Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are facing a trademark infringement lawsuit linked to the name of their Kansas City restaurant, 1587 Prime. The complaint has been filed by 1587 Sneakers, a footwear brand that asserts the restaurant’s name conflicts with its own branding. This legal dispute centers on the shared number combination “1587,” which both businesses utilize.
At the heart of this conflict is the claim that the use of “1587” by the restaurant could lead to consumer confusion. According to 1587 Sneakers, the brand began selling footwear under this name on April 13, 2023. The restaurant’s name creatively merges Mahomes’ jersey number, 15, and Kelce’s 87, a combination the sneaker company argues it had already established in the market.
Court documents reveal that 1587 Prime applied for its trademark in December 2023 in the restaurant category, while 1587 Sneakers filed its trademark application a month earlier, in October 2023, focusing on clothing. The sneaker brand claims that numerous consumers have contacted them, believing that the two ventures are connected.
Legal Implications of the Trademark Dispute
The lawsuit seeks to prevent the restaurant group from using the 1587 branding, halt the sale of related merchandise, and secure unspecified damages. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the restaurant’s operations.
Trademark attorney Josh Gerben, who is not directly involved in the case, commented on the challenges faced by the sneaker company in proving its claim. He noted that trademarks often coexist across different sectors unless there is clear evidence of consumer confusion. “I think it’s a tough case for the sneaker company,” Gerben stated. “Trademarks can coexist in different industries. 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?”
As of now, representatives for both Mahomes and Kelce have not provided comments regarding the lawsuit. A publicist for Kelce declined to make a statement, while inquiries directed to Mahomes’ representative went unanswered.
The outcome of this legal battle will be closely watched, as it will determine whether 1587 Prime can continue to operate under its current name without facing further legal challenges.
