Trademark Dispute: Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce Sued Over Restaurant Name

Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, along with their business partner Noble 33, are facing a lawsuit from 1587 Sneakers, a sneaker company, alleging trademark infringement. The lawsuit centers on the name of their restaurant, "1587 Prime," which combines Mahomes' and Kelce's jersey numbers. The sneaker company claims that the restaurant's name infringes on its own use of the number combination, which it asserts has been in use since April 13, 2023.

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The legal dispute arises from the sneaker company's assertion of unregistered rights to the "1587" trademark prior to filing its official trademark application in October 2023. The application is currently under review by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In contrast, Mahomes and Kelce's restaurant group filed for the "1587 Prime" trademark in December 2023, specifically within the bar and restaurant category. The sneaker company is also alleging apparel infringement, as "1587 Prime" sells clothing in addition to food.

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Trademark attorney Josh Gerben noted that the case may be challenging for 1587 Sneakers, given the timeline of trademark applications and the nature of the claims.

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1587 Sneakers co-founder Adam King expressed a desire for an amicable resolution, stating, "From the onset, we have communicated a sincere belief that there is room for mutual respect and understanding." The sneaker company is seeking to prevent the restaurant from using the name "1587 Prime," claiming it causes consumer confusion, and is also pursuing unspecified damages.

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Representatives for Mahomes and Kelce have not publicly commented on the lawsuit, with a publicist for Kelce declining to provide a statement and Mahomes' representative not responding to inquiries.

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This lawsuit highlights the complexities of trademark law, particularly regarding unregistered trademarks and the potential for consumer confusion. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, especially in the realm of celebrity branding and business ventures.

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While the sneaker company claims that "scores of consumers" have contacted them believing in an affiliation with "1587 Prime," the plaintiffs' attorney, Ezra Salami, did not provide evidence to support this assertion, indicating that such evidence would be presented if the case proceeds to trial.

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• "From the onset, we have communicated a sincere belief that there is room for mutual respect and understanding." — Adam King, Co-founder of 1587 Sneakers.

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