate under similar trademarks in different industries.
Photo by David Ulett/Getty Images
Sneaker brand claims confusion over ‘1587’ name
The complaint was filed by 1587 Sneakers, which said it began selling footwear with that name on April 13, 2023.
The restaurant’s name is a fusion of Mahomes’ No. 15 and Kelce’s No. 87, a combination the sneaker company claims it has built in the business world.
Court records show that 1587 Prime applied for a trademark in the restaurant category in December 2023, while 1587 Sneakers applied for a trademark in the apparel category last October.
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The sneaker brand claims that a “significant number of consumers” have reached out and believe the two businesses are connected.
The lawsuit seeks to prohibit the restaurant group from continuing to use the 1587 brand, stop selling related merchandise and obtain unspecified damages.
Trademark lawyers question strength of case
Trademark attorney Josh Gerben, who is not involved in the matter, said the sneaker company may face challenges proving infringement.
He noted that trademarks are generally allowed to coexist in different business units unless there is obvious consumer confusion.
“I think it’s a tough case for sneaker companies,” Gerben said. “Trademarks can coexist in different industries. … Given that the trademarks here are essentially the same, are a restaurant and a shoe company too close? Is it possible that consumers might be confused and think they are related to each other?”
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Kelce’s publicist declined to comment, and a representative for Mahomes did not respond to inquiries. The outcome will determine whether the restaurant can continue to operate under its current name.
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