Kansas City Chiefs Stars Face Legal Battle Over Restaurant Name
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, the celebrated quarterback and tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, along with their restaurant partners, have been hit with a lawsuit alleging trademark infringement. The legal action centers on the name of their steakhouse, 1587 Prime, which opened in September and draws inspiration from the players' jersey numbers—15 for Mahomes and 87 for Kelce.
Details of the Trademark Dispute
The lawsuit was filed on February 17 in the Southern District of New York by 1587 Sneakers, a company that claims the use of the number combination infringes on its own usage. According to the suit, 1587 Sneakers, which celebrates the Asian American community, began selling its shoes on April 13, 2023, giving it first use of the numbers and markings. The company's name references the year 1587, marking the earliest recorded presence of Asians in America when Filipino sailors first arrived in what is now the United States.
However, 1587 Sneakers did not apply for the "1587" trademark until October of last year, and the application is still under review by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. In contrast, Mahomes and Kelce's company, along with business partner Noble 33, applied to trademark "1587 Prime" in December 2023 for the bar and restaurant category.
Allegations of Consumer Confusion
The sneaker company alleges that the steakhouse's use of the numbers causes confusion among consumers, with scores of people contacting 1587 Sneakers under the belief that the two entities are affiliated. This is compounded by the fact that 1587 Prime sells clothing in addition to food, potentially infringing on the sneaker company's trademark in the clothing category. The lawsuit claims that 1587 Sneakers sent a cease-and-desist letter but was unable to reach an amicable resolution with the restaurant group.
In a statement shared on Instagram, 1587 Sneakers co-founder Adam King expressed a desire for mutual respect and understanding, hoping to resolve the matter peacefully. The company is seeking unspecified damages and has asked the restaurant to stop using the name and cease selling clothing to avoid further confusion.
Response and Broader Context
Neither Patrick Mahomes nor Travis Kelce has publicly commented on the lawsuit. The case highlights the complexities of trademark law in the sports and business worlds, where celebrity ventures often intersect with existing brands. As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how this dispute will impact the players' business endeavors and the broader landscape of intellectual property rights.
