KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, fresh off another Super Bowl victory, are now entangled in a legal dispute over the name of their upscale steakhouse. The duo, along with their business partners, faces a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by a sneaker brand that claims the restaurant's moniker, 1587 Prime, infringes on its own branding. The case, lodged in federal court, centers on the numerical sequence "1587," which the athletes derived from their jersey numbers—Mahomes' 15 and Kelce's 87.
The lawsuit was initiated by 1587 Sneakers, a company that says it began selling footwear under that name on April 13, 2023. According to court documents, the sneaker brand argues that the restaurant's use of the name, which debuted later that year, creates confusion among consumers who have contacted the company believing the two businesses are affiliated. The restaurant group applied for its trademark in the restaurant category in December 2023, while 1587 Sneakers filed its application in the clothing category the previous October.
1587 Prime, located in the heart of Kansas City's vibrant downtown dining scene, opened its doors in late 2023 as a high-end steakhouse offering premium cuts, celebrity chef collaborations, and memorabilia from the Chiefs' dynasty. The venture represents the latest entrepreneurial move for Mahomes and Kelce, who have parlayed their on-field success into a portfolio of investments including apparel lines, real estate, and now hospitality. But the excitement surrounding the opening has been overshadowed by this legal challenge, which seeks to prevent the restaurant from using the 1587 branding, stop the sale of related merchandise, and award unspecified damages to the plaintiff.
Representatives for 1587 Sneakers allege that "scores of consumers" have reached out to them, mistaking the steakhouse for an extension of their footwear line. The complaint details instances where customers inquired about menu items or reservations through the sneaker company's channels, highlighting what they describe as a direct risk of brand dilution. The case is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, where the restaurant operates.
Trademark law experts, however, suggest the sneaker company's position may not be as ironclad as it appears. Josh Gerben, a trademark attorney based in Washington, D.C., who is not involved in the case, reviewed the filings and expressed skepticism about the strength of the infringement claim. "I think it’s a tough case for the sneaker company," Gerben said in an interview. He explained that trademarks are generally permitted to coexist in unrelated industries, such as footwear and dining, unless there's substantial evidence of consumer confusion.
Gerben further elaborated on the nuances of the dispute, noting the identical nature of the marks but emphasizing the separation of sectors. "Trademarks can coexist in different industries," he said. "Given that the marks are essentially identical here, is a restaurant and a shoe company too close? Are consumers likely to be confused in thinking they are affiliated with one another?" His analysis underscores a key defense likely to be mounted by the restaurant group: that the fields are distinct enough to avoid marketplace overlap.
The backstory of 1587 Prime adds a layer of celebrity allure to the proceedings. Mahomes, the Chiefs' quarterback and two-time Super Bowl MVP, and Kelce, the star tight end known for his chemistry both on and off the field, announced the restaurant in early 2023 as a tribute to their partnership. The name was a clever nod to their numbers, instantly resonating with fans who flock to the 8,000-square-foot venue for its modern American cuisine and sports-themed ambiance. Since opening, the steakhouse has drawn crowds, including fellow athletes and local dignitaries, boosting Kansas City's reputation as a hub for sports-related tourism.
Yet, the timing of the trademark filings has become a focal point in the litigation. 1587 Sneakers claims priority based on its earlier commercial use starting in April 2023, predating the restaurant's public launch. Court records indicate the sneaker brand had been building its presence through online sales and pop-up events, targeting urban fashion enthusiasts with customizable athletic shoes. In contrast, the restaurant's trademark application came months later, specifically tailored to food services, which could bolster arguments for non-infringement under federal guidelines.
Efforts to reach the parties involved yielded limited responses. A publicist for Travis Kelce declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing ongoing legal proceedings. Similarly, a representative for Patrick Mahomes did not respond to inquiries from The Appleton Times. The silence from the athletes' camps leaves many questions unanswered, particularly regarding any prior awareness of the sneaker brand or attempts at resolution before the suit was filed.
This isn't the first time high-profile athletes have navigated intellectual property battles. Similar disputes have arisen in the past, such as when rapper Jay-Z faced challenges over his Roc-A-Fella branding extending into non-music ventures. In the sports world, LeBron James' media company once clashed with a apparel firm over logo similarities. These cases often hinge on proving actual harm, a threshold that 1587 Sneakers must clear to succeed.
Legal observers point out that the restaurant industry is particularly fertile ground for such conflicts, given the rise of celebrity-backed eateries. Chains like those tied to Gordon Ramsay or Guy Fieri have weathered trademark storms, sometimes rebranding to avoid prolonged fights. For Mahomes and Kelce, whose net worths exceed hundreds of millions from endorsements and investments, the financial stakes are high, but the reputational impact could be even greater if the name change is forced.
Beyond the courtroom, the lawsuit arrives at a pivotal moment for the Chiefs organization. As the team prepares for the 2024 season, Kelce's off-field antics—including recent golf course incidents where he playfully hit fans—have kept him in the headlines. ESPN analysts have even speculated about the team's future with the 34-year-old tight end, with one insider describing a potential departure as a "difficult" decision. Meanwhile, Mahomes continues to solidify his status as the NFL's premier quarterback, but distractions like this could test his focus.
The broader implications of the case extend to how athletes brand their personal empires. In an era where jersey numbers inspire everything from apparel to apps, numerical trademarks are increasingly common. If 1587 Sneakers prevails, it could set a precedent discouraging cross-industry uses, potentially chilling innovation in fan-driven businesses. Conversely, a win for the restaurant might affirm the flexibility of trademark law for unrelated fields.
As the legal battle unfolds, Kansas City locals remain divided. Some patrons of 1587 Prime express support for the athletes, viewing the suit as opportunistic. "It's just a number—everyone knows it's about the jerseys," said one regular diner who wished to remain anonymous. Others, including small business owners in the fashion space, sympathize with the sneaker brand's plight, arguing that established marks deserve protection.
The outcome remains uncertain, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for later this month. Until then, 1587 Prime continues to operate under its current name, serving up steaks to a loyal clientele undeterred by the headlines. For Mahomes and Kelce, this lawsuit serves as a reminder that even Super Bowl rings can't shield against the intricacies of intellectual property law. The resolution will not only affect their steakhouse but could influence how future athlete ventures navigate the crowded marketplace of branded numbers.