A legal battle has erupted, pitting Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce against a sneaker company over a seemingly simple number combination: 1587. The duo, along with their restaurant partners, face a trademark infringement lawsuit stemming from their popular steakhouse, 1587 Prime.
The restaurant’s name directly references the players’ jersey numbers – 15 for Mahomes and 87 for Kelce – a tribute that has now become the center of a contentious dispute. 1587 Sneakers alleges that the use of these numbers infringes upon their existing claim to the same combination.
The sneaker company asserts they began using “1587” in connection with their brand on April 13, 2023, establishing first use. Their brand story is deeply rooted in history, representing the year Filipino sailors first arrived in the United States, marking a significant moment in Asian American history.
While 1587 Sneakers didn’t officially file for a trademark until October 2023 – an application still pending review – they argue their prior use grants them rights. Mahomes and Kelce’s company, alongside Noble 33, filed their “1587 Prime” trademark application in December 2023, setting the stage for the legal clash.
The lawsuit isn’t limited to the restaurant name itself. 1587 Sneakers also claims infringement related to apparel, as 1587 Prime sells clothing alongside its food and beverage offerings. This broadens the scope of the dispute, impacting more than just the steakhouse’s branding.
Confusion among consumers is a key element of the claim. The sneaker company alleges numerous customers have mistakenly believed a connection exists between 1587 Sneakers and 1587 Prime, leading to a demand for the restaurant to cease using the name and halt apparel sales.
1587 Sneakers initially attempted to resolve the issue through a cease-and-desist letter, hoping for a negotiated settlement. However, those efforts proved unsuccessful, prompting the filing of the lawsuit and a request for unspecified damages.
Adam King, co-founder of 1587 Sneakers, expressed a desire for a respectful resolution, stating a continued hope for an amicable outcome. Despite this sentiment, the legal proceedings are now underway, leaving the future of the 1587 Prime name uncertain.
As of now, neither Mahomes nor Kelce have publicly addressed the lawsuit, leaving fans and observers to await further developments in this unexpected legal challenge.
