Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, prominent figures in the Kansas City Chiefs, have found themselves embroiled in a trademark dispute linked to the name of their newly launched steakhouse, 1587 Prime. This popular dining establishment, which opened in September 2025, has come under scrutiny from 1587 Sneakers, a shoe brand that alleges confusion among consumers due to the similarity in names.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Patrick-Mahomes-Travis-Kelce-010426-bc226b6ea9464f36aa1142365b9e4163.jpg)
The lawsuit, filed on February 17 in the Southern District of New York, contends that both Kelce and Mahomes, in conjunction with their business partner Noble 33, have infringed upon the trademark held by 1587 Sneakers. It is claimed that this confusion has been significant enough to impact “scores of consumers,” prompting legal action to protect their brand identity.
The restaurant’s name, 1587 Prime, is derived from the players’ jersey numbers – 87 for Kelce and 15 for Mahomes. The accusations from 1587 Sneakers assert that this similarity, alongside the fact that they also produce clothing, blurs the lines between the two businesses. The sneaker company is particularly keen to highlight its cultural significance and its origins, with its name referencing the year Filipino sailors first arrived in what is now the United States.
Opened in April 2023, 1587 Sneakers aims to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) culture, asserting its place in the market before Kelce and Mahomes sought trademark protection for their restaurant. An Instagram statement from 1587 Sneakers co-founder Adam King expressed disappointment at finding themselves in a legal battle with public figures they respect. He emphasised the company’s dedication to its mission and the cultural stories it seeks to tell, arguing that the overlap in names could harm their brand.
The legal dispute has further escalated as 1587 Sneakers claims to have attempted to resolve the issue amicably through a cease-and-desist letter, which they assert was ignored. The lawsuit demands that 1587 Prime cease using the name altogether and stop selling any merchandise featuring the 1587 branding. The plaintiffs are also pursuing damages and legal fees associated with the case.
Despite the trademarks being filed under different categories – one for a restaurant and another for clothing – the lawsuit argues that the interconnected offerings create confusion in the marketplace. Attorney for 1587 Sneakers, Ezra Salami, reinforced that the trademark qualifications for both companies warrant serious attention. He elaborated on how the timing of the trademark applications does not inherently decide the case, as the true determinant lies in the actual and ongoing use of their respective trademarks in commerce.
Kelce and Mahomes’ foray into the culinary world has been met with widespread interest given their star status, yet this trademark dispute reflects the complexities of brand identity, particularly in a market that celebrates cultural diversity through innovative business models.
As the legal proceedings unfold, both parties appear to hold differing views on how the overlap in names affects their businesses. While 1587 Sneakers celebrates years of cultural influence and storytelling, 1587 Prime continues to focus on establishing a credible dining experience. As of now, representatives for 1587 Prime have not publicly addressed the lawsuit.
This case reflects a significant moment in the intersection of sports, culture, and business, showcasing how even celebrated figures such as Kelce and Mahomes can find themselves navigating the complexities that accompany brand development in the modern marketplace.